Chain is the quiet workhorse of jewelry making — the length of linked metal that becomes the body of a necklace or bracelet. But not all chain is the same: the link style changes how a piece looks, how it drapes, and how it wears.
We sell our chain by the metre, so you cut exactly what you need and finish each piece with your own clasps and jump rings. Here are the four chain types makers reach for most, when to choose each, and how to turn a length of chain into a finished, wearable piece.
1. Cable & rolo — the everyday all-rounders
Cable and rolo are the most versatile chains. Cable chain has uniform oval links that lie flat; rolo chain has round, slightly chunkier links with a little more presence. Both are the easy, reliable base for everyday necklaces, pendants and layering.
If you only stock one kind of chain, make it cable or rolo. Cable is the classic: simple oval links, all the same, that sit flat and disappear behind a pendant. Rolo is its rounder cousin — the links are circular and a touch sturdier, so the chain reads a little more substantial on its own. Both behave predictably, take a pendant beautifully, and layer well with other lengths. Because we sell them by the metre, you can cut a dainty 40cm choker and a long 60cm layering chain from the same spool.
2. Ball chain — beaded texture
Ball chain is a continuous string of small round metal balls rather than interlocking links. It reads casual and modern, adds soft texture, and works well with a simple pendant or worn on its own. It is also a favourite for tags, keyrings and layered stacks.
Ball chain swaps interlocking links for a row of tiny metal beads, and that small change does a lot: it catches the light evenly and reads relaxed and contemporary rather than classic. It is the chain to reach for when you want texture without weight, or a slightly utilitarian, modern feel. It pairs especially well with flat geometric pendants and stacks happily with finer cable or rolo. The table below sums up how the four types compare.
| Chain type | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cable | Uniform flat oval links | Everyday necklaces, pendants, layering |
| Rolo | Round, slightly chunkier links | Charms and a little more presence |
| Ball | Beaded string of round balls | Casual, modern, textured pieces |
| Drawn link | Elongated oval links | Sleek, modern statement chains |
3. Drawn link — long links, modern lines
Drawn link chain has elongated oval links — longer than they are wide — that give a sleek, modern, slightly architectural line. It makes a statement on its own and suits minimal, contemporary designs where the chain itself is the feature.
When you want the chain to be the design, drawn link is the answer. Its stretched-out links create a longer, cleaner rhythm than cable or rolo, which reads modern and a little editorial. Worn bare it is already a finished piece; add a single small charm and it stays minimal rather than busy. Keep the rest of the design quiet and let the link shape do the talking. It is the most on-trend of the four for contemporary, pared-back jewelry.
Step by step: How to cut and finish jewelry chain
- Measure: Hold the chain against your neck or wrist for the length you want, then add about 2 cm for the clasp.
- Cut cleanly: Snip straight through a single link with flush cutters so the end link stays whole and openable.
- Add the clasp: Open a jump ring sideways, slip it through the end link and one half of the clasp, then twist it closed flush.
- Finish the other end: Repeat on the opposite end with a jump ring and the other clasp half (or a closed ring for a lobster clasp to catch).
Final Thoughts
The quickest way to level up a handmade piece is to match the chain to the design instead of defaulting to whatever is on the spool. Keep a fine cable or rolo for everyday and pendants, a ball chain for texture, and a drawn link for when the chain is the whole point. Buy a metre of each, practise cutting and finishing a clean end, and you can build almost any necklace or bracelet from there.
Cut your next piece to length in our Chain collection (allaboutfindings.com/collections/chain), and finish it with clasps and jump rings from Basic Findings (allaboutfindings.com/collections/basic-findings).
Quick FAQ
What chain is best for a necklace?
Cable and rolo are the easy all-rounders for everyday necklaces and pendants because they lie flat and take a pendant well. Ball and drawn link add texture or a sleek modern line for statement pieces. Match the chain weight to the pendant so it hangs comfortably.
How do I attach a clasp to chain?
Cut the chain to length, then use a jump ring at each end: open the ring sideways with pliers, slip it through the end link and the clasp, and close it flush. Use a closed or soldered ring at the end a lobster clasp catches onto.
What does 'sold by the metre' mean, and how much do I need?
You buy a continuous length and cut what you need. As a guide: a choker is about 35-40 cm, a standard necklace 45-50 cm, and a bracelet 18-20 cm. Always add a couple of centimetres for the clasp.
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