Choosing your chain is the part of a WELD appointment that most people spend the most time on — and rightly so. This is going on your wrist (or ankle) for the foreseeable future, so it's worth taking a moment to think through what you actually want.

At Zoë Alexandria, there are five chain styles available, each with its own character. Here's a guide to all of them — what they look like, what they suit, and how to decide.

The Five Chains

Aurora

Style: Double cut oval link Available in: Sterling silver, 14k yellow gold

Aurora is a delicate oval link chain with a double cut finish — meaning each link is faceted to catch and reflect light. It's one of the finer chains in the collection and has a subtle sparkle to it that looks particularly beautiful on the wrist.

Aurora suits you if: You're drawn to something understated and elegant. It pairs perfectly with the diamond and gemstone connectors if you want a personalised touch, and it layers beautifully with other bracelets. If you like jewellery that's there without being obvious, Aurora is worth considering.

Selene

Style: Smooth rolo Available in: Sterling silver, 14k yellow gold

Selene is a classic rolo chain — round, uniform links with a clean, smooth finish. It's the most timeless of the five styles and the one that suits virtually everyone. There are no facets or texture; just a simple, well-proportioned chain that sits beautifully on the wrist.

Selene suits you if: You want something classic and versatile that will work with anything. Selene is the safe choice in the best possible sense — not boring, just reliably elegant. It also looks particularly good in white gold if you tend to wear silver-toned jewellery.

Freya

Style: Paperclip link Available in: Sterling silver, 14k yellow gold

Freya is a paperclip link chain — elongated rectangular links that give it a slightly chunkier, more structured look than the other styles. It's the most noticeable of the five chains and has a modern, editorial quality to it.

Freya suits you if: You want your permanent piece to make a statement. Freya is great for people who like their jewellery to be seen, who prefer a slightly heavier feel on the wrist, or who like to lean into a more contemporary aesthetic. It's also the one that stacks most confidently alongside other bracelets.

Iris

Style: Twisted oval link cable Available in: Sterling silver, 14k yellow gold 

Iris has a twisted oval link structure that gives it a textured, almost rope-like quality. Each link catches the light differently depending on the angle, making it more dynamic than a standard cable chain. It's one of the most distinctive styles in the collection.

Iris suits you if: You're drawn to texture and detail. Iris pairs beautifully with gemstone or diamond charms — the visual interest of the chain complements a personalised add-on well. It's also a great choice if you want something a little different from the standard chain options without going full statement.

Hera

Style: Figaro Available in: Sterling silver, 14k yellow gold

Hera is a figaro chain — an alternating pattern of one longer link and two or three shorter links. It's a classic jewellery style with a heritage feel, and the most substantial-looking chain in the WELD collection. The pattern gives it rhythm and movement on the wrist.

Hera suits you if: You like jewellery with a bit of history behind it and a more defined presence on your wrist. Hera is for people who aren't looking for subtle — they want their permanent piece to have weight and character. It's also the most distinctive chain for layering, as the pattern creates an interesting contrast against finer chains.

Gold or Silver?

If you're torn between metals, here are a few things to consider:

What do you already wear? The simplest guide is to look at what's already on your body. If your everyday jewellery — rings, earrings, other bracelets — is mostly silver or white gold, a silver or white gold permanent piece will integrate naturally. If you wear yellow gold, go gold.

Mixing metals is fine. The idea that you have to match all metals at all times is outdated. Many people intentionally mix gold and silver, and a permanent piece in one metal worn alongside jewellery in the other looks intentional and interesting rather than mismatched.

Gold lasts longer without maintenance. 14k gold is the most durable option for daily wear. Sterling silver is beautiful but will require a little more care to keep it bright over time. If you want as close to zero maintenance as possible, gold is the better choice.

White gold is an option for a cooler tone. If you want the durability and non-tarnishing quality of gold but prefer a silver tone, white gold gives you both. It's available on special order.

Bracelet or Anklet?

Both are equally popular — it really comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.

Bracelets are more visible day-to-day and tend to be the first permanent piece people get. They're also the most common choice for group experiences (friends, mother and daughter, hen's parties) because they're easier to see and compare.

Anklets are a little more private — there for you and occasionally noticed by others. They work particularly well for people who live an active lifestyle, spend time at the beach, or prefer something they don't have to think about at all. An anklet sits outside most socks and shoes, so it's genuinely always on show in warmer months.

Some people eventually get both — a bracelet on the wrist, an anklet on the ankle. Each one can be a different chain, a different metal, a different moment.

Adding Charms and Connectors

All five chains can be personalised with charms and birthstone connectors, which are welded or clipped into the chain at the time of your appointment. These include gemstone options and diamond connectors — a way to make the piece feel specifically yours.

If you're considering a charm, think about how it'll interact with the chain. Aurora and Iris pair particularly well with stone connectors thanks to their finer, more detailed links. Selene and Freya's cleaner lines let a charm stand out without competing.

Still Not Sure?

The best thing to do is come in and try them on. At your WELD appointment, you'll have time to hold all five options against your wrist before committing. Seeing them in person — feeling the weight, watching them catch the light — makes the decision much easier than any description can.

If you can't choose between two, that's worth telling us. We can help you decide based on your wrist, your existing jewellery, and what you're after.

Book your WELD. appointment at the Zoë Alexandria studio in Engadine — Thursday to Sunday, by appointment only.