Chain is a series of connecting rings or links. As with wire it is made from such metals as silver, gold, copper, nickel, aluminium, platinum, iron and alloys with other metals such as brass, bronze and steel. Copper, brass and steel chain is readily available in several different platings including gold, silver, nickel and black nickel as well as oxidised and raw though raw tends to blacken. Aluminium chain comes in lots of fashion colours, though it does tend to scratch easily. The precious metals of gold, platinum and silver are available as chain.

Chain comes in many sizes and shapes. Some chain such as snake and flash chain is so fine it can fit through tiny crimps. The rings on chain come in all sorts of shapes from round to oval to square to rectangle. The most common types of chain are: curb or twist chain where one end of the link is twisted so that each link lies flat; and trace or cross chain where one link is at right angles to the next. Belcher chain, an example of the trace style is a popular choice for charm bracelets. Extension chain is a short length of chain used to extend the clasping end of jewellery. The links size must suit the size of clasp. Usually has a decorative dangle at one end.

Picture from left: Curb Chain and Trace Chain.

Picture: Extension Chain in various platings