Short version: a Singapore is a curb chain where every link is twisted a quarter turn, so the whole thing spirals and catches light from every angle when it moves. It's probably the most sparkle you can get for the money, it weighs almost nothing, and it's mostly a thin chain. Our 1.6 is 2 grams and starts at $13. If you want a delicate chain that flashes when you turn your head, this is the one.
How it's made
Start with a curb, flat oval links all lying the same way. Twist each link so the chain corkscrews. That's it, that's a Singapore. The twist means there's always a link facing the light whichever way the chain turns, so it glitters without any diamond cutting. Rope sparkles for the same reason, it's twisted, but rope is several strands and this is one, which is why it's so thin and light.
Singapore, rope, curb
- Curb is where it starts. Flat links, lies flat, no twist, not much sparkle.
- Singapore is curb with the twist. Same single strand, now it spirals and glitters. Thin.
- Rope is a few strands twisted together. Thicker, heavier, costs more, sparkles more once you get into the bigger widths.
Under about 2.5mm a Singapore gives you most of what a rope does for a fraction of the weight and money. Over 3, rope takes over, Singapore just doesn't come that big.
Width and weight
- 1.0mm, 1 gram, $8. About as thin as a chain can be and still be a chain. Pendant chain, or a layering chain you barely notice.
- 1.6mm, 2 grams, $13 to $22. The one most people get. You can see it, it sparkles, still delicate.
- 2.3mm, 4 grams, $19 to $34. Widest we have. Looks like a real chain on its own. Also comes in tri-color over sterling, silver and gold and rose twisted together.
16 to 30 inch on the silver ones.
Pendants
The 1.6 and 2.3 both take a small or medium pendant, and the twist actually helps because the bail doesn't slide around. The 1.0 is a charm chain, not a pendant chain. Don't hang anything heavy on a Singapore, it's one thin strand and it'll stretch. Heavy pendant, that's a different chain.
Finishes
Sterling, and the tri-color on the 2.3. The tri-color is a nice trick on this chain specifically, the twist shows all three colors rotating as it moves. Usual note, color over sterling is a coating, it'll wear at the clasp eventually, the silver under it is solid.
Taking care of it
It tangles. The twist grabs other chains. Store it loose with the rest and it'll knot, and a 1mm knot is a bad ten minutes. Hang it or keep it in its own pouch. It doesn't kink though, which is more than the flat chains can say, and a knot always comes out eventually. Cloth for tarnish.
Who it's for
Women mostly, thin widths, every day or under a small pendant. It's a good chain for a kid too, cheap, real silver, tough for its size. Men wear the 2.3 sometimes but it's a slim look.
Questions we get
Why is it called Singapore?
Nobody really knows. It's the trade name that stuck. It's not from Singapore any more than a Franco is made by a guy named Franco.
Does it break easy?
No more than any thin chain. It's one strand so it won't take a yank, but for the weight it's sturdy. The 1.0 is the fragile one, like any 1mm chain would be.
Singapore or rope?
Thin, cheap, sparkly, Singapore. Thicker, heavier, something you feel on your neck, rope.
Does it tangle?
If you let it, yes. Hang it or keep it by itself and it won't.
All three are in the Singapore collection. If you decide you want more chain than this, rope is next door.