A paperclip chain is a necklace made of elongated, flattened oval links that look like a stretched-out office paperclip — a flat, rectangular alternative to the rounded links of a Cuban or curb chain. It reads more minimal and modern than a Cuban link, sits flatter against the skin, and works equally well solo or layered. Whether it's the better buy for you usually comes down to whether you want a bold, textured statement piece (Cuban) or a sleek, editorial-looking everyday piece (paperclip).

What Is a Paperclip Chain?

A paperclip chain gets its name from its link shape: long, flat, rounded-rectangle links connected in a simple repeating pattern, almost identical to an office paperclip stretched into a line. Unlike a Cuban link, which uses interlocking rounded links pressed flat for a chunky, dimensional look, a paperclip chain's links are genuinely flat and open, giving the chain a lighter, more architectural appearance even at a similar width.

The style became popular as a minimalist counterpoint to the heavy iced-out chain trend, and it has stayed relevant because it photographs well, layers cleanly, and doesn't compete with other jewelry. It's often finished in 18K gold plating or rhodium plating over 316L stainless steel — the same base construction used across most modern everyday chains, including Figaro-style chains and Cuban links.

Paperclip Chain vs Cuban Link: Which Should You Buy?

Both styles are built the same way underneath — 316L stainless steel with a gold or rhodium plating — so the decision usually comes down to look and use case, not durability.

Choose a paperclip chain if: you want a flatter, quieter, more minimal profile; you plan to wear it daily under a collar or with simple outfits; or you want a chain that layers without adding visual bulk.

Choose a Cuban link like the Luxor Chain if: you want a heavier, more dominant statement piece; you prefer a textured, dimensional finish that catches light from multiple angles; or you want the chain to be the focal point of the outfit rather than a background layer.

Neither style is "better" in terms of construction — both hold up the same to daily wear when made from 316L stainless steel with genuine plating. The choice is aesthetic, and many people end up owning both for different occasions.

How to Wear a Paperclip Chain

Because a paperclip chain sits flat, it's one of the easiest styles to layer. A few reliable combinations:

Solo and minimal: a single paperclip chain at 18–20 inches, worn with an open collar or crewneck, is the cleanest way to wear it — the flat links do the work without needing anything else.

Layered with a pendant: paperclip's open links make it easy to clip on a small pendant. Something compact and vertical, like the Lucius Pendant, keeps the proportions balanced rather than overwhelming the flat chain.

Layered with a Cuban or figaro chain: pairing a thin paperclip chain at a shorter length with a bolder chain at a slightly longer length creates contrast in both texture and dimension — flat versus rounded — which reads more intentional than stacking two similar styles. Browse the full range of options in chains and necklaces to find lengths that layer well together.

What to Check Before You Buy

Not all paperclip chains are built the same, and the flat, open link design means plating quality matters even more than usual — thin or low-grade plating on a flat surface shows wear faster than it would on a rounded link. Look for:

Base metal: 316L stainless steel is the standard for waterproof, hypoallergenic, everyday jewelry — it won't rust and is safe for sensitive skin.

Plating: 18K gold plating (or rhodium plating for a silver-tone finish) over stainless steel gives you a genuine gold or platinum-look color that's tarnish-resistant, rather than a thin flash-plated coating that fades within weeks.

Waterproof and sweatproof construction: a well-made paperclip chain should be safe to wear in the shower, gym, or pool without discoloring — if a listing doesn't mention waterproof or tarnish-resistant properties, assume it isn't.

Clasp quality: because the links are flat and open, a secure lobster or box clasp matters more here than on chunkier chain styles, where a failed clasp is less likely to lose the whole piece.

Pieces from The Flaire, including the gold jewellery collection, are built on 316L stainless steel with 18K gold plating, are waterproof, sweatproof, tarnish-resistant, and hypoallergenic, and come with a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns — so quality issues are covered rather than something you have to gamble on.

Caring for a Paperclip Chain

Because the links are flat, dirt and skincare product residue can sit on the surface more visibly than on a rounded chain. Wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, avoid direct contact with perfume or lotion before it's fully absorbed, and store it flat or hanging rather than balled up in a drawer, where the open links can catch and stretch. A properly plated 316L stainless steel paperclip chain doesn't require any special cleaning products — soap, water, and a soft cloth are enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a paperclip chain the same as a figaro chain?

No. A figaro chain alternates one elongated oval link with several smaller round links, creating a repeating pattern. A paperclip chain uses uniform, flat, elongated links throughout, giving it a more consistent, minimal look than a figaro chain's varied pattern.

Does a paperclip chain tarnish?

A paperclip chain made from 316L stainless steel with genuine 18K gold or rhodium plating is tarnish-resistant and safe for daily wear, including showering and swimming. Lower-quality versions using base metals or thin plating can tarnish or fade within weeks — the base material is what determines this, not the link shape.

Is a paperclip chain good for everyday wear?

Yes. Its flat profile makes it comfortable against the skin, it doesn't snag on clothing the way some textured chains can, and when built on 316L stainless steel it's waterproof, sweatproof, and hypoallergenic — well suited to being worn without taking it off.

What length should I get for a paperclip chain?

18 inches sits at the collarbone and works well worn solo or as the base layer under a pendant. 20–22 inches sits slightly lower and layers more easily with a shorter Cuban or figaro chain. Longer lengths (24 inches+) work best layered rather than worn alone.

Ready to build your everyday stack? Explore The Flaire's full range of chains and necklaces — every piece is 18K gold or rhodium plated over 316L stainless steel, waterproof, tarnish-resistant, and hypoallergenic, backed by a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns, and by a 4.57★ rating from 4,521 verified customers on our reviews page.