Pleasing to the eye with its consistent, geometric design the box chain stands out in a sea of circular and rounded chains. Also known as Venetian chain and sometimes briolette, the box chain is made by rolling round wire flat and shaping it into squares which are then attached together to form the characteristic box chain shape with its straight edges and flattened surfaces. Beyond the unusual shape this unique chain is known for its sleek look and provides a subtle visual difference while still delivering the same strength and sturdiness of similar chains.
Although the simple design of the box chain looks modern and minimalistic it was actually a design made popular in Victorian and Edwardian times. At the height of Victorian extravagance box chains were sometimes engraved or even bejewelled with a variety of colourful precious gemstones on the outer sides of the boxes. These flamboyant older designs sometimes included rectangular shapes made by stretching the square links and the resulting chains were subsequently called book chains, after the spine of a book.
Despite those elaborate designs falling out of fashion, the standard box chain remains popular having fallen back on its basic and rudimentary original design. A modern variation on the box chain is the double box consisting of two smaller square links fitted together on top of each other and connected to another paired link which creates the signature cube shape albeit without the flat edge of the regular box chain. The box chain also has another variation with links so tight it forms the illusion of a continuous sheet of silver, adding a mirror effect and greater sparkle to the chain as it naturally catches more light.
Contrary to their rigid appearance finer box chains are remarkably flexible and liquid-like, whereas the straight edges and bulk of bigger variations do make them slightly more inflexible compared to other chains.
Box chains are best suited for light and small pendants although larger pendants can also make an interesting contrast against the small boxes that make up the chain. Larger chains and the slightly curved belcher box variation can also be used for charms and pendants but sometimes there is beauty in simplicity and these chains can look their best when the focus is redirected back to the humble square design.