The Byzantine, or East Roman Empire, had a reputation for excessive bureaucracy and complex administration. The Eastern part of the empire had inherited all the administrative complexities that had formed throughout the long history of the Roman civilization. This is why this elaborate chain pattern of doubled up links folding back on each other is today most commonly known as the Byzantine chain.

Byzantine chain is not the first name this pattern is known by, however, as the chain type predates the East Roman Empire by a wide margin. The pattern is known to date at least as far back as the third century BCE.

The rope-like texture of the Byzantine chain is eyecatching and attractive both with loose and tight aspect ratios. The chain’s pattern may look chaotic at a glance, but a closer look reveals the intricate, logical pattern that resembles Celtic and Scandinavian knotworks.

Byzantine is also one of the stronger types of decorative chain. Not only are all of the links doubled up, but in a tight weave, the rings support their neighboring ones, limiting the room they have to deform.

I often use Byzantine chain for long keychains, bracelets and neckchains, very often using contrasting materials to accentuate the pattern. I also find that the pattern works well for earrings.