9ct Red Gold Diamond-Cut Anchor Chain 2.2mm 40cm

An anchor chain — also called a marina or mariner link — is built from oval links, each crossed by a bar through its centre, a pattern taken directly from ship's cable. The faces are diamond-cut for brightness.

This piece is 9ct red gold, 2.2 mm across the nominal width and 40 cm long, weighing approximately 4.2 g — solid throughout, not hollow-filled. The centre bar braces each link against deformation, so an anchor chain is noticeably stiffer under load than a plain cable link of the same gauge and holds its line rather than collapsing into a rope.

Will this suit me?

• Where it sits: At 40 cm it sits high, at the base of the throat, just above the collarbone. It is the shortest standard length and works best alone or as the top layer. On a larger neck it fits closely, so if it's for a man, 50 cm is the usual starting point.
• How it looks: At 2.2 mm it has real presence: enough to be worn on its own without looking heavy. It weighs about 4.2 g. The centre bars make it stiffer than a cable chain, so it holds its line instead of bunching.
• With a pendant: Carries heavier pendants, including those with a wide bail.
• Everyday wear: 9ct is the harder alloy and stands up well to daily wear. The copper that gives red gold its colour also makes the alloy hard-wearing. It is solid throughout, so a jeweller can repair or shorten it.
• Finding your length: Measure a chain you already own from end to end, clasp included, or run a piece of string around your neck to where you'd like it to sit. Our sizing guide has more help.
• Other options: Length: 45 cm. Metals: 18ct yellow gold, 9ct white gold, 9ct yellow gold.

Specification

• Metal: 9ct red gold (375)
• Style: Diamond-cut anchor chain
• Construction: Solid section
• Nominal width: 2.2 mm
• Nominal length: 40 cm (400 mm)
• Approximate weight: 4.2 g
• Finish: Diamond-cut and polished
• Worn as: Necklace or pendant chain

9ct red gold takes its colour from copper in the alloy at 375 parts per thousand fine gold. Copper also hardens the metal, so red gold wears particularly well.

Servicing. The centre bar means the link cannot simply be opened and closed; alteration is a cutting and soldering job rather than a bending one.

Weights are supplier figures and are approximate; small variation between individual pieces is normal in chain manufacture.