Types Of Chain For Jewellery Making & Necklet Chain Length Guide

There are so many chains to choose from for jewellery making but it really comes down to your own personal preference and the design you have in mind.

Although there are popular chains such as trace chain and belcher chain, there are also many other beautiful styles to choose from as we feature below.

The beauty of chain is that it can add a whole new dimension to your handmade jewellery designs. Perhaps you want a simple chain so you can put all of the focus on the pendant or maybe you want to go all out by adding some extra sparkle? You can buy loose chain and use your own findings or buy ready-made necklets and bracelets in a range of lengths.

Shop our full range of chain for jewellery making here, including all the types featured below and more interesting styles such as twisted chain and satellite chain.

Our chains are available in a range of metals including silver and gold plated, sterling silver, 14ct gold filled and 9ct gold in a range of lengths to suit you.

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Key things to consider when choosing a chain for your jewellery designs

Popularity: Trace, belcher and curb chain have traditional links are are the most widely used and recognised chains for jewellery designs. If you're not sure what chain to go for, these are great basic chains to start with!

Loose or ready made: You can choose to purchase ready-made chain complete with a clasp or you can buy chain in a loose length to then add your chosen clasps and findings.

Choosing the most suitable findings: If you are making your own necklet, it is important to choose the most suitable clasp for your design. For example, if you have quite a heavy design you may wish to use a sturdy lobster clasp however if you have a light and delicate design a bolt ring may be a more suitable choice. Read more about the types of clasps available on our advice page.

Consistency: If you are using sterling silver components (clasp, jump rings, bail for example) we recommend using the same material for your chain.

Link sizes: Some chains do not have links whereas some have large links, if you wish to add wire wrapped elements and beads to your chain ensure that you choose a chain that offers large enough links to easily add these features.

Fine, medium or heavy chains: It's all about balance! It's best to choose a fine chain for simple and lightweight pieces and then a heavy chain for designs that require more strength, such as a design featuring a large pendant.

Choosing the most suitable length: Check out our handy necklet chain length guide at the bottom of the page! There are many necklet chain lengths available and this does come down to the personal preference of the wearer, however there are a few practical things to consider too. For example, larger pendants are usually suitable for both short and long chains whereas a delicate, lightweight design is usually more suited to a shorter length of chain - if a small pendant was on a longer chain there is a risk of it getting caught and broken. It's also good to keep the wearer in mind to consider what length would compliment them best.

What style of chain do you like best? Your choice of chain also comes down to personal preference and the style you have in mind but don't forget it's also important to consider that some designs will require a more suitable chain to prevent your pieces from breaking. There are so many beautiful styles of chain to choose from which are certain to add interest to your designs, so get experimenting with combinations and design something beautiful.

Discover The Most Popular Jewellery Chains Below

Trace Chain

Trace chain is one of the most popular chains for jewellery making and a great all-rounder for your designs. It has small oval shaped links, creating a fine chain that is very minimal. We offer a range of trace chains in a range of lengths and thickness in plated, sterling silver, 9ct gold and 14ct gold.

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Belcher Chain

Belcher chain, also known as rolo chain is very similar to trace chain however its links are wider than its thickness. This is a sturdy chain which is also popular among men's jewellery. At Kernowcraft, discover sterling silver mini and maxi belcher chains as well as 9ct gold oval belcher chain for your jewellery designs.

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Hayseed Chain

Hayseed chain is a beautiful, lightweight chain that is intricately linked together. It has delicate detailing that creates a lovely sparkle when the chain catches the light.

Curb Chain

Curb chain is a heavier looking chain, the links are flattened and twisted tightly together and once laid flat, interlock together. This is a great chain for statement necklaces and also popular among men's jewellery. We offer curb chain in a range of thicknesses in sterling silver, 9ct gold filled and silver plated.

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Snake Chain

Snake chain, also known as Brazilian chain is unlike any other chain as it is not made up of links. It consists of smooth metal plate links that are tightly woven to create a flexible chain. This is a smooth chain and offers a sophisticated look to your designs. We supply a beautiful range of snake chains to suit your needs, from extra fine to medium as silver plated, sterling silver to 9ct gold.

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Rope Chain

Rope chain is an interesting look, featuring links that are woven together to form a twisted effect, resembling the look of rope. This is great if you're after a chain to take centre stage! Shop our range of rope chain ranging from fine to medium in sterling silver and 9ct gold. We also offer a gorgeous sterling silver black oxidised diamond cut rope chain which is perfect for more luxurious designs.

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Bead Chain

Bead chain, also known as ball chain or pelline chain, is a lovely style to choose for your designs. It features tiny metal spheres of little balls running throughout the chain, instead of open links. They are fixed at regular intervals along the length of the chain with connector bars. If you like bead chain, you may also be fond of satellite chain which is a dainty chain consisting of silver beads evenly spaced along the length of the chain. Both offer a lovely modern feel to jewellery designs.

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Figaro Chain

Figaro is a pretty chain, adding detailing and interest to your design. It has flattened links and usually features 3 shorter links separated by a longer link. These alternating sizes of links catch the light and reveal a lovely sparkle.

Figaro chain is available in sterling silver and 9ct gold at Kernowcraft.

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We hope you find this guide helpful to view the many necklet chain lengths available on our website

Discover our wide selection of bracelet, necklet and loose chain ready to use in your designs. Choose from a range of styles, metals and lengths to suit you

Chain Length Conversion Chart

All the chains we sell at Kernowcraft are sold in centimetre lengths, but for those of you who prefer to work in inches, here's our quick and simple conversion list to make things that little bit easier for you!

CM LENGTHS	INCHES
19cm Bracelet	7.5"
40cm Necklet	16"
45cm Necklet	18"
50cm Necklet	20"
55cm Necklet	22"
60cm Necklet	24"

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HAVE A QUESTION?

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team who will be more than happy to give you advice over email or on the phone.

You can learn more and find inspiration by visiting our Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Kits and YouTube Channel. Don't forget to follow us on social media and tag us in your designs on Instagram & Facebook, we would love to see!

What Our Customers Say...

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

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Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.