Cable Chain Necklaces
Cable chain necklaces have been on necks for a few thousand years, and the chain hasn't changed because it doesn't need to. Simple round or oval links, one through the next. It moves easily, lies flat, and takes any pendant you've got. If you only own one chain, there's a good argument for it being one of these.
Our cable necklaces run from 2mm, which is fine enough to disappear under a small pendant, up to 10mm, where the links are big enough to be the point on their own. All of them are 316L stainless steel, silver or 18k gold plated, so they don't tarnish, don't turn your neck green, and you can keep them on in the shower and in bed.
They're sold by length in centimetres, from 35cm to 90cm, which is a wider range than most stores offer. Measure where you'd like it to sit, and if you want the option of wearing it a little longer some days, choose the extender and we fit it before it ships. A 2mm or 3mm is the one to buy for a pendant. A 4mm or 5mm is the one to wear alone under a shirt. We've got the same chain as a choker and a bracelet in matching widths, so a set is easy if you want one.
Which width should I get?
2mm carries a pendant up to about 20mm and layers under anything; it is the width most people buy first. 3mm is a little more visible and carries pendants up to 30mm. 4mm shows on its own as a chain and still takes a pendant. 6mm is a chain you wear for itself. 10mm is a chunky cable, flat and heavy, worn alone. For a pendant you already own, match the chain to the pendant's bail; most take 2mm to 4mm.
What length do I need?
Cable necklaces come in 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80 and 90cm. 45cm sits at the collarbone and is the standard length for a chain worn alone. 50cm is the pendant length for most people. 40cm sits at the throat. 60cm and above hang low and are for layering under shorter chains or for a large pendant over a shirt. The optional 4 inch extender adds up to 10cm to any length.
Why cable rather than another link?
Because it disappears. A cable chain does not compete with a pendant, does not twist, and does not snag. It is the chain jewellers hang everything from for that reason. If you want the chain itself to be looked at, buy a Cuban or a Figaro instead. If you want a chain that carries something else, buy cable.
Will it tarnish or turn my skin green?
No. A plain chain is where plating wears through first because it rubs the collar all day. There is no plate on the silver cable; it is solid 316L stainless steel. The gold cable is 18k gold plated over that steel, not brass, so no copper and no green line.
Can I wear it in the shower?
Yes. A cable chain has nothing for water to get into; wear it in the shower and dry it when you get out.
Is it hypoallergenic?
For most wearers, yes. The back of the neck under a plain chain is where a nickel rash starts on cheap jewellery, and there is no nickel plating on these.
Which fastening do they use?
A lobster clasp sized to the chain, small on the 2mm and oversized on the 10mm, with the optional extender hooked to it.
Silver or gold?
A cable chain shows very little metal, so the choice matters less here than on a wide chain. Silver 2mm cable disappears; gold 2mm cable reads as a thread of colour. Under a pendant, match the pendant. Worn alone, match your rings.
What comes in the box?
A black velvet pouch. Where a gift box is offered, you'll see it as an option on the product page.
Shop By Collection
Returns
Quick and Simple Returns*
Lifetime Guarantee
On all of our Stainless Steel Range