Figaro Chain Silver Stainless Steel (3mm & 6mm)

Figaro Chain Silver Stainless Steel (3mm & 6mm) that still looks like a chain at 3mm

The figaro owes its recognizability to the rhythm: three short links, then a longer one, repeating over the whole length. That is why this chain is still clearly recognizable as a chain at 3mm, where an ordinary link at that width quickly disappears. The base is stainless steel, polished to a silver tone: there is no layer on it, because the steel itself already has that color.

Product details

• Material: stainless steel, polished silver-tone

• Widths: 3mm and 6mm

• Lengths: 45, 50 and 55 cm

• Clasp: lobster clasp

• Delivered in a Carpe Ice jewelry box

Why the Figaro Rhythm Works

On a chain where every link is the same, your eye sees only a line from a distance. The broken pattern of the figaro gives that line structure, and that is precisely why it has been popular for decades with people who want something that stands out without being wide. The longer link also catches more light than the short ones, so the chain lights up unevenly rather than evenly as you move. That makes it livelier than a Cuban of the same width.

Why Silver Is More Practical Here Than Gold

On a figaro the long link protrudes further and therefore rubs along collar and clothing more than the short ones do. On a gold-tone figaro that is where the gold layer thins first and leaves a lighter patch. This chain has no layer at all: the silver tone is the polished steel itself, so there is nothing that can wear off and the tone runs right through.

3mm or 6mm

The 3mm is refined and works well alongside other pieces or under a shirt. The 6mm has clearly heavier links and is meant to be worn alone. If you want a pendant on it, choose 3mm: at 6mm most bails no longer fit over the long link.

Which Length, and What if You Want to Layer

At 45 cm (18 in) the chain stays mostly inside a collar, 50 cm (20 in) falls around the collarbone and is our best-selling length, and at 55 cm (22 in) it hangs free on the chest. If you are layering, length matters more than width: leave at least 10 cm difference, or the long figaro links catch in the other chain. Silver tone is the easiest color to stack with, because it clashes with almost nothing.

Care

You do not need to take this chain off to wash your hands, walk through rain or shower: there is no layer that could wear off. Do take it off before the pool, because chlorine is harsher than shower water. Take the gold-tone figaro chain off before the shower and sport, though, because that one does have a layer over the same steel. Rinse it under the tap after seawater or chlorine. You will never need silver polish, because no tarnish forms of the kind you get on real silver. To freshen it up, use lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft toothbrush; on a figaro dirt collects mainly where the short links grip into the long one.

Styling

Silver-tone steel matches the case and bracelet of almost any steel watch, which makes this chain easy to wear. If you want a set, the figaro bracelet in the same width is the logical addition. If you combine it with a second chain, choose a different link type: two figaros side by side gets busy.