Five Minute Link Lesson
There tons of link types out there and it would be impossible to cover them all, so I’ve put together this little cheat sheet highlighting the 14 styles you will probably come across most when buying vintage chains, here goes:
Wheat/Spiga link - normally created with four strands of twisted oval links braided/woven together. Super sophisticated and great for layering with other chains in your collection.
Mariner/Anchor link - has slight similarities with a Gucci link, but has interlocking sqoval (square/oval) links with a single bar in the middle of each link - much like the chain attached to an anchor on a boat. This style is perfect for chokers or shorter length chains.
Byzantine link - An assembly of circular or oval links woven into a complex, intricate and multidimensional design. The design dates back to around three hundred BC - so these are great if you like something more unusual and if you really want to wear a piece of history.
Box Link - A square link that has a ‘boxy’ appearance. These make great statement chains and have strong impact as standalone pieces, great in all lengths.
Belcher/Rolo link - Interlocking round/oval links with the alternate links turned 180 degrees. A great choice if you like more of a chunky statement look, also a great choice for a lovers of a more masculine style.
Fiagro link - Flattened links that vary in size, usually it’s two or three shorter links alternating with a longer one. This style originated in Italy and is great for those who like a classic, more delicate look.
Rope link - small links are twisted into a pattern to resemble a rope. This is classic link everyone should own, it will never date and you can wear them with everything.
Cuban link - a bold chain made of tight, twisted, interlocking links. They are similar to a classic curb chain, but have thicker, tighter links with less space between them making the chain more rigid. This is one of may fave links, best for impact chain lovers.
Singapore link - the links are twisted and braided to create a unique look - these are known for their strength, so good for those who want something that looks delicate, but is super robust.
Snake link - rather than a classic visible link these are made up of rings that fit closely together to give that snakeskin texture. These are a great choices if you like a more understated sculptural look - also great for pendants.
Ball link - round beads fixed along a chain - they are super popular for pedants/charms and probably are more known for showcasing dog tag pendants. They are great layered with other links, I also think they look great with T-shirts in a 22-24” length.
Cable link - a row of round or oval links of the same size. Timeless and understated! They make perfect layering pieces or a good choice for showcasing your favourite pendants.
Curb link - a simple design of flat, interlocking, identical links they can be fine or chunky and you can find raised or flat style. Great for everyone, I think everyone likes these links in some form so great for gifts and good transitional links as they look good with lighter summer fabrics, but hold their own with knits in winter.
Gucci link - pretty much the same as a Mariner/Anchor, but the links are rounder edged as apposed to a slightly more flattened edge.