by Richard Bickmore

Created on: November 19, 2009

While there are a great deal of different types of gold chain links, here will be covered some of the more common varieties.

* Rope chain: This is, as the name suggests, meant to look like a rope in that the way the links are put together appear to be twisted or plaited. "Diamond-cut" rope chain is made with the outer side of the links having been filed flat, then buffed to a bright finish.

* Cable chain: The classic design where oval links are joined together in a simple single line.

* Box or Venetian box chain: This type of chain is made of links that have first been flattened, then linked together for a sturdier appearance.

* Herringbone chain: More inticately wrought than some chains, this design is made to lie flat against the body. Herringbone is loved for its bright finish.

* Snake chain: Like the herringbone, this is another relatively modern, more involved design than simple link chains in that is a solid round ("snake-like") chain.

* Omega chain: Basically the same design as the snake chain, but it has been slightly flattened into a solid oval. Both the snake and omega are perfect for "slide" pendants.

* Curb chain: This type of chain starts out much like a cable, but with heavier links that are joined, then flattened and usually given a bright finish on the flat surface.

* Anchor or Mariner chain: Made with a link like an "elongated curb", with a vertical bar between each link. This design is a style usually preferred by men.

* Figaro chain: Another "offshoot" of the curb, this distinctive style of chain has a "one long, three short" linking pattern.

Of course, these chain styles all come in a variety of alloys, lengths and weights, as jewelry has steadily become more popular with men as well as women, and any jewelry "wardrobe" often begins with chains.

Although 18k is available, the price is often prohibitive. Also, a less pure alloy is much more wear-resistant. While 14k is commonly worn,10k is often favored by working women and men, as it this alloy is even tougher.

The difference between yellow gold and white gold is the copper-to-nickel ratio in the alloy. Yellow gold will have more copper, while white gold will contain more nickel. 14k white gold and 14k yellow gold will always contain the same amount of gold, and one should not be more expensive than another.

Necklace chains usually run from 16" to 30" for women, and 18" to 26" for men. Bracelets are commonly 7"-71/2" for women, and 8"-9" for men.

Chain jewelry has been in existence for many thousands of years, and the trend doesn't seem to be diminishing anytime soon...

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