Elegant, sturdy and timeless, the coffee bean chain is one of the most sought-after chain styles in jewelry. Worn by men and women alike, in gold, silver or steel, it's recognizable by its large, domed oval links that resemble the shape of a coffee bean. Here's everything you need to know to choose your coffee bean necklace.
What is a coffee bean chain?
The coffee bean chain (also called "coffee bean link" in jewelry stores) is made of thick, very domed, almost puffed oval links, each crossed in the center by a bar that creates two openings. Seen from the front, each link looks like a coffee bean with its center groove, hence the name. The links interlock with one another, creating a chain that's at once supple, strong, substantial and very luminous.
Our coffee bean chains and necklaces
Our coffee bean chain designs are coming very soon. In the meantime, discover our mariner chain, its cousin with an equally timeless style (see below), or our full necklace collection.
Coffee bean chain vs. mariner chain: what's the difference?
These two chains are often confused, since both are made of oval links:
- the coffee bean chain has thick, rounded, domed links with generous volume: it's a chain that gets noticed;
- the mariner chain has flatter, thinner open links crossed by a small bar, inspired by ships' anchor chains: it's lighter and more understated.
The first is chunkier and more "heirloom," the second more graphic and fashion-forward. To learn more, read our article on the mariner chain necklace.
Gold, silver or steel coffee bean chain?
The gold coffee bean chain
The 18K (750) gold coffee bean chain is the most prestigious version: it never tarnishes and is often passed down from generation to generation. In yellow gold for a classic look, in white gold for a more modern feel. It's also the most expensive, because the coffee bean chain requires a lot of metal.
The silver coffee bean chain
The sterling silver (925) coffee bean chain offers the same design for a gentler budget. Very popular with men, it needs a bit of upkeep, since silver can tarnish over time.
Gold-plated and stainless steel
Gold-plated jewelry gives you the shine of gold at a low price, while stainless steel, gold-tone or silver-tone, is water-resistant and doesn't rust: ideal for a chain you wear every day, even in the shower. To compare materials, read our article sterling silver, gold-plated, solid gold: what's the difference?
Men's coffee bean chains
The men's coffee bean chain is a great classic of men's jewelry. It's usually chosen:
- 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) long, so it falls below a shirt collar or over a T-shirt;
- 4 to 8 mm wide for a bold look, or thinner to wear with a pendant (cross, medallion);
- in yellow gold, silver or steel, often matched with an ID bracelet in the same chain.
Our shop is mostly dedicated to women's jewelry for now, but our upcoming coffee bean designs will look just as good on men.
Women's coffee bean necklaces
For women, the coffee bean chain is chosen finer (1.5 to 3 mm) and shorter (40 to 45 cm / 16 to 18 in), worn alone for a chic look or layered with other gold chains. It's also perfect for holding a small pendant. To master layering, follow our tips to layer jewelry like a pro.
Coffee bean ID bracelets, bracelets and rings
The coffee bean chain also comes as an ID bracelet or a regular bracelet, to create a matching set with the chain, and even as a ring or a hand chain.
What length and width should you choose?
- 42-45 cm (16.5-17.7 in): the classic length for women, on the collarbones;
- 50 cm (19.7 in): versatile, for a woman wearing a pendant or a man with a slim neck;
- 55-60 cm (21.7-23.6 in): the most common length for men;
- thin (1.5-3 mm) for subtlety, medium (4-5 mm) for everyday wear, wide (6 mm and up) for a statement look.
Caring for your coffee bean chain
- take it off to sleep and work out, to avoid bending the links;
- avoid contact with perfume and chlorine, especially for silver or gold-plated chains;
- clean it in warm, soapy water with a soft brush, then dry it thoroughly;
- store it flat or hanging so it doesn't tangle.
All our tips are in our guide to caring for your jewelry every day.
Frequently asked questions about coffee bean chains
Is it called a "coffee bean chain" or a "coffee bean link"?
Both are used to describe the same chain. In French, it's called "maille grain de café" or "graine de café"; "coffee bean chain" is the most common term in English.
Is the coffee bean chain strong?
Yes, it's one of the sturdiest chains thanks to its thick, interlocking links. It's perfectly suited to everyday wear.
Is the coffee bean chain unisex?
Absolutely: men love it in wider versions, and women in finer ones.
Looking for a timeless chain? Browse our full necklace collection. Shipped with care from Aix-en-Provence, France, our jewelry comes with free shipping to the USA.
