What is a slide in jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A slide is a jewellery piece designed to thread directly onto a chain or fabric ribbon rather than being attached with a clasp or bail. It has a hollow bar or channel on the back through which the chain passes, so the slide can be repositioned along its length. Slides are often set with gemstones or decorated with enamel, and they were particularly fashionable in Victorian and Edwardian jewellery, where a single velvet ribbon could carry several decorative slides at once.
Frequently asked questions
- How is a slide different from a pendant?
- A pendant hangs from a fixed bail and sits at one point on a chain, while a slide threads directly onto the chain through a bar on its back and can be moved or combined with other slides. The chain passes through the slide rather than attaching to it.
- What chain size works with a slide?
- It depends on the slide's channel width; most slides are designed for flat or snake chains in a specific width, usually between 2mm and 5mm. Check the channel opening before buying to make sure your chain will fit.
- Are slides still made today?
- Yes, contemporary jewellers use the format, especially for interchangeable or layered looks. Modular jewellery systems that let you mix and match pieces on a single chain often use slide-style fittings.
Designing a ring
Talk through slide with us
Tell us what you have in mind, even if it is only a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you weigh up the options. We reply to every enquiry, usually within one business day.
Contact the studio