Figaro & Wheat Chains

Figaro and Wheat Chains, the Patterned Alternatives

Most men's chain catalogues run Cuban and curb as the two default patterns. Monrich runs the figaro and wheat ranges alongside because the men who buy chains seriously eventually want texture beyond the standard interlock — and the figaro and wheat patterns are the two oldest, most-proven textured patterns in the category. Both in 18K gold PVD plated over solid stainless steel, both waterproof, both built to last.

Figaro — Italian Pattern, Alternating Links

The figaro originated in Italian workshops in the 19th century. The pattern alternates one or two long oval links with three or four short round links, in a repeating 3:1 or 2:1 sequence. The result reads as classic Italian men's jewellery — slightly more decorative than a uniform Cuban or curb, but still flat-lying and clean. Monrich figaro chains come in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm widths. The 6mm sits as the everyday width, the 8mm reads bolder for statement wear. Both pair well with pendants — the flat link keeps the pendant facing forward.

Wheat — Six-Strand Woven Rope

The wheat chain weaves six small oval links together into a rope-like structure. The visual pattern reads like a wheat stalk — hence the name (Spiga in Italian). Softer drape than Cuban or curb, more textured surface, structurally very durable because the six-strand construction distributes tension across multiple links. Available in 3mm, 5mm and 7mm widths. The 5mm wheat is a clean alternative to a 6mm rope or curb — same daily-wear category, more visual texture.

Layer Patterns Together or Wear Solo

The strength of figaro and wheat is layering. Run a 5mm wheat alongside a 6mm Cuban for pattern contrast — the wheat softens the bold Cuban, the Cuban anchors the textured wheat. Or run a figaro solo as the alternative to a curb chain. For the full chain catalogue, see all chains. For pendant pairings, the figaro takes a cross or dog tag cleanly; the wheat is best worn alone.