Necklace Terms

Bail
A bail is the metal part of a pendant which the pendant hangs from on the chain.

Barrel Catch (or barrel clasp)
Named because of the resemblance to a barrel, this clasp connects two ends of a chain necklace with two halves which screw together.

Box Chain
One of the strongest chain types, it uses small links to form interlocking boxes.

Box Clasp (or tongue-and-groove clasp)
Used to attach two ends of a chain, the box clasp uses a box with a notch on one end and a metal spring that slips into the box. When the two are joined, it locks the clasp in place.

Byzantine Chain
A byzantine chain contains multiple oval links that are connected in a way that they form a woven chain.

Cable Chain
A cable chain is any chain comprised of round or oval links all the same size.

Choker
A style of necklace that sits close to the neck. It is usually 14 to 16 inches long.

Clasp
A clasp is an adjustable catch, bent plate, or hook that joins two ends of a necklace to create one closed loop. Clasps can be simple or hidden, as well as ornate to add to the design.

Collar
Typically, a necklace that sits close to the neck with strands hanging down. It is usually 12 to 14 inches. It sits higher up than a choker.

Curb-link Chain
A curb-link chain is made of oval links which can lay flat while interlocking.

Foxtail Chain
A foxtail chain is an elaborate chain containing three rows of links braided together.

Herringbone Chain
A herringbone chain uses small, slanted links that fit together tightly at an angle and form a flat chain.

Hidden-box Clasp
Perfect for styles that hide the clasp, this is a clasp that is hidden under the last link of the chain.

Lariat
Typically, a cord necklace, it features two open ends that hang in the front which can be left loose or tied in a knot.

Links
Links are the loops, whether round, square, oval, or other shapes, that join together to form a chain.

Lobster-claw Clasp
The lobster-claw clasp uses a hook like a hinged lobster claw to secure one end of a chain to a ring on the other end. This is one of the most secure clasp types.

Locket
A locket is a hinged case pendant on a chain that is typically designed to hold a photograph or other small memento.

Matinee
Perfect for a semi-formal occasion, this type of necklace is 20 to 25 inches long. It can be worn for day or night since it is a versatile length.

Opera
When worn at the usual length of 28 to 34 inches long, this is a formal style of necklace. They can also be doubled around the neck twice for a daytime look that offers layers.

Princess-length Necklace
These tend to be the most popular necklaces because they are ideal for everyday wear. They are usually a length range from 16 to 19 inches.

Rope Necklace
A long necklace that is usually 37 inches or longer meant for formal wear. It is a dramatic style since it usually hangs down to the waist or below.

Snake Chain
A bendable chain style that uses metal rings connected side by side instead of the usual link method. They are named because they look similar to a snake in appearance.

Spring-ring Clasp
A popular clasp, the spring ring is one end of the china and a hook sits on the other. The ring has a small tension tab that opens a gap to allow for the hook to be looped through.

Toggle Clasp
A simple closure that lets a bar pass through a circle to create a lock. It is one of the easier ones to use.