# Catalog of chain links

> The most common chain links: cable, belcher, curb, Cuban, figaro, rope, box, snake, Byzantine, Milanese, Singapore, wheat, omega, herringbone, anchor and ball.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/catalog-of-chain-links/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-01
- Updated: 2026-08-01
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/catalogo-de-eslabones-de-cadena/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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A catalog of the main chain designs. Each has its character and behavior: some are more flexible, others sturdier. See also [types of chain](https://www.711grados.com/en/types-of-jewelry-chains/).

![Twelve chain link designs drawn](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/chain-links.en.svg "Most common chain links")

## Separate links

- **Cable or rolo:** identical oval links.
- **Belcher:** wide, rounded links of equal length.
- **Curb and Cuban:** twisted links that lie flat.
- **Figaro:** alternates short and long links.
- **Anchor or mariner:** with a crossbar in each link.
- **Paperclip:** long, narrow links.

## Woven and braided

- **Rope:** links in a spiral.
- **Byzantine:** complex, thick braid.
- **Singapore:** twisted links that sparkle.
- **Wheat:** links that imitate an ear of wheat.
- **Herringbone:** flat, fishbone-like.
- **Venetian and box:** square links.

## Smooth and flexible

- **Snake:** woven, round or flat, very flexible.
- **Milanese:** flat, fine mesh.
- **Omega:** a flexible tube of scales.

## Ball and bead

- **Ball:** small joined spheres.
- **Bead or pearl:** strung beads.

## Thickness and length

Thickness is measured in millimeters and length in centimeters. A fine chain (1 mm) is delicate and discreet; a thick one (4 mm or more) is firm and eye-catching. For pendants, choose a thickness that suits the weight. See [what length to choose](https://www.711grados.com/en/necklace-length-guide/).

## Which chain for each use

- **With a pendant:** cable, box or snake (the pendant slides well).
- **Everyday:** belcher, anchor or paperclip (resistant).
- **To stand out:** rope, Singapore or Byzantine.
- **For men:** Cuban, anchor or thick herringbone.
- **For a bracelet:** cable, curb or figaro.

## Solidity and flexibility

**Hollow** chains weigh less and look big, but they dent; **solid** ones are firmer and last longer. Woven ones (snake, Milanese) are flexible but hard to repair. If a chain breaks, see [how to fix a chain](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-fix-a-broken-chain/).

## Handmade chains

Many of these chains can be made by hand, link by link ([handmade chains](https://www.711grados.com/en/handmade-chains/)) or with the [chainmaille](https://www.711grados.com/en/chainmaille/) technique.

## See also

- [Types of jewelry chains: links, thicknesses and clasps](https://www.711grados.com/en/types-of-jewelry-chains/)
- [Handmade chains](https://www.711grados.com/en/handmade-chains/)
- [What chain length to choose for a necklace](https://www.711grados.com/en/necklace-length-guide/)
- [Types of jewelry clasps (necklaces, bracelets and earrings)](https://www.711grados.com/en/types-of-jewelry-clasps-and-earring-backs/)