Which chain stitch to choose?

A short guide to chain link types in jewelry

Before knowing which chain link is right for you, it's essential to know the different types of chain link available in the jewelry world, and the particularities of each.
Many of you have asked us about this, so we've decided to put together this little fact sheet listing all the chain links available on our site.
You'll find chains in gold plated, 925 Sterling Silver, stainless steel, Gold Filled and brass.

Please note: some chain links are marked "filed". This simply means that the links have been filed to give a shiny mirror effect.

Trace mesh

Inspired by the chains used to bind convicts together, the Trace chain link is a jewelry classic.
It is distinguished by the round rings that hang from each other.
Link angles can be rounded or square.

Discover our forcat link chains.

Jaseron mesh

The manufacture of this chain is very similar to that of Trace chain, with the difference that the rings hooked together alternate between round and oval.
Its main characteristic is that the link is made of half-link wire.

Discover our jaseron chains.

Gourmette link

As its name suggests, this type of chain is used for assembling gourmettes.
Its distinctive feature is the slightly flattened, more or less round , single rings, which fit into each other thanks to a twist at their junction.
As a result, the chain is flat when worn and the mesh is airy.
Maille gourmette chain is particularly popular with men.

Discover our gourmette chains.

Horse chain

This chain is made in a similar way to gourmette chain and figaro chain.
In fact, horse chain is made up of single, elongated, flattened rings that follow one another.
This chain is even more airy than gourmette. It's flat when worn, thanks to the interlocking links, which are twisted at the junction.

Discover our horse chain links.

Rectangle chain

This ultra-trendy chain is a fashionista's favorite! Rectangle link chain is made up of long, flat rectangular links. Original, it appeals to men and women alike.
It can be worn on its own with a simple XXL clasp, or as a necklace stack by mixing fine chains, bead necklaces and large-mesh chains.
When the links are fine and elongated, the chain is sometimes called a Trombone chain.

Discover our rectangle mesh chains.

Alternating Figaro chain

There are several types of figaro chain.
The most common is the 3/1 figaro chain, similar to horse chain. The figaro chain differs from horse chain in that three small links alternate between each large link.
There's also 1/1 figaro chain, with alternating large and short links, and, like gourmette chain, it's very popular with men.

Discover our figaro chains

Rombo link chain

This chain is made ofoval, elongated and flattenedrings.
It is flat when worn, thanks to the interlocking links that are twisted at their junction.

Discover our rombo mesh chains

Marine mesh

Also known as Hermès mesh, inspired by ship anchors, this chain is aptly named.

These are oval links with a bar running through the middle.
Available in flat or rounded versions.

Discover our marine mesh chains

Note that all the above-mentioned chains can be fixed simply with open rings.

Ball chain

As its name suggests, this chain is made up of balls linked by sections of wire or rings.
The size of the wire, balls and ball spacing can vary.
When fine, this chain is particularly suitable for women's jewelry.
Ball link chain requires a special ferrule to close it.

Discover our ball link chains.

Rope link

As its name suggests, this chain resembles a rope; when it's round, it's also called twisted mesh.
The special feature of rope mesh is that it is made up of small rings interlocked at an angle, giving the chain a rotational effect.

Spike chain

The links of this chain are inserted one after the other like ears of wheat.
The result is a strong, elegant chain.
The links are not welded together, but interlock directly.

Find out more about our herringbone chains.

Singapore chain link

Made up of more or less interlocking filed rings.
As with rope chain, the way the links are interlocked gives the chain a rotational effect.

Find out more about our singapore mesh chains.

Serpentine chain

Also known as snake chain, it has the look of a snake and gives the scaly appearance of reptile skin.
The chain can be either flat or round.
These are semi-rigid meshes that look great on a choker.
It's best to avoid bending it and putting heavy pendants on it.
This chain requires a lace clip or cord end to attach it.

Discover our serpentine mesh chains.

Venetian mesh

Sturdy, sober and modern, Venetian link chain is made up of cubic links.

Discover our Venetian link chains.

Omega chain link

Made up of overlapping round disks, this chain is semi-rigid.

Discover our omega mesh chains.

Grain de Riz / Paloma mesh

Made up of small grains linked by an invisible pin.
The number and size of grains in a row varies from chain to chain.
When there's only one row, it's called a paloma chain.

Discover our paloma mesh chains.

Palm mesh

Palm knit is obtained by 3D braiding with several wires.

English knit

These are slightly flattened oval links, tightly woven together.
This gives the chain a braided look that's very pleasant to wear.

Fantasy mesh

These are all the other meshes not listed in the jewelry category, which, as their name suggests, are fancy.

Discover our fancy mesh chains.

Chemin de Fer mesh

As its name suggests, this chain resembles the rails of a railroad.
The rings are made by bending the rods to give this look.

Discover our railroad chains.

Chevron chain

This type of chain is one of the fancy mesh chains, featuring interlocking chevrons.

Discover our herringbone chains.

Heart chain

A pretty succession of hearts, either in the Trace pattern or flattened, this fancy chain will enable you to make original jewelry.

Discover our heart link chains.

Now that you know all about chains and their links, it's up to you to create original jewelry.
Don't miss our free tutorials if you're feeling short of inspiration.
You'll be able to create multi-link necklaces, anklets, bracelets and trendy earrings.