A Franco chain is made of V-shaped links woven tightly together so the chain has four flat sides, which makes it strong, flexible and very hard to kink. That build is why Franco chains are a go-to for people who want one chain they can wear every day, with or without a pendant.
How is a Franco chain built?
Each Franco link is shaped like a V. The links nest inside each other in two directions at once, which creates a square-ish chain with four sides instead of two. Looked at from any angle, you see the same pattern.
Because the links overlap so tightly, the stress of bending and pulling is spread across many links instead of one. That is the main reason Franco chains:
- Resist kinking and knotting
- Do not flip or twist on your neck
- Hold a pendant without the links stretching open
- Keep a smooth, even drape
Franco vs Cuban: what is the difference?
Both are popular men's chains, and both look great in gold. They just do different jobs.
|
Franco |
Cuban |
| Link shape |
V-shaped, nested |
Rounded oval, pressed flat |
| Profile |
Four-sided, square |
Flat, two-sided |
| Look |
Clean, tight, sleek |
Bold, chunky |
| Kink resistance |
Very high |
High |
| Best with a pendant |
Excellent |
Good |
If you want a bold chain that stands on its own, a Cuban is hard to beat. Our Cuban link chain guide covers that side. If you want something that looks sharp, wears hard and carries a pendant, Franco is the pick.
Is a solid or hollow Franco chain better?
We carry both, in yellow, white and rose gold. Here is how they compare:
-
Solid Franco: filled gold links. Heavier, very durable and the best choice for daily wear or a heavier pendant.
-
Hollow Franco: links with an empty center. Lighter for the same width and easier on the budget, but it can dent if it is crushed or snagged.
-
Diamond cut Franco: the surface is cut with small facets so the chain sparkles more as you move.
Every listing shows whether the chain is solid or hollow, along with the karat, width and length.
What width and length should I choose?
Franco chains look thicker than their width suggests because of the four-sided shape.
-
2 to 3mm: slim, good with a small or medium pendant
-
4 to 5mm: the everyday sweet spot for most men
-
6mm and up: a strong look on its own
For length, most men wear a Franco between 20 and 24 inches. With a pendant, 22 or 24 inches lets the pendant sit nicely on the chest. Make sure the pendant bail is wide enough to slide over the chain and the clasp. See How to Choose Chain Width for more.
How do I keep a Franco chain looking new?
- Clean it with warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft toothbrush, working into the links.
- Rinse well and pat dry. Let it air dry fully before storing.
- Hang it or lay it straight so it keeps its shape.
- Take off hollow chains before the gym, contact sports or sleep.
- Check the clasp now and then. A worn lobster clasp is a simple fix in store.
Deciding on gold color? Read Yellow, White and Rose Gold.
Visit or text us
Want to feel the difference between solid and hollow? Stop by our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. You can also shop our Franco chains online.
Franco Chains Explained: Why They Hold Up to Daily Wear
A Franco chain is made of V-shaped links woven tightly together so the chain has four flat sides, which makes it strong, flexible and very hard to kink. That build is why Franco chains are a go-to for people who want one chain they can wear every day, with or without a pendant.
How is a Franco chain built?
Each Franco link is shaped like a V. The links nest inside each other in two directions at once, which creates a square-ish chain with four sides instead of two. Looked at from any angle, you see the same pattern.
Because the links overlap so tightly, the stress of bending and pulling is spread across many links instead of one. That is the main reason Franco chains:
Franco vs Cuban: what is the difference?
Both are popular men's chains, and both look great in gold. They just do different jobs.
If you want a bold chain that stands on its own, a Cuban is hard to beat. Our Cuban link chain guide covers that side. If you want something that looks sharp, wears hard and carries a pendant, Franco is the pick.
Is a solid or hollow Franco chain better?
We carry both, in yellow, white and rose gold. Here is how they compare:
Every listing shows whether the chain is solid or hollow, along with the karat, width and length.
What width and length should I choose?
Franco chains look thicker than their width suggests because of the four-sided shape.
For length, most men wear a Franco between 20 and 24 inches. With a pendant, 22 or 24 inches lets the pendant sit nicely on the chest. Make sure the pendant bail is wide enough to slide over the chain and the clasp. See How to Choose Chain Width for more.
How do I keep a Franco chain looking new?
Deciding on gold color? Read Yellow, White and Rose Gold.
Visit or text us
Want to feel the difference between solid and hollow? Stop by our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. You can also shop our Franco chains online.