Chain necklaces are one of the most versatile pieces of jewellery you can own — but with so many types available, knowing which one suits you can feel overwhelming. This guide covers the six most common sterling silver chain necklace types, how to choose the right length, which chains work best with pendants, and how to care for silver chains properly.
The Most Common Types of Sterling Silver Chain Necklaces
Sterling silver (925 silver) is one of the most widely used metals for handmade chains in the UK. Its durability, bright finish, and hallmarked authenticity make it a practical and lasting choice for everyday necklaces. Here are the six chain types you'll encounter most often.
Belcher Chain
The belcher chain is one of the most popular chain styles in the UK, recognisable by its wide, round or D-shaped links. Each link sits flat and interlocks with the next at a 90-degree angle, creating a bold, consistent look.
Belcher chains are strong, versatile, and work well both as standalone pieces and with pendants. Their width means they hold a bail securely without twisting. In sterling silver, a belcher chain holds its finish well and develops a pleasant patina over time with regular wear.
Silver Hollow's sterling silver belcher chain necklace is one of our most consistently popular pieces — a clean, everyday chain that pairs with almost any pendant or stands alone.
Curb Chain
Curb chains are made from twisted oval links that interlock flat against each other. They sit closer to the skin than a belcher chain, with a uniform, slightly heavier look that lends itself to men's jewellery as much as women's.
In sterling silver, curb chains are robust and resistant to kinking. A heavier gauge curb chain is bold enough to wear alone; a finer gauge works well underneath a pendant without competing with it for attention.
Rope Chain
The rope chain is made from twisted strands of metal links wound together to create a spiral, rope-like effect. This structure catches light from multiple angles, giving the chain a natural brilliance even without additional stones or pendants.
Dan, the silversmith behind Silver Hollow, finds rope chains one of the most satisfying to work with in sterling silver — the way the metal reflects light changes completely depending on how it moves. Rope chains are best worn alone, as a pendant can sometimes cause the twists to compress over time under sustained weight.
Our rope chain bracelet uses the same twist construction — worth pairing with a matching necklace for a cohesive look.
Figaro Chain
The figaro chain alternates between two or three small round links and one longer oval link, creating a rhythmic pattern that adds texture and visual interest without being too heavy or chunky.
It's a versatile chain that works for both men and women, and looks well against both light and darker clothing. In sterling silver, the alternating links catch light differently at each section, giving the chain more visual movement than a plain belcher or curb.
Box Chain
Box chains are made from square links that interlock at right angles. The result is a chain with a geometric, structured appearance — clean lines, a firm drape, and a modern feel that differs distinctly from the rounder, softer look of belcher or rope chains.
Box chains are excellent for pendants, as the square links hold a bail firmly in position. They're also one of the most hardwearing chain styles — the interlocking square structure distributes tension evenly, making them less prone to stretching or breaking at a single link.
Snake Chain
The snake chain is made from tightly fitted curved plates or rings that slide against each other to create a smooth, flexible tube. Unlike link-based chains, there are no visible separate links — the surface appears continuous, with a sleek, polished look.
Snake chains in sterling silver have a distinctive reflective quality and a satisfying weight when worn. They're best reserved for lighter, smaller pendants or worn alone — the plate construction means they can be more vulnerable to kinking under heavy sustained weight than link-based chains.
For a detailed breakdown of how each of these link types is constructed — including which are the strongest and most suitable for different wear styles — our guide to types of chain links goes into much more depth on the construction side.
How to Choose the Right Chain Length
Chain length determines where a necklace sits on your body, which affects how it looks against different necklines and how it can be layered. These are the standard lengths and where they fall:
- 16 inches — sits at the base of the neck, close to a choker length. Works well with higher necklines and open-collar shirts.
- 18 inches — the most common length for women's necklaces. Sits just below the collarbone and pairs with almost every neckline.
- 20 inches — a versatile all-round length that falls slightly further down the chest. Good for layering with a shorter 16 or 18 inch chain.
- 22–24 inches — longer lengths that fall toward the sternum. Common for men's necklaces and for layering in women's jewellery.
- 28–30 inches — statement lengths that reach the upper chest or fall further. Usually worn alone rather than layered.
The best advice is to measure using a piece of string or a tape measure before buying, and hold it against your collarbone to see where a given length would fall.
Which Chain Works Best with a Pendant?
Not all chain types hold a pendant equally well. The key factor is how securely the chain holds a bail — the loop or fitting on the pendant — and whether the pendant slides freely or stays in position.
For most pendants, belcher, curb, and box chains are the most reliable choices. Their link structure means the bail sits securely without the pendant rotating or slipping to the back. They're also strong enough to carry the weight of heavier pieces without stretching over time.
Rope and figaro chains work well with lighter, smaller pendants but can be less predictable under sustained heavier weight. Snake chains are best paired with pendants that have a wide bail — the smooth tube construction allows the pendant to glide freely rather than staying centred.
What Is the Difference Between Curb and Belcher Chain?
A belcher chain has wider, round or D-shaped links that lay flat. It's more commonly used in UK and Australian jewellery and tends to look bolder and more substantial even in finer gauges. A curb chain has twisted oval links that interlock flat — they're typically slightly narrower and create a more uniform, slightly flatter surface than the belcher's rounder links.
Both are excellent everyday chains in sterling silver. The choice often comes down to preference: belcher chains read as more classic and distinctive; curb chains are slightly more minimalist and close to the skin.
How to Care for a Sterling Silver Chain Necklace
Sterling silver chains tarnish over time as the silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air. The good news is that tarnish on sterling silver is surface-level and easy to remove — and regular wear actually helps slow it down, as the natural oils on your skin form a gentle protective layer.
For routine care: wipe the chain with a soft dry cloth after wearing to remove oils and residue. Store it in an airtight pouch or jewellery box away from moisture. For deeper tarnish, a brief soak in warm water with mild washing-up liquid, followed by a gentle rub with a soft cloth and thorough drying, will bring the shine back.
Avoid chlorinated water, perfumes applied directly to the chain, and baking soda — despite being widely suggested online, baking soda is mildly abrasive and can scratch a polished silver surface.
For a complete guide to preventing and removing tarnish from all types of sterling silver jewellery, our guide to how to stop jewellery tarnishing covers storage, cleaning methods, and what to avoid in full.
All Silver Hollow sterling silver chains carry a 925 hallmark — certified by a UK Assay Office as containing 92.5% pure silver. For more on what hallmarking means and how to verify genuine sterling silver, the Assay Office provides authoritative guidance on UK hallmarking standards.
And if you'd like to understand more about what sterling silver actually is and how 925 differs from silver-plated alternatives, our guide to sterling silver, silver plating and 925 covers the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular types of chain necklaces?
The most popular sterling silver chain types are belcher, curb, rope, figaro, box, and snake chains. Each has a distinct look and weight, making some better suited to pendant wear and others to being worn alone.
What is the difference between a curb and belcher chain?
Belcher chains have wider, round or D-shaped links; curb chains have twisted oval links that interlock flat. Belcher chains tend to look bolder; curb chains sit closer to the skin with a slightly flatter profile. The belcher is the more common UK style.
What chain is best for a pendant?
Belcher, curb, and box chains are the most reliable pendant chains — their link structure holds a bail securely without twisting. Rope and snake chains work with lighter pendants but can behave less predictably under heavier sustained weight.
What length chain necklace should I get?
An 18–20 inch chain suits most people and sits at or just below the collarbone. For layering, pair a 16-inch chain with a longer 22–24 inch piece. The best approach is to measure where you want the chain to fall before buying, as proportions vary between people.
How do I care for a sterling silver chain necklace?
Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear. Store in an airtight pouch away from moisture. Clean with mild soap and warm water when needed, and dry thoroughly before storing. Avoid baking soda, which can scratch the surface. A soft polishing cloth is the safest tool for removing light tarnish.
Whether you're choosing your first silver chain or adding to a collection, understanding the differences between chain types makes it much easier to find a piece that suits both your style and how you plan to wear it. Sterling silver chains, properly cared for, are pieces you'll wear for years — and the right chain for you is the one that feels right every time you put it on.