For many thousands of years, it has been impossible to imagine jewellery without chains. They are equally popular with women, men and children and are available in many different designs. Depending on the shape or arrangement of the links, a distinction is made between different types of chains, such as the byzantine chain, anchor chain or Figaro chain, which are among the best-known chain shapes. While a chain is often thought of as a model that is worn around the neck, chains for arms and feet have also become established in the jewellery industry. Ornamental elements such as pearls, gemstones or pendants can be added to them. The way of producing chains today still corresponds to similar practices as in the past, even though they are now mainly made by machines. The manufacturing process of a chain basically begins with the composition of the alloy and the fusion of corresponding metals. Afterwards, the resulting metal composition is brought to the desired wire thickness in a process called wire drawing, which is then processed into a chain by professionals in special machines. By means of soldering, the links that are still open are joined together to form an interconnected strand, thus completing the basic structure of the chain.
