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Chains are interconnected links in a series used to create flexible necklaces, bracelets and fasteners in a variety of styles. They have been used as jewelry items by themselves but also as a way to suspend all kinds of other ornaments such as pendants, watches, medals, keys etc etc. The simplest form of chain consists out of circular links that are connected to each other by soldering each new link closed after it was passed through the former link. This technique requires soldering of each link while the links are connected, something that with ancient soldering techniques often would lead to the fusing of the links which caused a decreased flexibility. Since flexibility is the strongest point of a chain this technique wasn't favorable.

One of the oldest chain making techniques is the so called 'loop in loop' method. This method avoids the necessity to solder the links while connected and could therefor be used in ancient times. Starting with coiling gold wire around a dowel loops are made by sawing or cutting along the length of the coil. This creates individual rounded lengths of wires which can then be individually soldered to form rings. The result is a multitude of closed loops. The simplest form of loop in loop chains is the single loop in loop chain where each loop is linked to the next by running the loops through each other and then bending them. The next loop is the passed through the opening at the other end, forming a chain.

The loop in loop technique can be expanded to several loops per 'layer' creating more complicated chains:

Around the eighth century BC 'strap chains' were introduced. These are made up out of several individual chains affixed alongside each other to form a flat band. A later development is that of chain mail: a fabric made up out of connected loops that was used as armor from as early as the 2nd century BC. Loops could be used in combination with plates to create all kinds of decorative designs that have been used as jewelry as well as armor.

Industrialized chain making

Over time chain making techniques became more and more complex with more all kinds of links used in every possible way of connecting them. The industrial revolution saw the invention of chain making machines which made it possible to create chains like the snake chain.

A wide variety of chains has been produced, often with a specific purpose, below you find a collection of chain names with links to a short description. You can click on the chain name and learn more about this particular type of chain.

Name
Albert chain	Muff chain	Watch chain	Fob chain
Alma chain	Belcher chain	Benoiton	Curb chain
Anchor chain	Book chain	Cable chain	Figaro chain
Gourmette chain	Venetian chain	Vest chain	Waldemar chain

[[category:jewelry}