Buying Permanent Jewelry Chain by the Inch vs. by the Foot

When ordering chain for your permanent jewelry studio, you’ll often see two buying options: by the inch and by the foot. Both have advantages depending on your goals, whether you’re testing new chain styles, managing event inventory, or buying in bulk to save on cost. Understanding when to buy by the inch versus by the foot helps you stay efficient, minimize waste, and protect your margins.

Buying Chain by the Inch Allows for Flexibility and Precision

Buying chain by the inch is perfect for artists who need exact amounts for small projects, custom orders, or training purposes. It allows you to test new styles without committing to an entire spool.

Best for:

• Studios trying new chain designs

• Beginners who need limited material

• Pop-up artists or mobile welders with small setups

Advantages:

• No leftover waste

• Easier cost control for one-off clients

• Great for mixing metals and styles

Considerations:

• Higher cost per inch compared to bulk pricing

• Can lead to more frequent reorders

Top Picks Sold by the Inch:

• Sabrina Turquoise Enamel Chain
  https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/products/sabrina-permanent-jewelry-chain-turquoise-enamel-design-available-in-sterling-silver-and-gold-filled

• Shaylee Disk Chain
  https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/products/shaylee-permanent-jewelry-chain-disk-design-small-disks-available-in-gold-filled-and-sterling-silver

• Bryce Dapped Oval Chain
  https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/products/bryce-permanent-jewelry-chain-dapped-oval-design-available-in-gold-filled-and-sterling-silver

Buying Chain by the Foot Provides Higher Value and Efficiency

For studios that serve multiple clients or host frequent events, buying by the foot delivers major advantages in cost and convenience. One foot equals twelve inches, so a 15 foot spool can create 15 to 25 bracelets or anklets depending on length.

Best for:

• Busy studios and permanent jewelry businesses

• Artists offering multiple sizes and metals

• Wholesalers preparing for high-volume events

Advantages:

• Lower cost per inch

• Continuous lengths reduce welding breaks

• Easy to cut custom sizes on demand

Considerations:

• Requires organized storage to prevent tangling

• Higher upfront cost for large quantities

Top Picks Sold by the Foot:

• Nicole Rolo Chain (Uniform Links)
  https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/products/nicole-permanent-jewelry-chain-rolo-design-uniform-links-available-in-sterling-silver-and-gold-filled

• Antonella Diamond Disk Chain
  https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/products/antonella-permanent-jewelry-chain-diamond-disk-design-available-in-gold-filled-and-sterling-silver

• Maria Flat Curb Chain
  https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/collections/permanent-jewelry-chain/products/maria-permanent-jewelry-chain-curb-chain-design-flat-lay-links-available-in-gold-options-and-silver

How to Choose Between the Two

When deciding between inch and foot ordering, consider your studio size, sales volume, and event type.

Tips for Managing Chain Inventory

• Label your spools by metal type and gauge to avoid confusion.

• Use the Permanent Jewelry Chain Bobbins for clean and tangle-free storage
  https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/products/chain-bobbins-the-go-to-permanent-jewelry-chain-organizer-and-storage-accessory

• Track how many bracelets/anklets each foot produces for more accurate cost-of-goods calculations.

Related reading: The Best Chains for Permanent Jewelry in 2025

If you found this article helpful be sure to check out the following for tips and tricks!

• Where to Buy Permanent Jewelry Chain (Online & In-Store)

• Gold, Gold-Filled, or Sterling Silver Chain Metals? How to Choose the Right Chain Metal Type for You.

Order Certified Chain Your Way

Whether you prefer buying by the inch for flexibility or by the foot for efficiency, Sunstone’s Certified Permanent Jewelry Chain Collection offers both options in over 40 styles and finishes!

Browse all certified chain options here:
https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/collections/permanent-jewelry-chain

Related Reading:

• What Are the Basic Steps to Permanent Jewelry?
  https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/blogs/news/what-are-basic-steps-to-permanent-jewelry

• The Pros and Cons of Permanent Jewelry
  https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/blogs/news/the-pros-and-cons-of-permanent-jewelry

• Do Men Wear Permanent Jewelry?
  https://permanentjewelry.sunstonewelders.com/blogs/news/do-men-wear-permanent-jewelry