Byzantine Chain Silver Stainless Steel (6mm)

Byzantine Chain Silver Stainless Steel (6mm) With the Most Depth in the Range

The byzantine link builds up wider and fuller than most weaves: the loops sit loosely enough for shadows to fall between the links. That makes this the most three dimensional chain in our collection, and it looks heavier than its 6mm suggests. The base is stainless steel, polished to a silver tone: there's no layer on it, because the steel itself already has that color.

Product details

• Material: stainless steel, polished silver tone

• Width: 6mm

• Lengths: 50, 55 and 60 cm

• Clasp: lobster clasp

• Delivered in a Carpe Ice jewelry box

Byzantine or King's Link?

These are two different weaves, even though people often use the names interchangeably. The byzantine link you see here has wider loops and more depth, so you can clearly make out the pattern up close. The king's link is tighter and more even, with a calmer repetition that looks like one continuous piece. If that calmer pattern is what you're after, take a look at the silver king's chain in 5mm.

Why Silver Matters on This Weave

A byzantine link has far more edges and hollows than a flat chain, and those edges are where a finish takes the hardest wear. On this chain there's no finish to wear: the silver color is the polished steel itself, so nothing can wear off and wear leaves no lighter patch. The gold tone byzantine chain has a layer over the same steel, and those raised loops are exactly where you'd notice it first.

50, 55 or 60 cm

This chain is thick, and that changes how each length hangs. A 6mm byzantine link needs room to move: at 50 cm (20 in) it sits tight against the neck and the weave gets pulled straight, and that's exactly where the depth disappears. At 55 cm (22 in) it hangs loosely enough to give, and that's our most popular length; at 60 cm (24 in) it falls free on the chest. This one looks best without layering, because a second chain catches between the loops.

How It Wears

At 6mm this is a chain that draws attention, so wear it on its own or, at most, next to something clearly finer. The weave is supple, so it follows your neck instead of standing stiff. We'd skip the pendant here: the loops are too thick for most bails, and the chain makes enough of a statement by itself.

Care

You don't need to take it off to wash your hands, walk in the rain or shower: there's no layer on it that can wear through. Do take it off before the swimming pool, because chlorine is harsher than shower water. The gold tone version does have a layer over the steel, so take that one off before the shower and sports; that's the only difference in care between the two. Rinse it under the tap after seawater or chlorine. You'll never need silver polish, because it doesn't tarnish the way real silver does. To freshen it up, use lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft toothbrush: on this weave, dirt sits deeper between the loops than on almost any other link, and that's exactly what takes the depth out of the pattern.

Styling

Silver tone steel matches the case and bracelet of almost any steel watch. If you want a set, the byzantine bracelet in the same width and tone is the obvious addition. Prefer gold? The same chain in gold tone is its counterpart.