9ct Yellow 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 yellow gold, 2.2 mm across the nominal width and 40 cm long, weighing approximately 4.27 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 4.3 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. 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: Lengths: 45 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm. Metals: 18ct yellow gold, 9ct red gold, 9ct white gold. Widths: 1.54 mm, 2.54 mm, 3.02 mm, 3.6 mm.

Specification

• Metal: 9ct yellow gold (375)
• Style: Diamond-cut anchor chain
• Construction: Solid section
• Nominal width: 2.2 mm
• Nominal length: 40 cm (400 mm)
• Approximate weight: 4.27 g
• Finish: Diamond-cut and polished
• Worn as: Necklace or pendant chain

9ct yellow gold is 375 parts per thousand fine gold. The higher alloy content makes it hard and more scratch-resistant than 18ct, which is why it's always been the popular choice for everyday wear.

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.