Anchor or Gucci Chains
The links in an anchor chain are oval links with a bar horizontally across the link. There are lots of variations on this link style to make a heavier design. The anchor chain gets its namesake from the chains used on ships to pull up anchors. This type of link has also been adopted by Gucci, as most Gucci jewellery features this type of link. The Anchor or Gucci link is perfect for necklaces and especially if you're looking for something more ornate than a curb chain but still quite classic in design.
Albert Chains
Named after Queen Victoria's husband the Albert chain was originally designed for pocket watches. The T-bar on these chains would tuck inside a buttonhole and then the pocket watch would sit at the other end in your pocket. These necklaces have kept the notable T-bar but almost as a pendant. The design is very simple but very elegant and looks fantastic as a formal necklace for men.
Bar Chains
Bar necklaces and bracelets have quite a few variations from single bars linked together with small ovals, to seamless bars as if almost as if they were beaded. The versatility of this design means it can be for necklaces or bracelets, and for men or women. The longer bars suit more feminine pieces and we even have a few bar chain necklaces with diamonds set in the bars. Shorter bars look more masculine especially when the link is quite thick.
Bead/Ball Chains
Bead or Ball chains are most associated with military dog tags and are strings of tiny metal beads. The beads look close together but there is usually a small gap between them. The association with the military has meant they suit a more casual look which makes them perfect to wear with a pendant, style with jeans, or even take on holiday. Although bead and ball chains are more commonly used for men's jewellery there has been a style revolution for beaded chains, especially for ladies jewellery. These beaded chains feature a mix of regular chain link with beading. They are called bobble chains, bead satellite or bead station link chains. These bobble chains look great for layering with other non-beaded chains adding more thought and style options to necklace stacks. The bobble also can offset a pendant beautifully creating an everyday look that's subtle but very chic.
Belcher Chains
Belcher chains are part of the trace chain family, but the links are perfectly round or oval shaped. They can also be known as Rolo link chains. Belcher chains make great necklaces for pendants as the design details are quite understated which adds to the natural versatility of the design. The links can even be patterned or smooth to add extra design details.
Box or Venetian Box Chains
Box chains may sound simple, but once you see the patterns forming from several links together, this might just be your new favourite chain. The simple design features square links that lock together to form a strong rectangular chain. Its design originates from Italy and, sometimes it is called a Venetian Box chain. We would recommend wearing this as a bracelet or a necklace and, depending on how thick the links are, box chains are perfect for wearing every day with pendants as well. Choose a slightly thicker chain if you want to show off the clever way the links fit together.