This guide lists the different types of chain links used in jewelry, including options in gold-plated, 925 Sterling Silver, stainless steel, Gold Filled, and brass. Each chain style—such as the trace, jaseron, or gourmette—has unique characteristics that suit a variety of styles, allowing you to choose the one that best meets your jewelry needs.
Trace, jaseron, figaro, omega… There are so many names, it’s easy to get confused! Yet choosing the right chain link style makes all the difference: the look, comfort, and durability of your jewelry depend on it.
Each link shape creates a unique style. This guide will help you identify the different chain links, whether you’re just starting out with DIY jewelry or already creating your own pieces.
Many of you have asked us about this, so we’ve decided to put together this handy guide listing all the chain link styles available on our site.
You’ll find chains in gold-plated, 925 Sterling Silver, stainless steel, Gold Filled, and brass.
Note: You’ll notice that some links are labeled “polished.” This simply means that the links have been polished to create a shiny mirror-like finish.
Link Style | Appearance | Key Points |
Trace | Round rings linked together | The classic style |
Jaseron (Belcher) | Even, simple links | Simple and easy to wear |
Cuff bracelet | Slightly flattened and twisted links | Lays flat when worn, very popular with men |
Horse | Elongated, flattened links | More open than the chain bracelet |
Rectangle | Long, flat links | Trendy, for men and women |
Figaro | Alternating small and large links | Available in 3/1 and 1/1 |
Navy | Oval links connected by a bar | Flat or rounded version |
Ball | Balls connected by wire or rings | Special clasp to close it |
Rope | Small rings interlocked in a spiral | Spinning effect |
Venetian | Cubic links | Sturdy and understated |
Serpentine | Reptilian, scaly appearance | Semi-rigid; avoid wearing with a heavy pendant |
Omega | Stacked round discs | Semi-rigid |
Inspired by the chains used to link convicts together, the Trace chain is a timeless classic in jewelry.
It is characterized by its round links connected to one another.
The corners of the links can be rounded or square.
Discover our Forçat chain collections.
The construction of this chain is very similar to that of the Trace chain, except that the linked rings alternate between round and oval.
Its main characteristic is that each link is made of half-round wires.
Discover our Jaseron-link chains.
As its name suggests, this type of chain is used to make bracelet chains.
Its distinctive feature is its simple, more or less round, slightly flattenedlinks, which interlock thanks to a twist at their junctions.
The chain is therefore flat when worn and has an open weave.
The gourmette chain is particularly popular with men.
Discover our gourmette chain collections.
The construction of this chain is similar to both the curb chain and the Figaro chain.
In fact, the horse-link chain consists of a series of simple, elongated, and flattened rings.
This chain is even more open than the curb chain. It lies flat when worn because the links interlock at their joints through a twisted design.
Discover our horse-link chains.
Ultra-trendy, it’s the fashionista’s favorite chain! The rectangle chain is made up of long, flat rectangular links. With its unique design, it appeals to both men and women.
It can be worn on its own with just an XXL clasp, or as part of a layered necklace look by mixing fine chains, bead necklaces, and chunky-link chains.
When the links are thin and elongated, the chain is sometimes called a “trombone” chain.
Discover our rectangular link chains.
Also known as the alternating link, there are several types of Figaro links.
The most common is the 3/1 Figaro link, similar to the horse-rider chain; the Figaro chain is distinguished by the alternation of three small links between each large link.
There is also the 1/1 Figaro chain, which is distinguished by the alternation of one large link and one short link. Just like the curb chain, it is very popular with men.
Discover our Figaro chain styles
It consists of a series of elongated, flattenedoval links.
It lies flat when worn because the links interlock at their joints through a twisted design.
Discover our Rombo-link chains
Also known as the Hermès chain, this chain—inspired by ship anchors —lives up to its name.
It consists of oval links with a bar running through the center of each one.
It’s available in both flat and rounded versions.
Discover our marine link chains
Note that all the chains mentioned above can be easily attached using open rings.
As the name suggests, this chain consists of beads connected by sections of wire or rings.
The size of the wire, the beads, and the spacing between the beads can vary.
When made in a fine gauge, this chain is particularly well-suited for women’s jewelry.
The ball chain requires a special clasp to close it.
Discover our ball chain collections.
As its name suggests, it resembles a rope; when it is round, it is also called a twisted chain.
The distinctive feature of the rope chain is that it consists of small rings interlocked at an angle, creating a twisting effect along the chain.
The links in this chain are arranged one after another, like ears of wheat.
This results in sturdy and elegant chains.
Note that the links are not soldered but interlock directly.
Discover our Epis-link chains.
Consists of filed rings that are more or less interlocked with one another.
As with the rope weave, the way the links interlock gives the chain a twisting effect.
Check out our Singapore-link chains.
Also known as the Serpent chain, it resembles a snake and has the scaly appearance of reptile skin.
The chain can be either flat or round.
These semi-rigid links look particularly striking as a choker.
Avoid bending it or attaching pendants that are too heavy.
This chain requires a crimp end or cord clasp to fasten it.
Discover our serpentine chain collection.
Sturdy, understated, and modern, the distinctive feature of the Venetian link is that it’s made up of cubic links.
Discover our Venetian link chains.
Made up of overlapping round discs, this chain is semi-rigid.
Discover our Omega-link chains.
Made up of small beads connected by an invisible pin.
The number and size of the beads vary along a row depending on the chain.
When there is only one row, it is called a Paloma chain.
Discover our Paloma-link chains.
The palmier weave is created using a 3D braiding technique with multiple strands.
These are oval links that are slightly flattened and tightly packed together.
This gives the chain a braided look that’s very comfortable to wear.
These are all other chain styles not listed in jewelry that, as their name suggests, feature decorative designs.
Discover our fancy-link chains.
As the name suggests, it resembles railroad tracks.
These links are created by bending the wires to achieve this look.
Discover our railroad-link chains.
This type of chain is a decorative chain pattern consisting of interlocking chevron shapes.
Discover our chevron-in-spike chain.
A lovely sequence of hearts—either in a trace style or flattened—this decorative chain will allow you to create original jewelry.
Discover our heart-link chains.
Before making your decision, ask yourself three questions: what do you want to attach to it, how will the piece be worn, and how will you fasten it?
Now that you know all about chains and their links, you can create your own unique jewelry.
Don’t miss our free tutorials if you’re feeling uninspired.
Go ahead and make your own multi-strand necklaces, anklets, bracelets, and totally trendy earrings.
Credits
Perles & Co, Internet & E-Commerce company [14/09/2026] Any reproduction, representation, adaptation, in any form whatsoever, even partial, is prohibited, except for reproduction for private use not intended for collective use, representation in the family circle (art. L 122-5 CPI) and online publishing on condition that the source is mentioned and a link is included to the corresponding page of our site www.perlesandco.com.
