Cable Chain vs Rope Chain: Which Is Better?

Not sure whether to buy the cable chain or the rope chain? Need some advice on which is best for you? We’ve got you covered. Each of these chains has its own set of pros, cons and even differences. By understanding these differences, you will get a better idea of which chain is best for you. 

In this blog, we compared the cable chain vs the rope chain. We’ll highlight their pros, cons and differences. By the end of this, you'll understand each of these chains and feel more confident when choosing between them. 

Cable Chain

A cable chain consists of round or oval links connected to each other. The chain resembles the pattern of a traditional chain. 

Pros

• Timeless - the simple design of the cable chain makes it timeless. This is a chain that will stand the test of time and be relevant in the coming years.
• Versatile - the cable chain is a super versatile style of chain. Ranging from 1 to 5mm, this chain is great to wear with casual and formal outfits. At the same time, they are great for holding delicate pendants. 
• Durable - the cable chain’s link pattern allows it to withstand daily wear and tear better than most chains.
• Easy to clean - gaps between each link in a cable chain have more space, making them easier to clean. 
• Lightweight - the links in the cable chain are thinner and more delicate. This gives the chain a lightweight feel whilst worn, making it ideal for daily wear. 
• Less prone to catching on body hair - gaps between each link in the cable chain are larger. This allows hair to pass through and out of them easily without getting trapped. 
• Flexible - each link in the cable chain is able to move in multiple directions whilst still being linked. This gives the chain great flexibility. 
• Easy to repair - the simple chain structure of the cable chain makes it easy to repair. Often, the cable chain will only require basic soldering to fix. 

Cons

• Can’t hold heavier pendants - cable chains tend to only range from 1 to 5mm in width. This means they are not suitable for holding heavier pendants.

Rope Chain

3mm 316L Stainless Steel Rope Chain By Sky Austria

The rope chain is characterised by its twisted structure. Rope chains features many small curved links that have been put together to form a rope-like structure. 

Pros

• Timeless - the twisted design of the rope chain is a classic look that will be relevant for years to come. 
• Versatile - these chains are versatile and work with both casual and formal outfits. They can range from 1mm all the way up to 8mm in width. They are also great worn on their own or layered with pendants and other chains. 
• Durable - the rope chain is durable because of its link structure. That consists of links that are twisted into each other. 
• Able to hold heavier pendants - the rope chain's durability means it is perfect for holding heavy pendants.
• Sparkle  - the twisted surface of the rope chain allows it to reflect and refract light whilst being worn. 
• Resistant to tangling - the rope chain doesn't have any interlocking links. This allows the chain to be rigid and resistant to tangling. 

Cons

• Limited flexibility - links are not interlocking. This limits the flexibility of the rope chain. If you bend the chain with enough force you can dislodge a link. 
• Hard to repair - the complex structure of the rope chain makes it hard to repair. Often, when there is damage to one area, there will be other areas that are also damaged. 
• Heavy - The twisted design of the rope chain means that overall the chain has more links than other styles of chain. More materials are needed for this, adding to the overall weight of the chain. 
• Prone to catching on body hair - gaps between each link on the rope chain are tiny. This means it is easy for body hairs to get stuck between gaps.

Learn more about rope chains by reading our blog, which covers all things rope chain. 

Differences Between The Cable Chain vs Rope Chain

• Appearance - the cable chain consists of identical round or oval links that are interlinked. The rope chain consists of many tiny rounded links that are connected to form a twisting pattern. 
• Weight - the rope chain is much heavier than the cable chain. This is because the chain features many more links packed together. Overall the chain also uses much more materials than a cable chain. 
• Sparkle  - the rope chain is shinier than the cable chain. The twisted link structure of the rope chain allows it to reflect and refract light well when worn. 
• Tangling - the rope chain is more resistant to tangling than the cable chain. This is because the chain doesn’t consist of interlocking links. This overall gives the chain a more rigid structure. 
• Repairability - the cable chain is much easier to repair than the rope chain. This is because the chain pattern is much simpler.

Cable Chain vs Rope Chain: Which Is Better?

Whether the cable chain or rope chain is better for you will depend on various factors. These include personal preference, styling requirements and even budget! 

The Cable chain is a must-have for someone looking for a simple looking chain that is lightweight, easy to repair if damage occurs, is extremely flexible and overall less prone to catching on hair. 

Whilst the rope chain is better suited for someone looking for a more eye catching chain that sparkles in the light, is resistant to tangling and is able to hold heavier types of pendants. 

Conclusion

Now that we have compared the cable chain vs rope chain, you should know each one’s pros, cons and differences. When making a purchase decision, consider all of the points above, as well as your own style, preferences and budget. 

Overall the cable chain is the perfect choice for someone looking for a lightweight, simple and flexible chain that has a more delicate look to it. 

Whilst the rope chain is best for someone looking for a heavy, eye-catching, durable and rigid chain that will last a lifetime.