Curb Bracelets

Oval links twisted and then flattened, so each one interlocks and lies flat against the skin rather than standing proud. It's the oldest and most common chain pattern in jewelry, and the strongest per gram — which is why it's used for anything meant to carry weight.

The most durable common chain type. The flattened interlocking links resist twisting and don't kink the way a herringbone does, and a single failed link is a straightforward repair. If you want a bracelet you never think about, this is the pattern.

One to two fingers between chain and wrist, depending on width. Curb links lie flat, so they're more comfortable snug than a round chain would be — but a flat chain worn tight still marks the skin under a clasp.

Easily. Curb links open and close cleanly, so removing them doesn't disturb the pattern the way it does on figaro or rope chains. Any bench jeweller can shorten one in minutes.

It's the most unisex chain there is — the difference is purely width. Narrow curb reads delicate, wide curb reads masculine, and the pattern itself carries no gender association at all.

Flat links have large faces and those faces rub against sleeves and desks all day. At 3.0 microns of gold over solid sterling silver — against an industry standard of 0.2 — that's years rather than a season. Soap film in the links dulls it faster than wear does; a soft brush in warm water fixes that.