Sterling Silver Chains: Herringbone vs Figaro vs Curb

Not all sterling silver chains behave the same way.

A herringbone chain creates a smooth ribbon of silver across the skin. A Figaro chain has visible rhythm and movement. A curb chain brings more structure, weight, and presence.

When several chains are worn together, those differences become even more important. Texture, profile, flexibility, and visual weight all affect the way a necklace looks on the body.

Here is how three of our favourite sterling silver chain styles compare.

WHAT IS A HERRINGBONE CHAIN?

A herringbone chain is made from closely connected, flattened links arranged in a distinctive angled pattern. The result is a smooth, fluid surface that reflects light almost like 

a continuous ribbon of metal.

Herringbone chains tend to sit relatively flat against the skin, which makes them beautiful worn alone and especially useful in layered jewellery. Their clean profile creates contrast when paired with more dimensional chains, pendants, or O-rings.

THE LOOK

Herringbone chains feel polished, modern, and refined.

A fine herringbone can be delicate and understated, while a wider version becomes a statement piece without needing a pendant. Because of the broad reflective surface, even a relatively simple herringbone chain can have a strong visual presence.

WHAT IS A FIGARO CHAIN?

Figaro chains use a repeating pattern of shorter links followed by a longer link.

That alternating rhythm gives the chain more visual texture than a uniform link style. 

Figaro chains have roots in trad

itional Italian jewellery design and work beautifully in both minimalist and more substantial pieces.

THE LOOK

A Figaro chain feels classic but not plain.

The alternating links create movement and detail without becoming overly ornate. In a layered necklace, a Figaro chain can act as a bridge between a smooth chain and something heavier or more decorative.  It is also substantial enough to wear beautifully on its own.

WHAT IS A CURB CHAIN?

A curb chain is made from links that have been twisted and flattened so they lie relatively flat against one another.

Depending on the size of the links, a curb chain can range from delicate to unapologetically bold. The geometry of a curb chain gives it more visible structure than a herringbone and a more uniform rhythm than a Figaro.

THE LOOK

Curb chains bring strength and definition.

Fine curb chains can feel elegant and understated. Larger curb chains become architectural and statement-driven. Their structure makes them especially effective when you want one layer of a necklace stack to provide visual weight.

HERRINGBONE VS FIGARO VS CURB

[Certain] The easiest way to understand the difference is by how they visually behave.

WHICH CHAIN IS BEST FOR LAYERING?

There is no single best chain.

The most interesting layered jewellery usually comes from contrast.

A smooth herringbone looks very different beside a textured Figaro. A structured curb chain can add visual weight beside finer chains.

That variation is what prevents a layered necklace from looking like several versions of the same chain worn at once.

At Shield Maiden, we use contrasting chain shapes, textures, lengths, and focal elements when designing our ready-to-wear sterling silver stacks. The hard part has already been done for you.

CAN THESE CHAINS BE WORN SEPARATELY?

Yes.

One of the advantages of a layered set made from individual necklaces is flexibility.

Wear the complete stack when you want more impact, pull out one or two layers for a quieter look, or combine the chains with pieces you already own.

A herringbone may become your everyday chain. A Figaro may work beautifully with a favourite pendant. A curb chain may become the stronger statement layer. The same set can create completely different looks.

CHOOSING YOUR SILVER CHAIN

Choose herringbone if you love a smooth, polished line of silver.

Choose Figaro if you want visible texture and classic chain detail.

Choose curb if you prefer structure, presence, and defined links.

Or do what we tend to do - wear all three.

Explore The Silver Stack

Discover our Sterling Silver Layered Necklaces, featuring mixed chains, textures, pendants, and ready-to-wear combinations designed to sit beautifully together.