Snake chain
What is a snake chain?
A snake chain is a jewellery chain made from closely joined links or metal bands. Its construction produces a smooth, flexible chain with a continuous appearance. The profile may be round or somewhat flatter, and details vary by construction.
Unseamed and seamed construction
Rio Grande’s professional guide distinguishes a traditional unseamed snake chain, made from slightly curved metal plates or bands joined closely together, from a seamed version made by compressing machine-made curb chain. The former may show a subtle zigzag along its length; the latter may have a visible longitudinal seam. These are useful construction clues but do not by themselves establish age or maker.
Do not confuse a snake chain with a serpentine chain. The same guide describes serpentine chain as tightly formed, flattened S-shaped links joined end to end. Examine the link construction before identifying a chain.
Material and identification
Snake chain names a construction and shape, not a particular metal fineness. Check the clasp and any marks separately, and compare them with the object’s construction. See OBA’s entries on 925 sterling silver and gilding.
Reference
- Rio Grande: Guide to Jewelry Chain, a trade guide comparing snake, serpentine and curb chains.
