Paperclip Chain Guide: How to Choose, Wear and Care for Solid Gold

A paperclip chain is a gold chain made of long, flat, oval or rectangular links that look like a row of linked paperclips. It is light for its size, lies flat on the skin, rarely kinks, and works on its own, with a charm, or layered with finer chains.

In this guide our goldsmiths explain how paperclip chains are made, how strong they really are, how they behave in a jewelry box, and how to wear and care for one in solid 14K gold. If you want the bigger picture first, our guide to gold chain types compares every common style side by side.

What is a paperclip chain?

The defining feature is the link shape. Each link is much longer than it is wide, usually two to four times longer, with straight sides and rounded ends. The links connect end to end, so the chain has a lot of open space and a clean, graphic look.

Because of that open space, a paperclip chain looks bolder than a cable chain of the same weight. That is why it became a favorite for everyday wear: it reads as a statement from across a room but stays comfortable for long days.

Common variations

• Classic paperclip: every link the same length, usually with a polished finish.
• Mixed link: long paperclip links alternate with short round or curb links for rhythm.
• Paperclip with stations: beads, bezels or charms set at intervals along the chain.
• Flattened or diamond-cut paperclip: the links are pressed or faceted so they catch more light. Diamond-cut means a faceted metal finish, not diamonds.

14K Solid Gold Paperclip Chain Necklace View Paperclip Chain Necklace on Etsy

How paperclip chains are made

In general, goldsmiths start with gold wire drawn to the right thickness. The wire is wound around an elongated mandrel or fed through a chain machine to form the long links, then each link is closed and soldered so it cannot pull open. Soldered links are a big part of what makes a good chain last.

After assembly, the chain is often lightly pressed so the links sit flat, then tumbled and polished. Finally a clasp is attached and the chain is stamped with its gold content. On our pieces you will find the 585 stamp, which means 14K solid gold. Our article on how gold chains are made covers the full process in more detail.

How strong is a paperclip chain?

Strength depends on three things: wire thickness, whether each link is soldered, and whether the chain is solid or hollow. A solid gold paperclip chain with soldered links is a durable everyday chain. The weak point on any chain is usually the clasp or the jump ring, not the links themselves.

There is one honest trade-off. Long links mean fewer links per inch, so each link carries a little more of the load, and a long link can bend slightly if it is caught hard on something. Thicker wire solves most of this. Very thin, very long paperclip links are pretty but are the most delicate version.

Kink and tangle risk

Paperclip chains are among the easiest chains to live with. Each link moves freely, so there is nothing to crease the way a flat herringbone or snake chain can crease. If a link does get bent, a goldsmith can usually straighten or replace it.

Tangling is low to medium. Longer, thinner paperclip chains can knot with other necklaces if they are thrown loose into a drawer. Store each chain separately or fastened, and if a knot does happen, our guide on how to untangle a gold chain walks you through it without damaging the links.

How to wear a paperclip chain

On its own

A medium width paperclip necklace at collarbone length is a complete look with a plain T-shirt or an open collar. A paperclip bracelet works the same way on the wrist, especially next to a watch.

With a charm or pendant

The open links make it easy to clip on a charm or slide on a pendant. Check that the bail is big enough to pass over the links, and that the pendant is not so heavy that it pulls the chain into a sharp V.

Layered

Paperclip chains are a strong anchor in a layered look. Pair a bolder paperclip at the longest length with a fine cable chain and a short pendant necklace above it. Leave about 5 cm between layers. Our necklace length guide shows where each length sits, and how to layer necklaces covers spacing and clasps.

14K Solid Gold Paperclip Bracelet View Paperclip Bracelet on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Mixed Link Paperclip Bracelet View Mixed Link Paperclip Bracelet on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Star Charm Bracelet View Star Charm Bracelet on Etsy

On the wrist

Paperclip bracelets stack well because their flat links sit neatly against rounder chains such as rope or bead styles. See our bracelet stacking guide for full combinations, or browse our gold bracelets.

Solid gold vs plated paperclip chains

Paperclip chains are sold everywhere in plated brass and in hollow gold. Plated chains can wear through at the links where they rub together, and hollow links can dent. Every piece we make is solid 14K gold stamped 585, never plated, gold-filled, vermeil or semi-hollow. If you are comparing options, read our explainer on solid gold vs gold-filled vs gold-plated.

14K Solid Gold Paperclip Curb Link Bracelet View Paperclip Curb Link Bracelet on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Open Heart Bracelet View Open Heart Bracelet on Etsy

How to care for a paperclip chain

• Clean gently: warm water, a drop of mild dish soap and a soft brush. Rinse and pat dry. Our guide to cleaning gold jewelry at home has the full routine.
• Store flat or hanging: fasten the clasp and keep the chain apart from other pieces.
• Check the clasp: once in a while, look at the clasp and jump rings, since these take the most strain.
• Take it off for heavy work: gym sessions, gardening and moving furniture are when chains get caught.

Solid 14K gold does not rust and does not need replating. With basic care, a solid paperclip chain can be worn every day for many years, and our lifetime guarantee covers the craftsmanship.

Frequently asked questions

Is a paperclip chain good for everyday wear?

Yes. A solid gold paperclip chain with soldered links is comfortable, lies flat and has a low kink risk, which makes it one of the easier chains to wear daily.

Can I put a pendant on a paperclip chain?

Yes, as long as the bail fits over the links and the pendant is not too heavy for the chain width. Many people simply clip a small charm onto one of the long links.

Do paperclip chains tangle easily?

They tangle less than fine cable or box chains but can knot if stored loose with other necklaces. Fasten the clasp and store each chain on its own.

Can I shower with a solid gold paperclip chain?

Solid 14K gold handles water well, but soap and shampoo can leave a film that dulls the shine. Our article on showering with 14K gold explains the details.

What length should a paperclip necklace be?

Collarbone length is the most popular for wearing alone, while a longer length works well as the bottom layer in a stack. The exact length options are shown on each listing.