Rounded Curb Chain:
The rounded curb chain style is the root of all curb chain style variants because it is untouched by any special treatments on the links. The rounded curves on the curb links that make it up give it the name.
Open Curb Chain/Cheval Curb Chain:
The shape of the open curb chain links is notably distinctive, with grooves at each end of the link. While the width of the curb links used to create this style is consistent from end to end, the length of each link stretches and opens up slightly. Looking at the Figaro chain is the best way to describe the impact. For example, a Figaro chain has a design consisting of a sequence of short links (the regular close link) followed by a longer link. This longer link is an open curb link, and the open curb link is just built up of these longer links. It's also known as a cheval curb chain (from the French term cheval).
Close Curb Chain:
The Figaro Chain, which consists of a combination of open curb links and closed curb links, is the most popular and recognized variation of the curb chain. Close curb chains feature links joined together in a group of at least three and so are closer to each other.
Concaved Curb Chain:
A concaved curb chain's center links are fashioned like a closed curb and, from a bird's eye view, form an inwardly forming groove that runs from end to end across the chain's surface.
Square Curb Chain:
The Square curb chain is a closed curb chain style that emphasizes straight lines on the corners and surface. It has a boxy appearance that contrasts with the round curb chain, and the distinctive groove is simple to spot. Each side of the link has a distinctive triangle form on the surface.
Flat Curb Chain:
Compared to a non-flat curb chain, the flat curb chain will have less depth when laid out on a surface but have the same width. It can produce the appearance of a wide chain from a birds-eye view, be a lot lighter in weight, and thus often cost less.
Single Curb Chain:
Each link in a single curb chain pairs with another link before and after in a repeatable pattern.
Double Curb Chain:
There are two types of double curb chain styles. The first style involves stacking two single curb links and then linking them together. The second case is when there is just one link, but two links on either side of it fit inside the gap.
Pavé Curb Chain:
A pavé curb chain is a type of curb chain that incorporates gemstones, either synthetic or natural. Depending on the precious metal used to manufacture the pavé curb chain, the stones are embedded on the surface or along the edges of curb links.
Milled Curb Chain:
A milled curb chain has a dazzling and glittering aesthetic similar to the pave curb chain in that it appears to have stones set on the surface. This chain, however, contains no gemstones. In actuality, milling is a sophisticated technique that includes rolling a metal block with grooves over the length of a chain and leaving a pattern of imprints, resulting in a low-maintenance, worry-free – brilliant appearance.
Unlike a pave curb chain, the wearer can wear a milled curb chain daily without worrying about the stones falling out if it suffers a hard hit.
Diamond-Cut Curb Chain:
With a diamond cut curb chain, it's necessary to clarify what diamond cutting is. It is a method in which a jewelry surface is sliced extremely thin to create a highly polished surface using a diamond-tipped instrument.
You can create a diamond cut curb chain according to your own preferences; a curb chain link contains many potential surfaces and edges that can be 'cut' or 'facetted' in any segment. For example, if diamond cutting is used on the surface of a curb chain but not on the edges, the overall result can be quite different.
Hollow Curb Chain:
The hollow curb chain is similar to the rounded curb in terms of form, so there's no visual difference. However, the actual formation of the link differs significantly. For example, the links of a hollow curb chain or bracelet began as a cylinder-shaped tube with hollow space inside. The hollow portion, which cannot be seen but only felt or weighed, is hidden within this cavity. Compared to other chains, these links are more affordable because they include less metal but have the appearance and feel of a real solid chain.
Are Hollow Chains Good? Are Hollow Chains Bad?
The advantages of hollow curb chain necklaces are that they weigh less and, therefore, appear more comfortable for some wearers. Hollow curb chain necklaces are also more affordable than solid gold chains of the same style. The disadvantages of hollow chains are that they're not as strong or durable as solid gold chains, so they may bend more easily or break under stress.
In contrast, the hollow curb chain has a disadvantage in its overall lifespan and durability. Because the hollow space inside allows for less protection, and over time (because metals such as silver are softer), it may break sooner than a solid curb chain. Additionally, it's much more difficult to repair a hollow curb chain if a break occurs because the solder cannot form properly due to the hollow tube space.
Solid Curb Chain:
A solid curb chain varies in size, from delicate, moderate, thick, and thicker. A solid curb chain is made of a solid wire rather than a hollow one, resulting in improved durability and longevity. The majority of beautiful curb chains with a thinner appearance in their width are most likely constructed from a solid wire because making a wire with such a tiny hollow space is physically difficult.