Sometimes
making sense of all the various types of jewellery available in the market
these days is difficult. Everything looks pretty. But finding something to
match your outfit is equally hard.
With
the wedding season upon us, jewellery shopping for your own or a close friend’s
wedding is on all of our minds. We have compiled this mini-glossary of the
different types of chains to help you navigate your jewellery shopping
expedition.
Chains
are broadly divided up into Classic, Textural and Sleek.
CLASSIC CHAINS
1.
Cable Chain
Shaped like chain links but on a really small
scale. Usually, the links are shaped in oval or round which are then, uniformly
interlocked in various patterns. The key is that each link lies at ninety
degree angles to the next link. These, too, come in different variations like
parallel links or double links. These are one of the favourite designs of jewellery designers.
2.
Curb Chain
One of the most durable choice for bracelets or necklaces,
curbs are a special type of chain link. In this type of chain, special “curb”
or curved links are used which stay interlocked even when they’re laid flat.
3. Figaro Chain
Originating from the jewellery designers of Italy, Figaro chains are characterized by
their different sized links that are interlocked together. Some links are
longer than others which are arranged in various patterns. This is a type of
modified curb chain.
TEXTURAL CHAINS
1.
Popcorn Chain
Resembling
a garland of popcorn, they beads are linked in a cluster pattern to given the
necklace an interesting texture and dimension. Don’t let the appearance of the
necklace fool you. The necklace itself is pretty lightweight. It is perfect for
when you want to wear heavy jewellery with your simple, monochromatic lehenga
or saree but don’t want to be weighed down by it. It is another favourite of
quirky jewellery designers.
2.
Rope Chain
This
chain looks like a piece of jute rope but made of gold or silver. These come in
a twisted or looped pattern. These look especially gorgeous as simple, choker
necklace or as thin, delicate bracelet. This is one of the most popular style
of chains among brides and bridesmaids.
3.
Byzantine Chain
Known by many interesting names like “birdcage”
and “fool’s dilemma”, the design is as intricate and complex as the empire it
is named after. This jewellery style
incorporates the rope-style with elegant textural designs. What makes this
design stand out is that each link passes through four other links. Also the
links alternate their directions. Studying a byzantine chain up close is truly
a fascinating experience.
4.
Wheat Chain
The design for this chain is derived from the
design of the tips of wheat stalks. The links are shaped like very thin and
long teardrops which are, then, arranged so that they all point in the same
direction. Each link is interlocked with kind of like a hinge, so this style is
more stiff than others. This style, too, is perfect as short, choker styles.
SLEEK CHAINS
1.
Snake Chain
Another design inspired by nature that jewellery designers love are the snake
chains, also known as Brazilian chain. They look like a slinky snake. Arranged
in a zigzag pattern, the links are interlocked so that they look round or
square in the cross-section. It would look very interesting as a bracelet.
2.
Box Chain
Briolette chains, also known as box chains, we
very popular amongst jewellery designers
during the Victorian era. The speciality of the chain is that it comes with
a briolette, a pear-shaped gemstone pendant with cut facets. The briolette is
drilled so as to hang it as a bead on the chain. And as the name suggests, the
links are shaped like box which are connected together.
3.
Singapore Chain
Combining
a curb chain with a rope chain, these are also called twisted curb. The chain
looks like liquid. The links are twisted around each other. But even when the
links are untwisted, they still retain their natural curve. You should ask your
jewellery designer to make you one.
Which is your
favourite jewellery design from this
list?
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