Gold Chain Types for Wholesale: Nine Styles and Their German Names

150 150 Golden Planet

Published 14 October 2026 · By Golden Planet

Chains are where naming causes the most confusion in the gold trade. The same chain can have one name in English, another in German and a third in Polish or Turkish, and sometimes the same name means two different chains. A clear name, a model code and a full specification save time on both sides.

This guide covers the nine chain styles we produce in Istanbul, with their German trade names (Kettenarten), and lists what to specify when you order gold chains for a German shop, wholesale business, buying group, department store or online store.

The nine chain styles at a glance

English name German name Construction Typical use Solid or hollow
Anchor Ankerkette Oval links, each set at a right angle to the next Pendant chains, everyday necklaces, bracelets Solid or hollow
Curb Panzerkette Uniform links twisted so that the chain lies flat Necklaces and bracelets, often for men; pendant chains Solid or hollow
Rope Kordelkette Small links joined in a spiral that looks like a twisted rope Necklaces and pendant chains for men and women Solid or hollow
Singapore Singapurkette Twisted, interlocking links that form a fluid, wave-like line Fine necklaces and bracelets Solid
Rolo (belcher) Erbskette Round links of equal size with a full, rounded profile Pendant chains, bracelets Solid or hollow
Bismarck Bismarckkette Several rows of links interlocked into a dense band Heavier necklaces and bracelets, often for men Solid
Figaro Figarokette Flat links in a repeating pattern of short and long links Necklaces and bracelets for men and women Solid
Foxtail Fuchsschwanzkette V-shaped links woven into a flexible, rounded rope Necklaces and bracelets with a smooth feel Solid
Mona Lisa No established German term (trade name Mona Lisa) Flat, closely set double links that lie smoothly Necklaces and bracelets Solid

The nine styles in detail

Anchor chain (Ankerkette)

The anchor chain is the classic all-rounder: oval links, each turned at a right angle to the next. It is simple, versatile and easy to combine with pendants. We make it in solid and hollow versions.

A naming tip: in some English-speaking markets, “anchor chain” also refers to the mariner chain, which has a bar across each link. In German trade usage, Ankerkette means the plain oval-link chain. Confirm the style with a photo or model code.

Curb chain (Panzerkette)

The curb chain is made of uniform links that are twisted so that the chain lies flat. It has a clean, even surface and a solid presence, which makes it a classic for men’s necklaces and bracelets. Lighter gauges also work as pendant chains.

We make curb chains in solid and hollow versions. Because curb chains come in a very wide range of widths and weights, state both on the order.

Rope chain (Kordelkette)

The rope chain joins small links in a spiral, so the finished chain looks like a twisted rope. The spiral catches the light from every side, which gives even fine gauges a strong shine.

It works on its own or as a pendant chain, in both men’s and women’s ranges. We make rope chains in solid and hollow versions.

Singapore chain (Singapurkette)

The Singapore chain is made of twisted links that interlock in a wave-like pattern. It moves fluidly and reflects light from many angles, so even fine gauges look lively.

It works well as a delicate necklace on its own or as a fine pendant chain, and it suits customers who want a chain that looks more detailed than a plain anchor.

Rolo chain (Erbskette)

The rolo chain has round links of equal size. Its German name, Erbskette, comes from Erbse (pea), after the round shape of the links. In British English, a similar chain is also called a belcher chain.

Its fuller profile makes it a good choice for pendants and for bracelets, where the round links give a clear, even rhythm. We make rolo chains in solid and hollow versions.

Bismarck chain (Bismarckkette)

The Bismarck chain interlocks several rows of links into a dense, compact band. It has a heavier, more substantial look than single-row chains and is often chosen for men’s necklaces and bracelets.

Because it uses more gold per centimetre than most other styles, agree the weight and width carefully when you plan price points.

Figaro chain (Figarokette)

The figaro chain alternates flat short links with a longer link in a repeating pattern, commonly three short links followed by one long link. Other rhythms are possible, so state the pattern you want on the order.

It is a recognisable classic for both men’s and women’s ranges.

Foxtail chain (Fuchsschwanzkette)

The foxtail chain is made of V-shaped links woven into a flexible, rounded rope. It has a smooth, almost textile feel and a strong, even shine along its length.

It suits necklaces and bracelets for customers who want a solid look without sharp edges.

Mona Lisa chain

The Mona Lisa chain is a flat style with closely set double links that lie smoothly against the skin. The name is a trade name used in Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland. There is no established German term, so order it by model code and photo.

What to specify when ordering gold chains

A chain name alone is not a specification. These points avoid most misunderstandings between buyer and manufacturer:

Specification Why it matters Example
Fineness (Feingehalt) Sets gold content, price and the stamp 585
Length Necklace and bracelet lengths differ by range 45 cm
Width Defines the look and, with weight, the price point 3 mm
Weight Gold content drives the cost of each piece Grams per piece
Solid or hollow (massiv or hohl) Affects weight, feel, durability and price Hollow anchor chain
Clasp Spring ring (Federring) or lobster clasp (Karabinerverschluss) Lobster clasp
Surface Polished or diamond-cut (diamantiert) Diamond-cut
Stamp Fineness in thousandths and, for private label, your brand 585 + brand
Model code Removes any doubt about the style Code from our catalogue

The examples are for illustration only. For the German market, the fineness stamp should be in thousandths, as the Feingehaltsgesetz requires for jewellery. Visible parts in another metal that are needed for a mechanism, such as the spring in a clasp, are disregarded when fineness is assessed. Our guide to hallmarking rules in Germany explains the details, and our karat and fineness guide helps you choose between 333, 375, 585, 750 and 875.

Solid and hollow chains

In a hollow chain (German: hohl), the links are made from thin-walled gold tube instead of solid wire. For the same width, a hollow chain uses less gold, so it is lighter and reaches a lower price point while keeping a substantial look. The trade-off is durability: hollow links dent more easily than solid ones, which matters for chains that are worn every day.

We make four styles in both solid and hollow versions: anchor, curb, rope and rolo. Our Singapore, Bismarck, figaro, foxtail and Mona Lisa chains are made solid. State solid or hollow on every order line, together with the weight per piece. See our hollow gold chains page for styles, karats and ordering details.

Polished and diamond-cut chains

A polished chain has smooth links with an even, mirror-like shine. On a diamond-cut chain (German: diamantiert), small flat facets are cut into the links with a diamond-tipped tool. The facets reflect light from many angles, so the chain sparkles more. Diamond cutting is a surface finish: it does not add stones and it does not change the fineness.

All nine styles are available polished or diamond-cut, in every fineness we offer, both from stock and made to order. State the surface on every order line, together with the model code. Diamond-cut chains are made solid; hollow chains are supplied polished. More on diamond-cut gold chains, including rings and wedding bands.

Karats, lead times and private label

Our chains are available in 333 (8K), 375 (9K), 585 (14K) and 750 (18K), and in 875 (21K) for selected EU markets, including Germany. The catalogue shows which styles, lengths and widths are available in each fineness. We do not sell 10K (417) in Europe.

  • Stock items are dispatched within 2 working days.
  • Made-to-order production takes 4–6 weeks, and express production is available.
  • On private label orders, we stamp your brand on each piece.
  • We also develop custom designs from a brief, sketch or reference piece.

Golden Planet is an Istanbul-based gold jewellery manufacturer and exporter that sells only to trade buyers. See our products and wholesale page, read our checklist for sourcing gold jewellery from Türkiye, or contact our sales team to request the trade catalogue.

Frequently asked questions

Which gold chain styles do you produce?

We produce nine chain styles in Istanbul: anchor (Ankerkette), curb (Panzerkette), rope (Kordelkette), Singapore (Singapurkette), rolo (Erbskette), Bismarck (Bismarckkette), figaro (Figarokette), foxtail (Fuchsschwanzkette) and Mona Lisa.

Do you make hollow gold chains?

Yes. Anchor, curb, rope and rolo chains are available hollow as well as solid. A hollow chain uses less gold for the same width, so it is lighter and costs less, but it dents more easily than a solid chain. See hollow gold chains.

Do you make diamond-cut gold chains?

Yes. All nine of our chain styles are available polished or diamond-cut (German: diamantiert; in Türkiye: traşlı), in every fineness we offer, both from stock and made to order. Diamond cutting means cutting small flat facets into the link surface with a diamond-tipped tool, so the chain catches more light. It is a surface finish and does not involve any stones. We also make diamond-cut rings, wedding bands, necklaces and bracelets. See diamond-cut gold chains.

What is the German name for a rolo chain?

In German, a rolo chain is usually called an Erbskette, after Erbse (pea), because of its round links. In British English, a similar chain is also known as a belcher chain.

Can you stamp our brand on gold chains?

Yes. On private label orders, we stamp your brand on each piece. We apply the fineness mark you specify; for the German market, it should be given in thousandths, for example 585.

How quickly can gold chains be shipped?

Stock items are dispatched within 2 working days. Made-to-order chains take 4–6 weeks, and express production is available. These times refer to dispatch, not delivery.

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