Types of Gold Chains: Every Link Style Explained (2026 Guide)

The Complete List of Gold Chain Styles

Every gold chain style is on this page, with a plain-English description of what it looks like, who it suits, and where to shop that exact style. If you've ever stood in front of a jewelry case wondering what to call the chain you like, this is your cheat sheet.

Miami Cuban Link

The undisputed king. Flattened oval links interlocked so tight the chain lies flat and reads solid from every angle. If you're starting a collection, start here, and read our complete Cuban link buying guide first. Shop Miami Cuban link chains, solid gold Cubans, or the lighter semi-solid Cuban chains. Budget tiers: 10K Cuban chains and lightweight Cubans.

Franco and Franco Wheat

The Franco uses V-shaped links in a tight brick pattern: stiff, sleek, and it never rolls on your neck. The wheat version braids that pattern into a rounded, rope-like body. We compare the two head to head in Franco vs Cuban link. Shop gold Franco chains, diamond cut round Franco chains, white gold Franco wheat and silver Franco wheat chains.

Rope

Twisted spiral links that catch light from every angle. The strongest chain construction there is, and the best pendant carrier. Full breakdown in our gold rope chain guide. Shop gold rope chains, handmade diamond cut ropes and silver rope chains.

Figaro

Two or three short links followed by one long one, repeating. Italian in origin, and instantly recognizable. The gold Figaro chain is the classic; the flat Figaro and concave Figaro are modern takes, and the semi-solid Figaro saves weight and money.

Box

Square links that create clean geometric lines. Sturdy, angular, and reads bigger than its width. Shop gold box chains, round box chains, white gold box chains and diamond cut silver box chains.

Curb

Flattened uniform links that sit flush against each other. The everyday workhorse chain: simple, masculine, timeless. Shop gold curb chains, beveled curb chains and silver curb chains.

Cable

The original chain: round or oval links, one through the next. Simple, classic, and the base for most pendant chains. Shop gold cable chains and round cable chains.

Anchor and Mariner

Links shaped like ship anchors, flat and dimensional. Built to take a beating. Shop gold anchor chains, flat anchor chains and semi-solid anchor chains.

Snake

Tight round metal rings woven into a smooth, flexible tube. Sits like fabric on the neck. Shop gold snake chains, round snake chains and silver snake chains.

Spiga and Wheat (Parisian)

Tightly braided four-strand weaves that look like a grain of wheat. Flexible, durable, reads thick. Shop gold spiga chains, diamond cut spiga and the Parisian wheat chain.

Herringbone

Flat links woven in a chevron pattern that lies perfectly flat and pours across the neck like liquid gold. Elegant and formal. Shop gold herringbone chains. One honest warning: herringbone is the one style you never bend or twist.

Byzantine

An ancient woven pattern of interlocking links that looks like braided rope from a distance. Intricate and heavy. Shop gold Byzantine chains and flat Byzantine chains.

Singapore

Twisted, curvy links with a springy drape and tons of movement. Shop gold Singapore chains.

Paperclip

Elongated oval links, the newest mainstream style. Airy, modern, layers beautifully. Shop the flat paperclip chain.

Ball, Bead and Rolo

Round beads strung on wire (ball) or rounded chunky links (rolo). Both are underrated pendant and charm carriers. Shop gold ball chains, silver beaded chains and gold rolo chains.

Omega

A wide, rigid, high-polished collar chain. Maximum presence per gram. Shop gold omega chains.

How to Actually Choose

Style is step one; construction is step two. The same style in solid, semi-solid and hollow gold can vary by thousands of dollars, and karat decides hardness and color: the full trade-offs are in our 10K vs 14K gold guide. Width and length rules are in the Cuban link guide and they apply to every style. The quick version: 3 to 6mm and 20 to 22 inches is the sweet spot for a first gold chain.

Browse everything at once in all gold chains or all chains. Want something you don't see, or a specific width and weight? Build it to your exact specs in the chain builder, or visit us in Renton by appointment. We've been making chains since 1976, and we'll tell you straight which style fits your budget and your build.