Abstract: The disclosure sets forth a different annular link as the building element; instead of using a split annular link of a 3:1 ratio of link inner diameter to major wire diameter, the link has substantially thinner annulus for forming the rope chain, an annulus that requires an over 5:1 ratio of inner annulus diameter to major wire diameter. The presently preferred ratio is between 5.2 and 5.7:1. It is possible to use even thinner annuluses, i.e. having greater ratios, e.g., 7.2-7.7:1 with even greater weight savings (approximately 35%), or other even greater odd-numbered ratios of inner annulus diameter to major wire diameter (e.g. 9.4-9.9:1). Thus, while there is no theoretical limit, there is probably a maximum practical upper limit to the ratio of inner annulus diameter to major wire diamater.