Your Guide to Necklace Chains: Styles, Lengths & How to Choose the Right One

Choosing the right necklace chain can completely change how a pendant looks and feels. The chain isn’t just what holds a pendant — it’s part of its design story. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the perfect necklace chain style, find the right length for your pendant, and discover which designs pair beautifully with contemporary silver necklaces.

Understanding Necklace Chain Lengths

Chains for pendants are sold in inches or centimetres.
A 16-inch chain is 40 cm long, an 18-inch chain is 45 cm, and a 20-inch chain is 50 cm.
For every two inches you add to a chain, the pendant will drop roughly one inch lower at the front — a useful detail when deciding how you’d like your jewellery to sit.

The most popular chain length is 18 inches (45 cm) — perfect for most pendants, sitting about an inch below the collarbone.
If you’re petite, you might prefer a 16-inch chain; if you have a fuller bust or want your pendant to sit lower, a 20-inch length may be ideal.

When you’re unsure, use a soft tape measure to test different lengths on yourself. Loop it around your neck, pull it to where you’d like your pendant to finish, and you’ll have your perfect chain measurement.

How to Choose the Right Chain for Your Pendant

The scale of your pendant should guide your choice of chain.
Smaller pendants tend to look best on shorter chains, where they sit neatly and stay centred. For example, a delicate 10 mm pendant may sit perfectly on a 16-inch chain.

Larger pendants, however, have more visual weight and can overpower a neckline if they’re too high. A longer chain creates balance and flow — imagine an invisible triangle widening down the chest to guide your proportions.

These are just general guidelines, though. A bold pendant on a short chain can create drama and focus, while a tiny pendant on a longer chain can add an understated sense of movement. The best choice is always the one that feels most you.

Popular Necklace Chain Styles

Silver Box Chain

A box chain is made of tiny square links, giving it four polished sides that catch and reflect light beautifully. Its clean, geometric form makes it a modern classic. The smooth surface feels comfortable on the skin and doesn’t catch fine hair — ideal for everyday wear with highly polished pendants.

Silver Snake Chain

A snake chain is round and flexible, almost like liquid metal. Its smooth surface gently follows the contours of the neck, offering a sleek, sculptural feel that pairs especially well with matt, contemporary pendants.
If you love a modern, minimalist aesthetic, you might enjoy exploring our Contemporary Silver Designer Necklaces, designed to sit beautifully on these chain styles.

Angle-Filed Trace Chain

This chain is crafted from rectangular links with angled corners, giving each one an elegant, octagonal shape — like a cut gemstone. The polished edges add subtle sparkle, while the open links allow small charms or pendants to be added along its length. It’s strong, versatile, and often used by luxury jewellers for good reason.

Curb Chain

The curb chain is a timeless favourite. Each link is flattened and twisted so that the links interlock closely together, creating a chain that’s both fine and strong. Its subtle texture works beautifully with gold pendants or letter charms, adding understated shine without distraction.

How Chains Are Made

While some chains are handmade, most are created using precision machinery — a fascinating process in its own right. Italy is one of the world’s leading producers of jewellery chain, and many specialist machines used globally are made there. One of our favourite examples comes from Sisma, an Italian company known for their innovative chain-making technology.

Bringing It All Together

Choosing the right chain is about harmony — how it feels, how it moves, and how it enhances your pendant. Whether you prefer modern silver necklaces or classic gold designs, the right chain helps your jewellery tell its story with balance and grace.

Explore our Contemporary Silver Designer Necklaces to see how each piece has been designed with thoughtful proportions and timeless style.