What is an anchor chain?

What is an anchor chain? In short: An anchor chain consists of oval links connected alternately flat and upright, similar to a ship 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 determine the look more than the pendant.

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

Why is the anchor chain so popular?

• Lies completely flat and comfortably against the body
• Very durable, easily withstands daily wear
• Ideal for pendants (even heavier pieces)
• Available from 0.8 mm to 5 mm, for women and men
• Equally suitable for all gold colors (yellow, white, rose)

Anchor chain vs. curb chain

• Anchor chain: links alternately flat/upright, slightly more open, lighter
• Curb chain: all links rotated 90 degrees, denser, heavier, more durable

If you are looking for something suitable: At Corelune, there are stainless steel chains with 14-karat gold plating or in a silver look, waterproof and nickel-free.

Related: Anchor chain or Venetian chain.

All necklaces at a glance

Which chain length fits 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 is independent of the neckline. Shorter versions only work with bare skin, longer ones only over solid-colored tops.

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

The honest material comparison looks like this: Stainless steel wins on color stability and water resistance, loses on value. Sterling silver wins visually, loses on maintenance. Gold-plated brass wins on the first day and loses after that.

Durability depends on the link, not the price. Curb and link chains distribute the tension, fine anchor chains concentrate it on one point.

Straight to the point: Buy an anchor chain: Style & history.

How do you keep chains beautiful for a long time?

Anyone who wears chains daily accumulates skin oils and residue from skincare products, and that is exactly what makes surfaces dull. Creams and perfume belong on the skin before the piece is put on, not after. Anyone who follows this routine pushes back the point at which a coating visibly gives way.

Which details reveal the craftsmanship of chains?

Craftsmanship can be checked without you having to know anything about alloys or manufacturing processes. Check the loops for visible gaps, inspect the soldered seams for unevenness, and test whether the clasp closes audibly. This check takes no more than ten seconds and saves you the disappointment after the third wear.

When should you take your chains off?

Stainless steel handles water without problems, yet there are situations in which taking it off is the wiser decision. For glued stones, hot water and ultrasound are the two real risks. The point is not caution, but avoiding the three moments with the highest risk.

What goes with chains?

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

How much do good chains cost and what do you get for that?

Anyone who wants to assess the price 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 measure is how often you wear it, everything else is calculation.

What usually goes wrong when buying chains?

Anyone who asks themselves a question before buying chains eliminates half of the mistakes: How often do I really wear this? When giving it as a gift, you also decide according to your own taste instead of the recipient's. The best test is asking whether you would wear it on an ordinary Tuesday.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my necklace be?

The safe choice is 45 cm, because the chain sits at the collarbone. You can measure it with a measuring tape plus two centimeters of leeway.

Can I wear several 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 staggered.

Why can't I open my chain clasp anymore?

A typical cause is cream and skin oil residue in the spring. Warm soapy water and a soft brush usually solve this within a minute.

In the range, this corresponds to: Mystic Tides Gold Pendant Chain in Stainless Steel and Heart Glamour Heart Gold Necklace in Stainless Steel. You can find more necklaces in the category the necklace collection.

Is it harmful to leave chains on overnight?

In principle yes, sensibly 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 runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working daily with stainless steel jewelry since 2024: sample testing, complaints, everyday wear tests. The information in this article comes from the company's own range and from what customers report. Where Corelune does not offer something, that is also stated here.

Which categories fit this topic?

Specifically, for chains:

• Link chains and link bracelets

From two pieces, the price per piece drops: 20% for 2, 25% for 3, 30% for 4, 35% for 5, and from 59 euros, shipping is free. A short and a longer chain together create a layering that works.

View link chains and link bracelets at Corelune

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

→ View link chains and link bracelets at Corelune