Both gold and silver chains are the most common piece of jewelry for women and men of all ages. After all, the chain can be worn as an independent decoration, or combined with various pendants and pendants. And also use for wearing an Orthodox cross or icon.
Today we will clearly look at the most popular types of chain weaving and their differences. In addition, we will tell you which weaves are suitable for women and which ones will emphasize a masculine character. And we will answer the frequently asked question: Which chain to choose - solid or hollow?
Armor weaving
This is a classic type of weaving. The peculiarity of armor weaving is that the flat links, polished on both sides, are attached in one plane, due to which the chain acquires high strength. Grinding on both sides, the last stage of processing, allows the chain not to twist when worn, gives a beautiful shine and allows you to combine the chains with different types of pendants and crosses. Weaving can be single, double or triple.
Which weave to choose?
Of course, first of all it is a matter of taste. However, some types of chains are traditionally classified as women's, men's or universal. Thus, the massive and solid “Bismarck” is most often preferred by representatives of the stronger sex, and the graceful “Nonna”, “Singapore”, “Rose”, “Love” and a number of other varieties are considered truly feminine. A typical unisex weaving option is “Anchor”.
For children, the most optimal are densely knitted chains, for example, “Snake”, as well as jewelry cords made of rubber or leather.
Bismarck weave
"Bismarck" is a very complex, labor-intensive weaving. And at the same time it can be called the most popular basic type. Almost every man has a Bismarck chain. The decoration looks like a path made up of two to four rows. An interesting and, most importantly, durable pattern is created by tightly joining the elements of the chain to each other. Predominantly male type of weaving.
Chain weaving technologies
Chains are made in several ways - by hand, machine knitting or stamping.
Machine weaving is an automated technology using special equipment. The use of machines allows you to create jewelry with links up to 0.2 mm thick.
Despite the latest technologies, some types of weaving can only be done by hand. And here you can’t do without specialists—chain tyers. The minimum weight of a hand-woven chain is about 6 grams, and its quality largely depends on the skill of the jeweler.
This is really painstaking and time-consuming work. First you need to stretch the gold or silver wire, wind it on the prepared base and cut the resulting spiral into rings of the same size. The chain maker manually fastens the links using pliers, “linking” the pattern, which involves the type of weaving. To prevent the rings from falling apart, all the links are soldered. The resulting chain is clamped between special shafts so that the links become flat.
Stamped chains are made from ready-made links - stamps. At the same time, they are not soldered together, but threaded into each other. As a rule, such jewelry is less durable, easily twisted and deformed.
Python weave
"Python" is a modification of "Bismarck". In it, the links have slightly rounded edges with pronounced diamond processing. The trademark, thanks to which the “python” cannot be confused with anything else, is the arrangement of elements at different angles to each other, without parallel lines. This type of link connection is recognized by jewelers as the most reliable, which means you can wear the jewelry even in the most extreme conditions.
Types of chain locks
When purchasing a jewelry chain, pay attention to its lock. Firstly, it must be of high quality, since the safety of the jewelry depends on this “minor” detail. And secondly, the lock should be comfortable so that you can fasten and unfasten it yourself, easily putting any pendants on the chain.
As a rule, the type of lock is selected by the jeweler depending on the weight and type of weaving of the item. More massive chains have reliable carabiners, while elegant, thin models are more suitable for a spring lock. Most often, both types of fasteners allow you to easily put pendants with different eye thicknesses on a chain, so they are approximately equivalent to each other in terms of convenience and reliability.
Weaving rhombus
“Rhombus” is the most famous among the shell forms. The diamond-shaped links are located inside each other, resulting in an unusual three-dimensional pattern. Weaving can be single, double or triple. This is the most versatile weave that looks great on both women and men.
Choosing the chain length
One of the important criteria when choosing a chain is its length. As a rule, the size range consists of models from 40 to 70 cm.
- 40 cm - the chain is worn close to the neck
- 50 cm - the chain is worn at the level of the upper part of the neckline
- 60 cm - the chain is worn at the level of the middle part of the neckline
- 70 cm - the chain is worn at the level of the lower part of the neckline
It is believed that it is better for women to choose chains up to 50 cm, and for men - longer. Still, there are exceptions to every rule, and when purchasing jewelry, you must try it on.
Snake weave
Snake weaving is usually based on armor-type weaving, but the distance between the elements is compacted as much as possible, after which the product is given an oval, rectangular and round shape. Laconic, stylish, versatile and durable, like a lace type of weaving. They deserved more attention from the fair sex. But such a chain must be worn especially carefully and removed at night. With physical impact, creases form on it.
Solid or hollow: what's the difference?
All chains, regardless of the type of weaving, are divided into solid and hollow.
A distinctive feature of hollow chains is the combination of volume and lightness. The wire from which the decoration is woven is hollow inside, so despite the external thickness of the links, hollow chains have little weight. Most often they are made using complex decorative types of weaving and look quite solid. The advantage of such chains is their affordable price, which is determined by the weight of the product.
Solid chains are much heavier than hollow ones, which affects the cost of the jewelry. However, they are very comfortable for everyday wear, resistant to deformation and external influences and therefore durable. If the links are damaged, a specialist can easily solder the product and restore its original appearance.
Lava weaving
“ Lav ” is light and airy, the unusual interlocking of links creates a three-dimensional pattern. Each link of the chain is not just round, but with ends turned inward, which is associated with the shape of a heart. Chains with similar weaving are openwork and delicate jewelry for girls.
What determines the strength of a gold chain?
The strength of such decoration directly depends on the reliability of each of the links. The more the chain weighs, the more reliable it will be. Products weighing up to 2 g are considered the most vulnerable to damage. Such jewelry must be handled with the utmost care. Solid chains are much stronger than “blown” and hollow ones, but the cost of such accessories is much higher.
Omega and herringbone chains are considered the least reliable. It is not recommended to twist products of this type, as they can easily become deformed and cannot be repaired.
Anchor weaving
A classic and universal version of weaving - it does not stand out as pretentious, suitable for both men and women. The rounded elongated links are connected in series and perpendicular to each other. The advantage of anchor chains is their high reliability and easy maintenance. The best option for using a chain together with a cross or icon.
Types of chain weaving: how to choose the right one
A chain is the most versatile and functional product, which, thanks to the skill of specialists, has become a full-fledged piece of jewelry. It is worn as an independent accessory, complemented with a pendant, a body icon or a cross.
Now jewelry manufacturers offer us a huge number of chains: short and elongated, wide and narrow, classic and decorative, men's and women's, gold and silver, not to mention dozens of different types of weaving. How to choose a chain that is right for you? We invite you to figure this out together.
Proper care of any chain weave
- No matter how carefully the owner of the chain wears it, sooner or later it may darken, and dirt will appear between the links. This is especially true for chains with voluminous and openwork weaving - “Korda”, “Triple Cordino”, “Singapore”, “Bismarck”, “Romashka”.
To solve this problem, you can purchase a special jewelry cleaning product at a jewelry store, or make it yourself.
To make a solution to remove dirt from a chain you will need:
- 1 tsp ammonia;
- soap remnants or soap shavings (can be replaced with washing powder);
- 1 tsp hydrogen peroxide;
- 100 ml warm water.
It is necessary to mix all the ingredients and place the product in a container with the solution for several hours. After this, the chain must be rinsed under running water and dried.
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Types of weaving bracelets made of gold (silver)
Each of the following types is not self-sufficient. Often different names are the same species, but with minor features and changes.
Bismarck
The name is associated with the first chancellor of Germany. The reliability and majesty of Otto Bismarck became a prototype of the same qualities of weaving.
There are products with one track of links, but more often chains and bracelets of the Bismarck type consist of 2-3 tracks. Jewelry with Bismarck weave lasts up to 40 years.
Pharaoh
This weaving is considered the most reliable and consists of many links (photo). It turns out that the load on each link is reduced, and the risk that one of the chain rings will fray, thereby destroying the entire product, is reduced to zero.
Python (Italian)
This is one of Bismarck's most popular destinations. There are reasons for this:
Python is the strongest weave of its subspecies. The production of this chain cannot be automated. The complex manufacturing process does not allow making the Python chain a conveyor product. This means that each one is assembled by hand by a jeweler . This gives life to another important characteristic.
Each sample is unique, since during weaving an experienced jeweler can include additional elements in the classic version of the python, which will make it even more elegant.
Kaiser (Cardinal)
And another view of Bismarck . It is not so different from the previous weave. Like the Python, the Cardinal is a chain consisting of several rows of links. But in Cardinal the links are thicker . This draws the line between two bracelets of the same type.
If the Python often consists of thin links and is often preferred to be worn by women, then the Kaiser, due to its massiveness and dimensions, can be called a men's chain.
Armored (tape)
This is a flat piece of jewelry . It is ground on both sides, resulting in a strip rather than a three-dimensional chain. The structural features determine the specific application. Most often, armored weaving is used for bracelets, since it does not twist and lies comfortably on the body.
Classic armored weaving is preferred by men , since the design allows the use of large links in production.
Figaro (Nona)
First of all, it is a self-sufficient decoration that can be used to wear a pendant or as an independent element of the image. Often used as a gift for women.
The chain has an original weave. Originality is achieved through the following characteristics:
- Simultaneous use of small and large links.
- Visually, the product consists of two tracks intertwined.
- It's still flat, but more feminine. Double weaving allows for thinner links.
Anchor weaving
Anchor weaving is one of the easiest to make. Ultimately, it is a smaller copy of a regular anchor chain. Accordingly, its configuration is as follows: each subsequent link is in a perpendicular plane.
Attention! This weaving may not be suitable for everyone, but in combination with the right way it will favorably emphasize the individuality of the owner. It is convenient to wear a cross or pendant on such a chain.
Fox tail (Byzantine weaving)
This is one of the subspecies of armor weaving. Rarely are there men among the owners of this type of chains. The female audience accepts the product much more readily.
There are several reasons for this:
- Elegant appearance of the product. This is achieved due to the fact that the weaving vaguely resembles lace.
- Play of light. During the movement of this chain, light refraction occurs, emphasizing the value of the metal.
Cobra (Snake)
Most often it is woven not by hand, but on a special machine. A special feature of the product is the effect of continuity. It has a discreet appearance and is often found among office workers.
Rope (Harness)
Just like the previous copy, it is not handmade. This is a view that is sharply different from all other chains. The “Rope” sample chain consists of small links. Their density is very high, so that a feeling of integrity is created.
Important! This product can be used either with additional decorations or on its own.
Rombo
This piece of jewelry consists of two tracks. The diamond-shaped links sequentially fit into one another. This gives the chain volume and strength.
The decoration is considered universal, as it is suitable for any gender at any age.
Venice
One of the subspecies of anchor weaving. The principle is the same. Each subsequent link must be perpendicular to the previous one. Weaving differs from the anchor form in its links.
If in the first case the links have the shape of an oval, then here they can be represented by a rectangle with various additions.
Rose (courage)
This chain can be safely attributed to the Baroque style . It cannot be otherwise, because the links in the chain here are significantly different from all the others. They are spirals reminiscent of a noble flower.
Important! The product is exclusively handmade.
Singapore
One of the subspecies of armored chains. It has a complex structure that provides glare when rotated.
Type LOVE
A light chain usually worn by the fair sex. It got its name because it consists of elements that resemble hearts.
Ear
Its structure is similar to the Byzantine chain. The difference is that there is no lace effect. All lines are directed parallel to one direction.
Turtle
Quite rare, but not difficult to make. Consists of plates that resemble turtles.
Important! The only drawback is that the plates, falling on top of each other, scratch the polished surface. This chain is best worn in the summer, when contact between clothing and product is minimal.
