Necklace shopping gets confusing fast once you start seeing terms like "snake chain," "herringbone," "box chain" thrown around without explanation. They're not just aesthetic labels — different chain constructions behave differently, catch light differently, and suit different pendants. Here's what the common types actually mean.
Snake chain
Made from tightly interlocked metal segments that give it a smooth, almost liquid movement — it flows rather than swings. Because the surface is continuous rather than made of visible links, it catches light in a solid, reflective way that reads as more substantial than its actual weight. Works well as a standalone statement piece, like this gold snake chain choker, without needing a pendant at all.
Herringbone chain
Flat, ribbon-like links arranged in a V pattern, giving it a smooth, almost woven appearance. It sits flat against the skin rather than sitting proud like a rounder chain would, which makes it comfortable for layering and for anklets — it's the same construction used in this herringbone anklet, and it works the same way at neck length.
Pendant chains
Simple, usually round or cable-link chains designed to be a supporting structure rather than the visual focus — the pendant does the talking. Most fine, everyday necklaces fall into this category, like this teardrop pendant necklace. If your priority is the pendant design rather than the chain itself, this is the construction to look for — our pendant necklaces are all built this way.
Choker-length chains
Not technically a chain type so much as a length — sitting close to the throat rather than draping lower on the chest. Chokers work particularly well with open necklines and read as more of a statement than a longer, more traditional necklace length, simply because they're closer to the face and impossible to miss.
Which one to actually buy first
If you only own one necklace, make it a fine pendant chain — it's the most versatile, works under almost any neckline, and pairs with nearly everything you own. A statement piece like a snake chain choker is worth adding once you have that foundation, for the days you want the necklace itself to be the outfit's focal point rather than a supporting detail.
A quick note on durability
Flatter, more intricate constructions like herringbone show wear at friction points slightly faster than simpler round-link chains, purely because there's more surface area in contact with skin and clothing. It's not a reason to avoid them — just a reason to prioritise anti-tarnish stainless steel specifically for chains you plan to wear often, rather than saving that spec only for earrings.
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