The Complete Guide to Sterling Silver Chains
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If you've ever scrolled through a chain collection wondering what the difference is between a curb link and a figaro, you're not alone. Sterling silver chains come in dozens of link styles, and the right one depends on how you'll wear it, what you'll hang from it, and how much daily wear it needs to survive.
This guide breaks down every major sterling silver chain type, compares them side by side, and points you to the styles best suited for everyday wear — whether that's a chain you'll wear alone or one that needs to hold a favourite pendant.
Quick comparison: sterling silver chain types
| Chain type | Look | Durability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curb | Flattened, interlocking links | High | Everyday wear, pendants, men's chains |
| Figaro | Alternating long and round links | High | Statement everyday pieces |
| Marina (mariner) | Oval links with a center bar | High | Nautical style, layering |
| Rope | Tightly twisted links | Medium-high | Delicate to bold looks, catches light |
| Box | Square, uniform links | High | Clean minimalist style, pendants |
| Foxtail | Densely woven, rope-like texture | High | Fine detail, pendants |
| Snake | Smooth, flexible, scale-like | Medium | Sleek minimalist pendant chains |
| Fine/Rolo | Small round links | Medium | Layering, delicate everyday pieces |
See our full chain length and width guide
Curb chains
The curb chain is the most popular sterling silver chain for everyday wear, and for good reason. Its flattened, twisted links interlock tightly, creating a chain that lies flat against the skin and resists tangling. Curb chains come in widths from delicate 1.5mm styles to chunky statement pieces, making them equally suited to subtle daily wear and bolder looks.
Because of their strength, curb chains are a common choice for pendants and for men's jewellery.
Read our full curb chain guide · Shop curb chains
Figaro chains
Figaro chains alternate one or more small round or oval links with a single longer link, creating a distinctive rhythm along the chain. Originating in Italy, the figaro pattern has become a staple for both classic and contemporary jewellery. It's sturdy enough for daily wear and reads as slightly more decorative than a plain curb.
Read our full figaro chain guide · Shop figaro chains
Marina (mariner) chains
Marina chains — also called mariner chains — feature oval links with a bar running through the centre of each one, a design that traces back to nautical rope and anchor chains. The bar adds rigidity, which makes marina chains resistant to kinking and a good option for layering with other necklaces without them catching on one another.
Read our full marina chain guide · Shop marina chains
Rope chains
Rope chains are made from tightly twisted links that mimic the texture of a twisted cord. The twisting means rope chains catch and reflect light along their whole length, giving them noticeably more sparkle than flat-link styles. They range from fine, delicate versions to thick statement chains.
Read our full rope chain guide · Shop rope chains
Box chains
Box chains are built from small, uniform square links connected at right angles, giving a clean, geometric look that reads as understated and modern. The tight, boxy links make this chain very strong for its width and less prone to snagging or kinking than open link styles — a good everyday pendant chain if you want something that won't compete visually with the pendant itself.
Shop our sterling silver chain collection
Foxtail chains
Foxtail chains are woven from small oval links arranged in a herringbone-like pattern, producing a densely textured, almost braided appearance. Despite the intricate look, foxtail chains are surprisingly strong and flexible, which makes them a popular pendant chain — the texture adds interest on its own, so they work well worn plain too.
Shop our sterling silver chain collection
Snake chains
Snake chains are made from tightly connected round or square segments that create a smooth, flexible, almost liquid-looking surface with no visible individual links. They sit close to the neck and have a sleek, minimalist look that pairs particularly well with a single pendant. Snake chains are more delicate than curb or box styles, so they suit lighter everyday wear rather than heavy pendants.
Read our full snake chain guide
Fine and rolo chains
Fine chains — often built from small round rolo links — are the thinnest, most delicate chains in the range. They're designed to be worn alone as a subtle everyday piece or layered two or three at a time. Because the links are lightweight, fine chains suit smaller pendants best; heavier charms can cause the chain to twist.
Shop fine chains · Shop rolo chains
How to choose the right chain
- Wearing it alone or with a pendant? Sturdier links (curb, box, foxtail) support pendants better than delicate fine chains.
- Daily wear or occasional? Flatter, tightly linked styles (curb, box) hold up best to everyday knocks.
- Layering with other necklaces? Marina and fine chains are less prone to tangling than open rope or curb links.
- Want more sparkle or a cleaner look? Rope catches light; box and snake stay understated.
Not sure on length or width? See our sizing guide
Caring for your sterling silver chain
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes with air exposure, so a few habits keep any chain looking its best: store it in an airtight bag or box when not in use, put it on after applying perfume or lotion rather than before, and give it a gentle polish with a silver cloth every few weeks. All our jewellery over 7.7g is hallmarked by a UK assay office in line with British law.
Learn more about our UK hallmarking
FAQ
What is the strongest sterling silver chain type?
Curb, box, and foxtail chains are generally the most durable for everyday wear because their tightly interlocking links distribute stress evenly and resist stretching.
What's the best chain for a pendant?
Curb, box, and foxtail chains hold pendants well because of their strength. For lighter pendants, snake or fine chains give a sleeker look.
Can you layer different chain types together?
Yes — marina and fine chains layer especially well since their shapes resist tangling. Mixing widths (one fine, one medium) also helps prevent chains from twisting around each other.
How do I know what length chain to buy?
Chain length depends on neckline and whether you're wearing a pendant. See our chain length guide for a full breakdown from choker to opera length.
Does sterling silver tarnish?
Yes, all sterling silver tarnishes over time from air exposure, but regular wear, dry storage, and occasional polishing keep it looking bright.