Gold Chain Types: Cuban, Figaro, Rope & More (2026)
Last Updated: October 10, 2026
Quick Answer
Gold chains are named after how their links are shaped and joined. The most common types are cable (simple round links), box (square links), rope (links twisted into a spiral), Figaro (a repeating pattern of long and short links), Cuban or Miami Cuban (thick, flattened interlocking links), and mariner, also called anchor (oval links with a bar across the centre, like a boat chain). The right chain depends on whether it holds a pendant or is worn alone, and on whether it is hollow or solid gold. This guide explains each link type and how to choose.
Table of Contents
A gold chain is one of the most personal pieces of jewellery, and the link style decides almost everything about how it looks and wears: how it catches light, how heavy it feels, how well it survives daily life, and whether it suits a pendant or stands on its own. This guide walks through every common chain type, from delicate cable to bold Miami Cuban, so you can tell them apart and pick the right one.
How chains get their names
Almost every chain is named for the shape of its links or the way they connect. A cable chain is just oval links joined in a row; a box chain uses square links; a rope chain twists many small links into a spiral. Once you know that the name is simply describing the link, the whole category becomes easy to read. A few names come from an object the pattern resembles, such as the mariner (or anchor) chain, whose links echo the chain on a boat.
Two things vary independently of the link style: the width (a thin cable and a thick cable are the same chain at different scales) and whether the gold is hollow or solid, which we cover below.
The main chain types
Cable
The simplest and most classic chain: identical oval links connected one to the next. It is light, strong for its weight and understated, which makes it the default choice for holding a pendant. If you are not sure what chain you want, a cable is rarely wrong.
Box
Square (box-shaped) links sit flush in a smooth, angular line that reflects light from flat faces rather than curves. A box chain is sleek and modern, holds a pendant well, and its even shape resists kinking. It reads a little more contemporary than a cable.
Rope
Many small links twisted together into a spiral that looks like woven rope. The twist throws light from every angle, so a rope chain sparkles more than most and feels substantial. It is a popular stand-alone chain and a strong choice when you want presence without a pendant.
Figaro
A patterned curb chain with a repeating rhythm of links, usually one long link followed by two or three shorter ones. The irregular pattern gives it character and an unmistakably Italian look. Figaro is a favourite for worn-alone chains and suits both men and women.
Cuban and Miami Cuban
Thick, interlocking links that lie flat against the skin, the Cuban link is the boldest, most substantial chain. The Miami Cuban is a heavier, more tightly packed version with a polished, almost solid look, long associated with a statement men's gold chain. A diamond Cuban adds stones set into the links for extra sparkle. It is as much a status piece as a chain, and it wears best as the single hero of an outfit.
Mariner (anchor)
A mariner chain, also called an anchor chain, uses oval links each crossed by a bar through the centre, the same design as the chain on a ship. The result is distinctive and nautical, bolder than a cable but lighter than a Cuban. It works worn alone or with a pendant, and its flat profile sits comfortably. The mariner is having a real moment as a unisex everyday chain.
Slim Box ChainFrom $963
Paperclip LinkFrom $911
Crossover Y LariatFrom $935
Cushion SolitaireFrom $1,003
Diamond ButterflyFrom $900
Other links worth knowing
Beyond the big six, a few more link styles come up often:
- Curb: oval links twisted and flattened so they lie flush. The parent style that Figaro and Cuban both build on.
- Snake: tightly linked plates that form a smooth, flexible tube with no visible gaps, sleek and very fluid.
- Herringbone: flat, slanted links in a parallel weave that looks like a ribbon of solid gold. Striking but prone to kinking if bent.
- Wheat (Spiga): four strands of twisted links woven into a tight, textured braid, strong and elegant.
- Paperclip: elongated rectangular links like a row of paperclips, a modern, fashion-forward look that suits a small pendant or charms.
Which chain for a pendant vs worn solo
The job of the chain decides the style. A chain that holds a pendant should stay out of the way and let the pendant lead, so a fine cable or box chain is ideal: understated, smooth and strong enough for the weight. A heavier pendant wants a slightly thicker version of the same, but still a simple link so the eye goes to the pendant.
A chain worn on its own is the jewellery, so it can be bolder: a rope, Figaro, Cuban or mariner all carry an outfit without a pendant. As a rule, match the chain weight to the pendant: a delicate pendant on a thick Cuban looks mismatched, and a large pendant drags on a too-fine chain.
Crescent & StarFrom $1,984
Pave CrossFrom $1,928
Asscher SolitaireFrom $2,097
Open Circle SwirlFrom $371
Open Leaf AccentFrom $329
Hollow vs solid gold
This is the detail that explains why two chains that look identical can differ wildly in price, and the one most worth understanding before you buy.
A solid gold chain is exactly that: gold all the way through. A hollow chain has a tube-like link with empty space inside, so it uses less gold and costs much less, at the price of being easier to dent and harder to repair. Hollow chains let a thick-looking chain stay affordable and light, which is how many large Cuban chains are made. For a chain you will wear every day and want to last, solid gold is the sounder buy. For a big look on a budget, hollow is the trade-off.
Whatever the link, check the gold is real and stamped for its karat. Our guide on how to tell if gold is real covers the hallmark stamps and the at-home tests, and our 10K vs 14K vs 18K guide explains what each karat means for colour and durability.
What Riona makes
A straight answer, since this guide covers every chain type: Riona specialises in diamond pendant necklaces on fine solid-gold chains, not heavy worn-alone gold chains. We do not stock Figaro, rope or large Miami Cuban gold chains as necklaces. What we do make is a slim box chain, plus a wide range of lab-grown diamond pendants that hang beautifully on a fine cable or box chain, all in solid 10K, 14K or 18K gold.
For men's pieces, including our diamond Cuban-link bracelet, see the men's diamond jewellery guide. If you want a specific chain style made to order, our team can tell you honestly what is possible.
Diamond Pendants on Solid-Gold Chains
Browse lab-grown diamond pendant necklaces on fine solid-gold chains, made to order in 10K, 14K or 18K gold. Conflict-free, free express shipping, 30-day free returns.