What is the difference between a box chain and a cable chain

The key is to opt for thicker, soldered links that are more durable for daily wear. While thinner rope chains look elegant with pendants, thicker ones can be a statement on their own.

You may even opt for diamond-cut rope chains that add sparkle and shine to your jewelry. What Makes It Strong: Box chains with thicker links are durable and hold a pendant extremely well. Gold box chains come in variety of widths, but opt for at least 1.

These chains are made up of square links that give off a reflective shine, but modern versions, like the one featured above, can have round links. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to stretch overtime, and thinner varieties often break easily.

What Makes It Weak: The chain has limited flexibility, and can easily kink and bend. If twisted, omega chains can get damaged beyond repair. Omega chains are ideal to be worn as a choker instead of a necklace with pendant. In fact, it is one of the chain styles to go for if you want a solid-looking gold chain. However, this chain is made up of metal plates and an underlying mesh structure that kinks easily, which makes them impractical for everyday wear.

When damaged, the repair might call for straightening and working on its inner structure, or even removing the actual plate. What Makes It Weak: Its chain links are both flat and thin, which easily kink, bend, and show signs of damage. Herringbone chains are a great choice if you like a solid-looking necklace with or without a pendant. When damaged significantly, they are challenging to fix.

What Makes It Weak: Due to the nature of its design, a snake chain breaks easily and shows signs of denting which can ruin the overall look of a jewelry piece. Just keep in mind that its flexibility is similar to a body of a snake, which is a bit delicate. What Makes It Weak: This chain has a fragile construction and its beads are often hollow to reduce weight. This chain has the advantage of not easily tangling, making it a great necklace option for dog tag necklaces.

In jewellery fashion ball chains are very popular and now made in many different shapes, sizes and finishes which makes this particular style alluring.

Diamond cut balls, oval shaped ball beads, engraved, spiral, 9ct yellow gold, 9ct rose gold finishes are some examples of these creative ball chain designs. A timeless classic, the Belcher chain was made famous after originating here in Britain in the 18th century.

The chain also known as a Rolo Italian for round chain is made from a D-shaped wire and is cut and shaped into individual round or oval links which are then interlocked together. Each link is then closed and soldered to form a chain. The Belcher Rolo chain is one of our featured hot favourites for its simple look and versatility as a stand-alone chain or to wear with pretty much any pendant of choice. Varities include the Round Belcher above top as well as Oval Belcher above bottom.

Also known as a Cube, Briolette, Square Link and Venetian chain, the Box chain is similar to the Belcher chain but is made from a thin rectangular shaped wired which is formed into a square shape. Each square link is then closely interlocked one after the other to create a chain.

The end result is of a fantastic geometric style chain which looks modern and sleek. The Box chain can be worn with pendants or on its own.

Variations of the box chain are crafted, including with flat surfaced box links or with a mildly rounded surface shown above. A modern fashion trend, the chains with beads style recruits any type of chain to play the lead role, and is supported by different shaped beads that are fixed in place at regular intervals along the chain and at times almost give a floating appearance.

With varying choices of round, disc shaped, cubed, oval shaped beads upon the chain link, it's a style that creates contrast with the beads often being purposely larger than the thickness of the chain itself.

It's an ideal style of chain that is a fashion piece in itself without the need to add a pendant for completeness, though layering with other chains of a similar style and varying beads is a sure winner.

Recognised as the most popular and treasured of all the chain styles across the world for its versatility as an everyday chain which is suited for all childrens, ladies and men. The Curb chain is also known as a Gourmette or Grumetta chain is another of our featured hot favourites as a timeless classic and a staple for every jewellery wearer.

In design each interlocked link is twisted slightly and often hammered to create a stunning flat linked chain. The smaller and thinner Curb chains which tend to be lighter are suitable to wear with pendants for children and ladies.

The thicker and heavier Curb chains are worn by men. Curb chains are manufactured in a large variety of link shapes, widths and finishes. Commonly Curb chains are diamond cut which is where the corners or sides of each each link has been carefully shaved at an angle to create facets. This allows light to catch each link creating a wonderful dazzling sparkle. For further information about the different styles of Curb Chains we'd highly recommend checking out our blog post What is a Curb Chain?

It is a flat link chain similar to the Curb chain but comprises of a pattern of two or three circular links interlocked followed by a single elongated rectangular link. Figaro chains are very popular amongst men and are a perfect combination adorned with a pendant. The Foxtail chain is a very unique style and formed by using a looped chain link made of two rows of 45 degree slanted oval shaped links which are connected by a series flat links running along the centre of the chain.

The Foxtail chain can be altered to tweak the chain shape by hammering or using a jewellery swage for a squarer or rectangular design. Several varieties of Foxtail Chain exist with two different variations pictured above. A chain growing in popularity, the Franco chain features a pattern stream of V shaped links also known as chevrons. These chevrons also akin to pointed arrows are a shape instantly recogniseable with a classic style of chain- the Foxtail Chain.

The balls can be either connected very close together or have small spaces in between them to allow for some movement. Ball chains are commonly worn with dog tags, and gives a cool, street smart look. The flip side of this beautiful chain is that they tend not to be as sturdy as some of the other chains mentioned here, and can break relatively easily.

The box chain is made of square links, rather than ovals and rounds, which are connected to make a continuous smooth chain. Box chains are a very popular form of necklace chain and worn by both men and women.

They are found in a variety of widths, with the wider ones being popular among men. If a link does break, it can be replaced without difficulty. The chain can also be reattached without the broken link replaced, without affecting the design.

You can choose the length of your box chain depending on your preference and to suit your outfit. Cable chains are among the most basic types of chains and looks very similar to common iron chains. They have been used for centuries for numerous functions, from anchoring ships to creating small and delicate pieces of jewelry. A cable chain is possibly the most common form of necklace chain used in jewelry and consists of a series of identical oval links that are interconnected to form a functional and beautiful chain.

You can find cable chains where the wire has been textured or flattened rather than left round to form a flat version of the chain. Cable chains are sturdy and because they are uncomplicated, it is easy to fix a broken or misshapen link. This common chain style is a basic, timeless design, made of a series of interconnected, uniform links.

These links are designed to lay flat even while interlocked. Curb chains have been a top choice when it comes to necklace chains, and heavy, chunky curb chains have a masculine touch and are especially popular among men.

Smaller, thinner curb chains are feminine and delicate, pairing well with pendants. Curb chains are very sturdy and are easy to maintain and care for. This popular type of necklace chain is fairly simple but fancier than cable chains. Originating in Italy, Figaro chains consist of an alternating pattern of flattened links in different sizes. Generally, the pattern is of one long link followed by either two or three shorter links.

Figaro chains are worn by both men and women, making it an ideal gender-neutral design. However, due to the pattern of the chain, you cannot remove a broken link without replacing it, as it will mess the pattern up. A rope chain is one of the most beautiful chain types, consisting of a number of metal segments with the pattern twisting around to give the appearance of a real rope.

This solid chain is one of the most popular types and is worn around the globe. Rope chains are among the most durable and heaviest of chain types and possibly the most textural. Delicate rope chains are perfect when worn with a pendant, while larger chains are ideal on their own, as a statement piece. Because of the twisting pattern which reflects light from various angles, rope chains tend to be quite lustrous and shiny. The Singapore chain is a durable and strong design made up of a series of interlinked segments.

When stretched out, it is a beautiful and twisting open chain, that moves with almost a liquid touch. Singapore chains are popularly chosen to hold pendants as they are very strong regardless of width.