Lead-Free / Nickel-Free Bead Chain (Ball Chain) - Stainless 304/316 & Plated Options
Hypoallergenic bead/ball chains for jewelry, tags and pull-chains. Choose between true nickel-free plated chains (iron core) and 304/316 stainless chains that are REACH nickel-release compliant. Diameters 1.2–12.0 mm, finishes in 18K/14K/22K gold, 925 silver, black and antique bronze. MOQ 500 m, custom cut-to-length, connectors available.
Why Buyers Choose Us
Skin-safe options: Nickel-free plated finishes (verified by third-party) or low-nickel stainless with REACH nickel-release compliance.
Industrial durability: Tight bead tolerance, polished surface, optional heavy-duty pull-force for #6 and above.
Color that lasts: Controlled plating thickness (XRF-tested), optional anti-tarnish seal; color swatches match across batches.
OEM at scale: Custom lengths, connectors, private-label packaging, barcode/lot tracking, and export documentation.
Fast lead times: Stock finishes ship quickly; OEM plating scheduled weekly. Global logistics support (FOB/CIF/EXW).
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Options / Details |
|---|---|
| Materials | A. Nickel-Free Plated (iron core) • B. Stainless Steel 304/316 (REACH nickel-release compliant) |
| Bead Diameters | 1.2 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 2.4 / 3.0 / 3.2 / 4.5 / 6.0 / 8.0 / 10 / 12 mm (other sizes on request) |
| Bead Pitch | Standard pitch per size; custom pitch available |
| Finish / Plating | 18K / 14K / 22K Gold Plated, 925 Silver Plated, Black, Antique Bronze, Natural Stainless |
| Plating Thickness | Gold ≥0.3 µm (typ.) / Silver ≥8 µm (typ.); custom thickness on request |
| Tensile / Pull Force | Provided per size during quotation (e.g., #6 ≥ x N) |
| Length Options | Pre-cut 12–30 in (with/without connector) • Bulk spools 50–100 m • Custom cut-to-length |
| Connectors | Standard ball chain connectors; S-hooks and custom tags available |
| Tolerance | Diameter ±0.05–0.10 mm (by size) |
| Compliance | RoHS, REACH nickel-release (report no. provided), lead-free |
| MOQ | 500 m per size/finish |
| Lead Time | 7–15 days (stock colors) • 20–30 days (OEM plating) |
| Packing | Polybag / spool → labeled carton; OEM barcode & private label supported |
| Certificates | Third-party appraisal & XRF thickness test; reports downloadable |
Clarity on "Nickel-Free"
Nickel-free plated chains use a nickel-free final surface finish (iron core).
Stainless 304/316 contains nickel but is nickel-release compliant under REACH; suitable for most customers seeking stainless performance with skin-friendly release levels.
Finish Library (Color-Stable Options)
Gold: 18K / 14K / 22K (warm/cool tones available)
Silver: 925 silver plated / natural stainless
Fashion Colors: Black, antique bronze, gunmetal
Custom: Pantone-matched ion plating (MOQ varies)
Tip: request the plating thickness + salt-spray option if chains will be exposed to humidity, sweat, or outdoor conditions.
Typical Applications
Jewelry findings - pendants, extenders, DIY packs
Dog tag / ID badge chains - military, events, schools
Lighting pull chains - fans, lamps, blinds
Industrial tag chains - valve & equipment identification
Crafts & merchandising - sample swatch books, retail tags
Quality & Compliance
QC workflow: Incoming metal → bead diameter gauge → surface polish check → plating bath control → XRF thickness → pull-force test → 100% visual inspection.
Traceability: Every carton labeled with Lot No. + test report QR link.
Documents provided: RoHS/REACH, MSDS for plating, size/pull-force datasheet, COA.
Customization & OEM Service
Lengths: pre-cut (12–30 in) or any custom length in mm/in.
Hardware: connectors, S-hooks, custom logo tags, branded pull knobs.
Packaging: individual retail bag or industrial spools with private label & barcode.
Color control: batch-locked color recipes; retention samples kept for 12 months.
Pricing & Logistics (examples)
Tiered pricing (indicative): 500 m • 1,000 m • 5,000 m • 10,000 m (quoted by size/finish).
Trade terms: EXW / FOB / CIF.
Shipping: Air for samples/urgent orders; sea consolidation for bulk.
Samples: Free 1 m standard finish; freight collect.
How to Order (3 Steps)
Choose size, material option (Nickel-Free Plated or 304/316), and finish.
Tell us the length (pre-cut or spool), quantity (m), destination port, and packaging.
Confirm quotation & lead time → receive PI → production starts after deposit.
FAQs
Q1. Is this chain truly nickel-free?
A. Our Nickel-Free Plated option has a nickel-free final surface and is verified by third-party tests. Our 304/316 stainless option contains nickel in the alloy but passes REACH nickel-release limits; reports are available.
Q2. Which size should I choose-#3, #6 or mm sizes?
A. For jewelry pendants, 2.0–3.2 mm is common; for dog tags, 2.4–3.2 mm (#3); for lighting pulls and industrial tags, 4.5–6.0 mm (#6) or larger for higher pull force. Ask for our Size & Pull-Force Guide.
Q3. Can you cut to custom lengths and add connectors?
A. Yes. We supply pre-cut chains with connectors attached, or bulk spools for on-site cutting.
Q4. What plating thickness and colorfastness can you guarantee?
A. Standard is Au ≥0.3 µm / Ag ≥8 µm (typical values). Enhanced packages with higher thickness and anti-tarnish seal are available; salt-spray hours provided in the quote.
Q5. What is the MOQ and lead time?
A. MOQ 500 m per size/finish. Stock colors: 7–15 days; OEM plating: 20–30 days after approval.
Q6. Do you provide samples and compliance reports?
A. Yes. Free 1 m standard sample; REACH/RoHS and thickness test reports provided with lot numbers.
Q7. How do you control quality?
A. Lot-based QC, XRF-verified plating, bead-diameter gauges, pull-force tests, and final visual inspection. Retention samples kept for traceability.
Q8. Can you provide private-label packaging?
A. Yes-barcode, brand card, retail bag, and carton marks per your artwork.
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