A chain made of gold or silver is one of the most popular jewelry for men. It visually complements the image and makes it “rich”. Each type of weaving has its own history of creation. Jewelry designers and craftsmen tried to make unique and original jewelry. Chains differ from each other in the structure of the links and weaving. It is these details that influence the uniqueness and peculiarity of a particular piece of jewelry. An expensive chain can tell not only about a man’s financial well-being, but also about his sense of style.
Features and types of gold
Jewelers use a variety of materials to create neck jewelry. The main metal for making chains is gold. Unlike others, it is of higher quality and durable, so it will last a long time. However, pure gold is not used in weaving men's chains. Craftsmen mix it with other elements to give a certain shade. There are several types of gold:
- Yellow;
- Red;
- White;
- Pink.
Each product has a sample, it shows a stamp with the amount of metal content. The lower the indicator, the less gold in the jewelry.
Lesser known types of metal shades:
- Green shades are obtained by mixing silver and cadmium;
- Blue gold is created by mixing gold and indium;
- Black color - due to the addition of titanium, iron, etc. to gold.
Products made of gold look elegant, emphasize status, and suit any look. A more affordable option for men is a silver chain. Gold-plated jewelry is practically no different in appearance from gold jewelry. They look presentable, but their cost is noticeably lower.
What should a man or a woman choose?
Most products are suitable for both men and women. However, as an exception, there are several chains that target mainly men or women.
Women's products often include luxurious bracelets with Rose, Figaro (Nona) and Fox tail weaves.
, weaves like Love, Turtle, etc. are more suitable
Men will like weaves such as Pharaoh, Bismarck, Kaiser, Anchor and Shell. Everyone will find a bracelet to suit their taste and status.
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Differences between men and women. Tips for choosing.
A men's chain is a luxurious accessory; it is important to be able to choose it correctly to match your clothing style. Before purchasing, you need to pay attention to how it will look with the pendant. If this decoration is considered as a separate element, then it is better to choose a thicker weave of gold chains for men. It will highlight the neck area and will look good with any look.
When answering the question of how long a man’s neck chain should be, it is important to take into account some nuances. If a man is of thin build, then a massive chain will look out of place. The average thickness of men's jewelry is 4-6 mm. For a guy with an average build, a chain up to 5 mm thick is suitable.
The decoration will look harmonious on the owner if it matches the color and metal with the cross or pendant. In addition, the weight of the pendant should be 1/3 of the weight of the chain. The length of such an accessory usually varies from 50 to 60 cm. For sports, everyday wear, a short, light chain is suitable.
Men's jewelry, unlike women's, is minimalist. Weaving does not imply complex relief elements. Smooth, simple chains look solid and neat. The absence of decorative details will emphasize the status and solidity of a man.
It is worth paying attention to the structure of the accessory. There are two types of weaving: everyday and for “going out”
"Perlina" and "Bismarck"
The type of weaving “Perlina” is also called ball weaving, since the links are made in the form of balls and are connected to each other by thread. They are associated with pearls, hence the name of the weave. The links can be completely round, made in the form of ovals or in the form of cylinders. The bracelet looks very feminine and sophisticated.
Bismarck weaving is also called “Kaiser” or “Cardinal”. This type ranks first among weavings. It is a complex pattern of sequentially connected links, which, in turn, are woven from several multidirectional elements. Fantasy weaving has the following varieties:
- flat;
- semi-volume;
- "American";
- "Python";
- "Pharaoh";
- "Caprice";
- "Byzantine", or "King's Style".
Among jewelers it is recognized as one of the most beautiful weaves. It is used to create gold bracelets not only for women, but also for men. The jewelry is strong, durable, and suitable for business style.
Types of weaving gold bracelets
The difference between full and hollow chains
There are two types of necklaces in shape and design. Hollow accessories are created using hollow wire. Despite the “airiness” of the decoration, its weight is insignificant. This makes it convenient. Unlike the previous option, full-weight accessories are more expensive and often heavier. They are more durable and strong, made from the same material.
Hollow chains look light and voluminous.
Technologies for weaving gold chains
There are 3 technologies:
- stamping;
- hand weaving;
- hollow chain.
But the making of the chain begins with a melted and purified gold nugget. It is mixed with a ligature to impart hardness, color and the desired sample.
For red gold, copper is added, for white gold it is mixed with nickel and silver. Sometimes nickel is replaced with platinum, then the metal is much more expensive.
Next, using rollers, long rods or wires are made from the gold alloy.
At this stage the process is divided into:
- weaving using machines. By passing the rods through a certain machine, the output is a finished chain. After this, the chain is placed in a hot oven so that the ends of the links are soldered at high temperature. The jeweler’s task is to cut it into chains of the required length and solder the clasps;
- hand weaving. The jeweler makes the chain links by hand and solders them depending on the weave.
When making hollow chains, there is inexpensive metal in the middle of the twigs. Once the weaving is complete, chemical reactions remove the inexpensive metal from the chain, leaving a void inside.
Another method is stamping. The gold is rolled into a thin layer and cut into strips. Then the jeweler cuts them into small pieces, from which he makes links. The elements are connected without soldering, so the process takes less effort and time. But the finished product is often deformed or completely torn. Sometimes the elements of the chain are extruded ready-made from a sheet of gold, and the master simply connects them.
The most popular types of chains
There is no specific answer to the question of which gold chain weave is best for men. You need to start from the status, age and physique of the future owner of the jewelry. Designer models have a large selection of weaves. They are distinguished by their geometric shape. There are several types of popular weaving gold chains for men:
Rhombus
The diamond type of chain weaving is suitable for women and men. Diamond-shaped links are connected to each other to form a complete decoration. Most often, such an accessory is made using the “double diamond” technology.
Gold chain weave "Double diamond".
Snake
The name "snake" in English means snake. The accessory looks like snake skin scales. Each link fits tightly to each other, forming a single structure. When creating it, jewelers perform high-quality polishing, the product becomes smooth and comfortable to wear. Such a chain requires careful care, as it is quite easy to damage.
Armor chain
One of the most popular chain weaving technologies is shell weaving. The links of the decoration are slightly flattened and voluminous. It is comfortable to wear around the neck, the parts do not catch clothes and do not injure the skin. Men's jewelry of this type is larger than women's. The only disadvantage of a chain made using armored braided technology is the loss of shine during prolonged wear and noticeable scratches.
Weaving "Armor".
Python or Italian - hand-woven chains
The Italian accessory, or python in other words, is one of the most fragile. Weaving is done using thin wire. This decoration looks stylish and airy. For men, an accessory with elements of springs between the links is suitable. Due to the complex production, the cost of decoration is high. Python weave is often used to create men's bracelets.
Handmade gold chain with Python weave.
Figaro - 90s kitsch
One of the favorite chain weaving options of the Carte fashion house is the Figaro model. It has an original design. The alternation of links of different shapes and sizes gives the decoration a special charm.
Gold chain of Figaro weave.
Cord chain - twisted metal cord
The cord chain looks great as an independent element. Thinner jewelry options are ideally combined with pendants and crosses. The connection of the chain links looks like a dense cord; they smoothly intertwine with each other, forming a bright shine.
Bismarck
One of the most popular and durable weaving technologies is bismarck. The decoration is highly complex to manufacture. Most often it is worn as an independent accessory without pendants. There are several varieties of this weaving technology, each of them is original and unusual in its own way.
Bismarck braided gold chain.
Flat belzer
The links of flat beltser weave have an oval, flat shape. The parts are connected at right angles. This chain looks stylish and expensive. It is comfortable to wear as it is quite flexible and smooth.
Strong and inflexible Double anchor
In appearance, the anchor decoration resembles the connection of two chains into one. It comes in the form of a voluminous or flat ribbon, which is often worn with a pendant in the form of an eagle's head. The accessory looks impressive and is suitable for outfits for events and holidays. In addition, it can be called the most durable gold chain weave for men.
Orthodox style
The Orthodox type of jewelry according to Slavic canons is not worn for beauty and is not displayed for show. It is worn under clothing and hidden from prying eyes. Therefore it should be smooth. Armor or anchor weave looks great with a cross and is comfortable to wear under clothing.
Love - a plexus of hearts
An unusual chain made using the “Love” weaving technology, suitable for women and men. This option is often chosen as a pair decoration for lovers. The ends of each link are folded inward, shaped like a heart.
Armor weaving
Very durable, popular and has many subspecies. Types of weaving armor-type chains are suitable for both women and men. A feature of all armored weaving is the location of the links in the same plane. Thanks to this, from a certain distance they look like one whole. There are such subspecies:
- “Nonna” is considered feminine. The name comes from the Italian maglia della nonna, which means "grandmother's weave." It consists of internal and external links, which are fastened crosswise, which gives the product strength, since if one link is damaged, the second will remain.
- “Lav” is thin and light, has a very romantic look, so it is worn by women. Since each link of such weaving has the shape of a heart, men often give it to their wives or brides.
- “Snail” - has a very beautiful and unusual shape of links, each of which is twisted into a spiral, reminiscent of a snail or a paper clip. There are two options for making such a chain - rectangular and elliptical; the former is more common among men and is often used to make bracelets.
Armor weaving
How to choose a durable chain clasp
One of the important components of a quality chain is a good fastener. When choosing an accessory, it is important to pay attention to the strength of this element. The most durable fastener options are carabiners and “boxes”. Truss locks are used less frequently. They can be found on thin chains, they are less practical.
The carabiner is a durable and reliable clasp for a men's accessory.
A neck chain for men can be an independent decoration, or used to wear pendants, crosses, pendants, and amulets. The decoration, made of large weaving, does not require additional elements. It looks solid and luxurious, emphasizing the neck and chest. When choosing a new piece of jewelry, it is important to pay attention to the physique of the future owner and his taste preferences.
Chain "Kaiser" ("Cardinal", "Bismarck")
One of the most complex weaving technologies, but also one of the most common, is the “Bismarck” technology, which is often also called “Cardinal” or “Kaiser”. Weaving chains in this way allows you to get unique exclusive tracks made of gold, silver or other metal, which consist of two or more rows.
The Bismarck chain is a respectable and massive piece of jewelry that is characterized by high strength. The reliability of the link connections allows it to withstand heavy loads. Weaving chains using the Kaiser technology is a way to make classic jewelry for both the fair half of humanity and the strong one.
Jewelry woven in this way is a leader among such jewelry, as it is considered the most stylish and attractive.
