What is an anchor chain?

In short: A cable chain consists of oval links connected alternately flat and upright, similar to a ship's anchor pattern. It is the best-selling and most versatile chain style in the world: durable, lies flat, and rarely tangles. For everyday wear, length and link thickness affect the look more than the pendant does.

As of: September 2026. By Phil Oberlaender, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.

Why is the cable chain so popular?

• Lies absolutely flat and comfortable against the body
• Very durable, handles daily wear without any issues
• Ideal for pendants (including heavier pieces)
• Beautiful from 0.8 mm to 5 mm, for both women and men
• Equally well-suited for all gold colors (yellow, white, rose)

Cable chain vs. Curb chain

• Cable chain: Links alternately flat/upright, somewhat more open, lighter
• Curb chain: All links twisted 90 degrees, denser, heavier, more durable

Cable chains in 14k gold: Corelune Jewellery.

Matching this: Cable chain or Venetian chain.

Overview of all necklaces

Which chain length sits where?

What should you look for when buying a chain?

The biggest factor is length. 45 cm sits at the collarbone for most people and works with any neckline. Shorter versions only look good with an exposed neck; longer ones only look good over solid-colored tops.

When it comes to the clasp, it comes down to a compromise. Lobster clasps are more durable and harder to close; spring rings are the opposite.

An honest material comparison looks like this: Stainless steel wins on color stability and water resistance, but loses on value. Sterling silver wins on aesthetics, but loses on maintenance. Gold-plated brass wins on the first day and loses thereafter.

Durability depends on the link, not the price. Curb and link chains distribute tension, while fine cable chains concentrate it on one spot.

Directly to the topic: Buying a cable chain: Style & History.

How do you keep chains looking good for a long time?

Wearing chains daily collects skin oils and skincare residues, and that is exactly what makes surfaces dull. Creams and perfume belong on the skin before the piece is put on, not after. Following this routine significantly delays the point at which a coating visibly wears off.

Which details reveal the quality of a chain's craftsmanship?

You can check the quality without knowing anything about alloys or manufacturing processes. Check the jump rings for any visible gaps, inspect the solder joints for unevenness, and test if the clasp closes audibly. This check takes less than ten seconds and saves you from disappointment after the third time you wear it.

When is it better to take off your chains?

Stainless steel handles water without problems, yet there are situations where taking it off is the smarter decision. With glued-in stones, hot water and ultrasound are the two real risks. The point is not about being overly cautious, but about avoiding the three moments with the highest risk.

What goes well with chains?

Combining works via two rules: a shared metal color and a clear difference in size. Two pieces need a significant difference in size or length, otherwise they compete with each other. This allows you to build a whole range of combinations from just a few pieces.

What do good chains cost and what do you get for it?

To classify price, one should distinguish between material value and utility value. A piece for twenty-five euros that you wear two hundred times is cheaper than one for ten euros in the drawer. The honest benchmark is frequency of wear; everything else is just calculation.

What goes wrong most often when buying chains?

Asking yourself one question before buying a chain eliminates half the bad choices: How often will I actually wear this? When gifting, there is the added issue of deciding based on your own taste instead of the recipient's. The best test is asking if you would wear it on an ordinary Tuesday.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my necklace be?

The safe choice is 45 cm, as the chain sits at the collarbone. Measure using a tape measure plus two centimeters of leeway.

Can I wear multiple chains at once?

Yes, if the lengths differ by at least five centimeters. Otherwise, the chains will tangle and the pendants will lie on top of each other instead of being tiered.

Why won't my chain clasp open anymore?

Typical causes are residues of cream and skin oils in the spring. Warm soapy water and a soft brush usually resolve this within a minute.

In the assortment, this corresponds roughly to: Mystic Tides gold stainless steel pendant chain and Heart Glamour gold stainless steel necklace. You can find more necklaces in the category the necklace collection.

Is it harmful to leave chains on at night?

Fundamentally yes, practically no. Most chain breaks happen at night, not during the day.

How do I get dirt out of the chain links?

Warm water with a drop of dish soap, a soft toothbrush for the links, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

About the author

Phil Oberlaender runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working with stainless steel jewelry daily since 2024: quality checks, complaints, and everyday wear tests. The information in this article comes from his own assortment and customer feedback. Where Corelune does not offer something, it is stated as such here.

Which categories are relevant to this topic?

In concrete terms for chains, this means:

• Link chains and link bracelets

From two pieces on, the unit price drops: 20% off 2, 25% off 3, 30% off 4, 35% off 5, and shipping is free from 59 euros. A short and a long chain together create a layering effect that works.

View link chains and link bracelets at Corelune

At Corelune: Free shipping from 59 €, 14-day return policy, shipping from the Netherlands.

→ View link chains and link bracelets at Corelune