Jewelers are constantly inventing new designs and chain weaves, putting all their experience, skill and creativity into them. However, there are things in the world that are timeless and fashion trends that were relevant centuries ago, but will not spoil the image of our most stylish contemporary.
Chains with Nonna weave are just that. They are ideal base decorations for a vast range of looks. These chains never look outdated - no matter how many years pass, your Nonna will still be exquisitely elegant.
Armor weaving
This technology got its name due to its resemblance to chain mail. Jewelry made using this technique can be distinguished by two characteristics:
- double-sided grinding of links, giving the product additional shine;
- The elements are fastened in one plane, ensuring resistance to tension and abrasion.
This type of link connection involves not only flat weaving, but also volumetric weaving, which is also famous for its strength. Armor technology makes it possible to create jewelry that is quite massive in appearance, which is why it is more often used for men’s products.
Features of chains with Nonna weaving
Technically, Nonna is a type of basic armored vehicle. The main feature of this type of weaving is the direction of the links in one plane - they seem to lie on top of each other.
Nonna's links are always thin, with a wide gap - this weaving is never “knocked together”. Their shape can be either oval, like Gurmet’s, or closer to diamond-shaped, based on Rombo. The main condition: alternating links of different sizes in a 1:1 ratio.
Occasionally, a single Nonna is found: one large link is interspersed with a similar smaller one. The result is an airy-flying pattern. Sometimes such chains are confused with the more massive Figaro (Cartier), in which the links also alternate.
However, the double version of Nonna is more common, really reminiscent of aerial script. Essentially, this is a variation of the Double Diamond, but with different-sized links. The small link seems to be outlined by a larger one, located in its center. Large links are connected to neighboring ones not directly, but through small ones.
A single silver chain with Nonna weave is suitable for a young girl approaching the threshold of adulthood. The gold version would be appropriate as an addition to the bride’s outfit, emphasizing the romanticism of the image.
Nonna chains are woven from all existing jewelry alloys: silver, gold, platinum of various grades. They are also made from ordinary (non-jewelry) metals, resulting in elegant and inexpensive jewelry.
Gold chain weaving single Nonna
Gold chain double Nonna weaving
Women's gold chain with Nonna weave looks sophisticated, airy and elegant, while being distinguished by champion strength. It can be used both in tandem with a pendant and solo - the weaving is amazingly beautiful in itself.
Features of "Nonna"
This variation is very elegant, unlike most types of armor weaving, so its production is tailored to the female half of the population. If you want to make men's chains or bracelets using this technique, then operate on the thickness and shape of the links, making them angular and massive. For additional shine, a diamond cut is applied to the surface of the jewelry, sparkling when exposed to light.
This weaving is sometimes unjustifiably confused with “Figaro” due to the alternation of links of different shapes. Visually, they have nothing in common, since in the first case the elements are located in each other and form a double knitting, while the second variety is single.
Why Nonna
This weaving technique is quite well-established: it is definitely at least several centuries old. Moreover, it did not get its name from a certain lady named Nonna, who inspired the jeweler to create a fundamentally new piece of jewelry.
In fact, the name of weaving has Italian roots and comes from the phrase maglia della nonno. Literally translated, it means “grandmother’s knitting.” It is quite possible that in this way a certain grandson-jeweler wanted to perpetuate the memory of his beloved grandmother, but now we are unlikely to get to the bottom of the truth, because it was a very long time ago.
Nonna's weaving really resembles openwork ligature flowing from under the needles of the craftswoman. It is airy, elegant, and at the same time homely “cozy”. In a word, almost ideal!
Hand and machine knitting
Technologies in the jewelry industry have made great strides forward, so the creation of link jewelry has become much easier. Nowadays the weaving of the Nonna chain is carried out manually and by machine.
The first option is becoming less and less common, only when more massive links are required, since automatic knitting makes it possible to obtain elements with a thickness of no more than 0.2 mm. Thus, machine production is ideal for women's weaving, which requires grace and fine lines.
But despite the apparent fragility of the jewelry, it in any case remains durable, which is important for constant wear.
Material of manufacture
“Nonna” can be made in any jewelry alloy - gold, silver, platinum. Models made of red and lemon gold look spectacular on tanned skin. They are combined with light eyes and hair, highlighting natural beauty.
Silver and white gold are suitable for those with fair and pale skin. Cold shine will harmonize with black hair, ash-blond curls or slight gray hair.
Double weave is often made from two alloys of different colors - for example, white and yellow gold. Thanks to this, an ordinary chain turns into a bright necklace: it can be worn without a pendant, as an independent decoration.
Who is it suitable for?
As was said earlier, now “Nonna” is classified as unisex jewelry, but the stronger sex themselves rarely buy them. They are much closer to men's chains made using the "Rhombus" technique, since such products are more massive and angular.
Such elegant weaving, of course, can suit a young man, but only its hand-made version, the thickness of which exceeds machine knitting. But girls shouldn’t limit themselves. “Nonna” weaving will always suit them, and it doesn’t matter what kind of product is made using this technique.
However, not so long ago a combined variation appeared, combining “Figaro” and “grandmother’s network”. So far it is produced only by machine, so the chains on sale are quite thin. In addition, such products are less strong, since the inclusion of single round links slightly disrupts the original structure of the weave. Jewelry created using this technique has an impersonal appearance, so it is suitable for both men and women.
How to choose a Nonna chain
Before purchasing, decide how you are going to wear the jewelry – on its own or with a pendant. In the first case, a model of any thickness is suitable. In the second case, the product should be selected on the basis that it should be 2 times heavier than the pendant.
The manufacturing material can be both noble and inexpensive technical alloys. Naturally, gold, platinum and silver models are superior to costume jewelry in durability and beauty.
The most popular version of the Mona Lisa, which has already become a classic, is 585-carat red gold
It is its shades that are most favorably emphasized by Nonna’s intricacy. If the classics are not to your taste, choose a metal that matches your color type of appearance: silver, platinum and white gold go with cold metal, and yellow gold goes with warm metal.
The length recommendations are:
- 30-40 cm – for children’s models and women’s chokers;
- 40-55 cm – for a standard women’s chain;
- 55 cm and longer – for long pendants and men's models.
Yes, men, although less often than women, also wear Mona Lisa chains. Large models look natural on representatives of the stronger sex - long, with wide and thick links. And girls and women prefer miniature products that can emphasize the fragility of the owner.
Gold or silver
Nonna chain products are made from any precious metal, all you have to do is choose the option you like. But for some people, gold or silver may not be suitable for their appearance type, so it’s worth examining this point in more detail.
Yellow metal suits people with dark skin, light hair and eyes well. He will emphasize these details of appearance, but in moderation, without focusing on anything specific. In addition, there is an opinion that gold weaving “Nonna” (or any other product made from this material) has a healing effect: it normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system, and also simply lifts the mood when the blues and fatigue occur.
Silver is the exact opposite of yellow metal. It adorns people with pale skin, dark hair or noble gray hair, pleasantly emphasizing its shade. Cool tones play especially well against the backdrop of silver, so it is also suitable for those with ash-blond or steel-blonde hair.
In terms of its properties, silver weaving “Nonna” is strikingly different from gold. This metal has long been known for its positive effect on the human body, which is why amulets are still made from it. Among other things, silver brings calm, relieves neuroses and relieves excess tension.
Of course, you should not use your favorite jewelry to rid yourself of negativity, otherwise very soon its beneficial properties will fade away or begin to act against the owner of the product.
What to give preference, everyone chooses for themselves. If a person is extremely attracted to a certain metal, then the tips described in this section will not be useful to him. The only thing worth taking into account is a sense of proportion, since even such a simple decoration as the “Nonna” chain can spoil the image in the wrong hands.
Appearance
“Nonna” consists of links of different sizes: a small diamond is located inside a large one. They alternately connect to neighboring elements without turning over. In this way, a “double” weave is obtained - with fixation of the outer and inner links.
The classic “Nonna” is not the only option. There are modifications of this technique that involve replacing internal elements with links of other types of weaving. A popular solution is “Nonna-Bismarck”: a large diamond on the outside, double rings on the inside.
"Nonna" can be confused with "Figaro", but only due to inexperience. Indeed, both of these weaves consist of links of different sizes. But if in Figaro they are arranged sequentially, then in Nonna they overlap each other.
To make the chain brighter and more impressive, jewelers use a diamond tool: a part of the metal is cut off with natural or artificial diamond. The cut is so smooth that it reflects light rays just like a gemstone. The technique is used for processing any noble metals.
The lock on the product can be anything. The most commonly used carabiner or springel: it fits perfectly into the design of the jewelry.
Use Cases
Nonna weaving is found in chains of various sizes - from thin women's chains to massive and voluminous men's products. Designers value it for its rare combination of openwork pattern and durability. In the manufacture of men's collections, heavy links are used, which is why the chains look solid and impressive.
Bracelets with Nonna weave look harmonious with a chain of similar weave. When choosing an ensemble, it is important that not only the overall pattern is combined, but also the color of the metal, as well as the thickness of the links. It is better to buy such a pair from the same manufacturer.
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