| Sterling silver curb chains have been an extremely | | | | This attractive and very popular design features |
| popular style for many years. There are several | | | | long and short links in a set pattern -- the most |
| good, solid reasons for this popularity. They are | | | | common type is 3 short links, then one long link in |
| attractive and fashionable, they are available in a | | | | a repeating pattern. Similar designs can be one |
| huge variety of styles and they are a strong | | | | short and one long in an alternating pattern, or |
| basic chain. | | | | five short links followed by one long link. Another |
| Many chains are as thick as they are wide. Curb | | | | very popular variation of the basic curb is the |
| chains are more wide than thick, so they lie flat | | | | Mariner or Marina chain. This style has a bar |
| on the wearer. This design is a modified cable | | | | across the center of the oval links dividing them |
| chain. Both are simple link in link chains. Curb chains | | | | into two halves; other than the shapes of the |
| are flattened, so the links nest inside each other. | | | | links or long/short pattern these styles are made |
| A simple sterling silver cable chain can be placed | | | | just like the classic curb design. |
| between two pieces of leather and lightly | | | | It can be difficult to find a gift for men, but an |
| hammered with a rawhide mallet to flatten it into | | | | attractive sterling silver chain is always a welcome |
| a basic curb chain. There are many variations on | | | | surprise! The average man wears an 8 to 8 |
| the basic style, of course. These popular sterling | | | | ½ inch long bracelet, and a big man may |
| silver chains are made in a good range of sizes | | | | need up to an inch more. Most men prefer chains |
| less starting at less than 1mm wide to heavy | | | | that are at least 5mm wide and wear neck chains |
| styles more than 10mm wide. Women usually opt | | | | between 22 inches and 28 inches long, but this |
| for the finer chains; the classic man's style is a | | | | really depends on personal taste. |
| big, bold silver curb chain. | | | | Jewelry is one of those little luxuries we just do |
| Another reason this style is so popular is because | | | | not want to go without. Everyone likes to look |
| jewelers use it as a component part. Most ID | | | | good, and a bit of sparkle adds a nice accent. In |
| bracelets are made with this type of chain; it is | | | | tight economic times we all need to get the best |
| also popular for key rings and is often used as a | | | | value we can when we spend our money, and |
| component in watch chains, eyeglass holders and | | | | right now sterling silver chains are a smart buy |
| ID tag holders. | | | | for the amount of money spent. When compared |
| Traditionally this design is made with round wire | | | | to the cost of other precious metal jewelry, |
| links. Round wire curbs have a very smooth and | | | | sterling jewelry is still reasonably priced. Silver |
| fluid appearance. Many men like large sized filed | | | | chains can be worn for many years, and can |
| curb chains -- the top surfaces of the round wire | | | | even be passed down to the next generation. |
| are filed flat and polished. This style is sometimes | | | | Sterling silver jewelry always has value, even if it |
| called diamond cut or Cuban link chain. The links | | | | is broken. If a silver chain is broken, it can usually |
| can also be elongated or stretched into longer, | | | | be repaired. Some things just never go out of |
| oval shapes for a completely different look. | | | | style, and the curb will always be a popular choice |
| A common twist of this style is the Figaro chain. | | | | when it comes to choosing a new silver chain! |