Rope Jewelry Collection
A rope chain is made of twisted links that run together like a rope and catch light from every side. In 925 sterling silver, 18K gold plated or stainless steel, from 1.5 to 4 mm, and also as a rope bracelet.
A rope chain is made of links that spiral around each other, so the whole chain looks like a twisted rope. Hence the name. You will also see it called a twisted chain or cord chain.
Why rope stands out
Because of the spiral shape there are small facets at every angle, so the chain catches light from every side. Where a flat link gives one continuous surface of shine, rope gives one continuous sparkle without any stones involved. That is why a 2 mm rope still glitters where a smooth link of the same width stays dull.
Widths and lengths
In stainless steel, silver-tone and gold-tone, the rope chain comes in 2 and 3 mm, in 45, 50, 55 and 60 cm. In 925 sterling silver in 2, 3 and 4 mm and in 18K gold plated on 925 silver in 1.5, 2.8 and 3.8 mm, both in 50, 55 and 60 cm. The 3 mm rope bracelet comes in 16, 18, 20 and 22 cm. The gold-tone steel rope has been our best-selling rope chain over the past six months, and 55 cm is the most chosen length. Why these three exist side by side is explained in the rope chain in three tiers.
For a pendant
Rope is one of the best links to carry a pendant: round in shape, so the pendant turns with it and keeps hanging straight, and slim enough that attention goes to the pendant. Choose 2 to 3 mm under a pendant; 4 mm also stands on its own without one.
Pairing
A fine rope works well next to a wider chain, with at least 5 cm difference in length, such as a 50 cm rope under a 55 cm Cuban. The 3 mm rope bracelet fits next to a watch and goes with a rope chain in the same color.
Material
Silver-tone stainless steel is bare, polished steel: no layer to wear off, it does not discolor and you never need a silver polishing cloth. The gold-tone steel models have a five-layer PVD finish. It is harder than ordinary plating, but it is still a layer, so take them off before the shower and the gym. 925 sterling silver is heavier and has a deeper shine, which suits this link well; it tarnishes slowly and a silver cloth polishes that away. The 18K gold plated rope models have a 2.5 micron gold layer on solid silver: also a layer, so the same rule applies. Every model comes off before the pool, because chlorine is harsher than shower water.
Want to see other links? Go to king's chains, Cuban link or figaro.