9ct Yellow Gold Diamond-Cut Anchor Chain 3.6mm 50cm

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, 3.6 mm across the nominal width and 50 cm long, weighing approximately 18.46 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 50 cm it sits just below the collarbone and clears a crew neckline, giving a pendant room to hang free of fabric. It is also the usual starting length for men.
• How it looks: At 3.6 mm this is a statement gauge. It reads clearly as a chain in its own right. It weighs about 18.5 g. The centre bars make it stiffer than a cable chain, so it holds its line instead of bunching.
• With a pendant: Usually worn on its own. It will carry a large pendant, provided the bail is wide enough to pass over the chain's end ring.
• 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: 40 cm, 45 cm, 60 cm. Metal: 18ct yellow gold. Widths: 1.54 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.54 mm, 3.02 mm.

Specification

• Metal: 9ct yellow gold (375)
• Style: Diamond-cut anchor chain
• Construction: Solid section
• Nominal width: 3.6 mm
• Nominal length: 50 cm (500 mm)
• Approximate weight: 18.46 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.