The first mentions of chains date back to the times of Ancient Egypt. It was there that the prototypes of modern gold chains originated; they were massive and communicated the status of the owner. At that time, chain weaving was the most primitive, or they did not wear wicker jewelry, but simply pieces of gold connected to each other. Even the simplest anchor weaving appeared much later.
Over time, people learned to handle metal. They learned about its properties, in particular, its malleability, and began to use it. Thus, weaving gold chains has become more intricate and complex. Most often it was carried out by analogy with some objects.
Anchor weaving
For example, the anchor type of weaving resembled the anchor chain of a ship; armor weaving was similar to chain mail in a smaller version. But the purpose of wearing chains remains the same. This is still an effective way to emphasize status, material well-being and position in society. Gold chains have never gone out of fashion; they are relevant for both men and women. But besides cost, they are distinguished by another important criterion - weaving.
How to choose the length
To choose the length of the accessory, you need to take into account the man’s build and his wishes. The key rule to follow when choosing a model is this: the longer the chain, the thinner it should be. The minimum length is 45-50 cm. The thickness should be at least 2-3 mm.
To determine the size, you need to take into account such features:
- Short chains are suitable for men who love business style. This is also a great option for athletes. The length of such products reaches 45-55 cm. They fit perfectly around the neck, located in the collarbone area.
- The average length of the product is approximately 60 cm. Similar accessories can be worn on top of a T-shirt.
- Long chains over 65 cm are suitable for representatives of creative professions. Also, such products are an excellent option for large men. Smaller diameter models look disproportionate on them.
Thick or thin
The chain can be thick or thin. When choosing a specific option, you need to focus on your own preferences.
The features of the figure are also of great importance. Large people should choose more massive accessories. Slender men need to pay attention to more laconic accessories.
Types of weaving
Chains can have various types of weaving. This affects the design and appearance of the product. There are everyday and more interesting compositions that are suitable for creating holiday bows.
Anchor
The weaving owes its name to its similarity to an anchor chain. In this situation, each subsequent link is located perpendicular to the previous one. The most common chains of this type include round rings.
Complex options are reminiscent of the structure of a ship's circuits. In this case, the links have an oval shape and a dividing line in the central part.
A more non-standard option would be twisted weaving. It twists around its own axis. In this case, each link has a slightly deformed shape.
Anchor weaving is considered universal, but such chains are more often chosen by men. Moreover, their chains are more massive.
The advantage of this weaving is its high strength. In addition, the pattern is excellently reliable; it does not change shape for a long time and does not stretch.
Venice
This weaving comes from anchor weaving. However, it also has characteristic features. The chain links are quite large. Moreover, they can be square or rectangular.
A characteristic feature is the small size of the links. Each next one is attached at right angles to the previous one. In this case, the elements of the chain have a fairly flat shape.
This accessory belongs to the unisex category. At the same time, men choose larger products. The weaving looks very unusual. Not every jeweler can implement it. Special machines are used to make the accessory.
Pantsirnoe
This option is similar to the anchor one, but has certain differences. In such products the links are slightly flattened. At the same time, the elements are larger and smoother. Therefore, such accessories are considered more practical. They do not cling to clothes and do not cause discomfort.
Typically these chains are processed by grinding using a special tool. Men's products are more massive and look very brutal.
Attention! This weave is an ideal choice for respectable men who want to emphasize their status. Gold chains will be an excellent gift for respectable representatives of the stronger sex who want to stay on trend.
Figaro
This variant is considered to be a derivative of the armored one. Figaro is characterized by less uniformity. All links are in the same plane. However, their sizes may be different.
Most often, the links are attached in accordance with a specific pattern. First there is one large element, then a number of small ones. After which the sequence is repeated. As a result, the chain forms a pattern.
This type of weaving is suitable exclusively for men. It is reliable and provides amazing comfort. Sometimes the links of the product may become twisted. This is due to the difference in size. However, overall the product looks very attractive.
Rombo
This variety was named so due to the shape of the links, reminiscent of a diamond. Such chains look minimalistic and fit into any composition. That's why they are very popular among men.
Sometimes there are two links in width. This weaving is called a double diamond. Such options are considered the most durable. This chain is quite difficult to break. Such accessories look very masculine and are perfect for the stronger sex.
Bismarck
This is one of the most popular weaves. He is often also called a cardinal. This type has the richest history. It has a high degree of reliability. Such chains are so strong that they are difficult to damage. Therefore, the products are suitable for people who are used to moving a lot.
Men value such accessories for their solidity and original design. An undoubted advantage is the reliability of fixation of the links. The only downside is the small size of the links. Dust gets into them easily. Therefore, the product is quite difficult to clean.
Such chains are ideal for those with a strong physique. The fact is that they look quite massive. Therefore, such accessories are ideal for athletes.
Snake
This name means "snake". The decoration has a convex shape and includes details reminiscent of snake scales. The links are quite close to each other. As a result, high strength is achieved.
This product can be sanded well, which is why it has a smooth structure. Because of the shape of the accessory, it is often called a lace.
Such models can be round or square. The second option is more practical. The product does not cling to things or the body.
The emergence and use of knitting by jewelers
So anchor weaving appeared on its own, without involving the imagination of jewelers. Rather, it was borrowed from maritime activities, where the anchor chain had approximately the same appearance. Since those times, the technology for making such a product has not changed at all, the links are connected in the same order, only variations on the theme of knitting have appeared, and sometimes the shape of the links changes.
Anchor weaving
The essence of this type of knitting is that the links are sequentially connected to each other at a perpendicular angle. Jewelry made using this technology is durable and suitable for any gender. Since anchor products have a simple look, they are often bought for children.
The links have the same dimensions, and the product itself can be manufactured in the following ways:
- Hand knitted. The task of the chain maker is to cast an elongated wire from gold, which is subsequently divided into several dozen identical parts. Next, the master bends each piece individually with a special device and weaves the product. Thus, the links are connected manually one by one. True, now this particular type of chain weaving is rarely ordered from craftsmen.
- Machine knitting. This method of making jewelry is a little cheaper, but the essence remains the same, and the process is controlled by a machine. Therefore, the chain turns out to be more symmetrical and neat.
The filling of the anchor chain can also be different. In one case, the jewelry will be filled with gold of the same standard, and in the other, the links will be hollow. The volume of the links allows the buyer to choose whether they are full or hollow. Filled links are more durable and are also easier to repair if the chain or bracelet breaks. Soldering a break in a filled anchor chain is simple and invisible to outsiders. But you won’t be able to cope with a hollow product; you’ll have to lose several links.
In addition, hollow products are more fragile and more likely to break. Do not forget that a filled anchor chain is quite heavy in weight, so it will cost more than a hollow analogue. To reduce the cost of the product, you can order or purchase gold-plated jewelry. It will be the same in appearance. It’s just that from time to time the chain will fray, and the gilded ball will have to be restored. In general, anchor chains and other products fall into the mid-price category.
Anchor weaving is great for those who do not know the size of the jewelry and are taking it as a gift. Because it is quite easy to pull out several links to shorten the product. You can also add links, which are purchased to order from a jeweler, to a finished piece of jewelry to increase the length.
Don’t forget that anchor weaving is suitable for any pendant or pendant. The main rule of style is that the knitting of a chain or bracelet does not distract attention from the pendant. Fancy chains or armored weaving already attract attention in themselves and are independent chains. But anchor jewelry, like no other, is suitable for complementing with a pendant.
Anchor weave chain
It even sometimes happens that without an additional element, anchor weaving looks unfinished and discreet. It is quite discreet, so it is suitable for adding religious symbols, for example, a cross. You can order pendants of different sizes for anchor weaving. The main thing is that the eye of the pendant goes into the volumetric chain. This will require preliminary fitting. Even massive pendants will not look tacky.
Current materials
Such products are made from a variety of materials. Thanks to this, each representative of the stronger sex will be able to choose the best option.
Gold
These chains are traditionally considered the most popular option. This is due to the fact that gold products are not subject to corrosion and oxidation. They do not darken under the influence of water or time.
Such accessories go perfectly with classic things and harmonize perfectly with everyday clothes. For those who do not like traditional yellow gold, other variations of this metal are suitable - white and red.
To obtain white gold, silver or platinum is used. To obtain red metal, copper is used. The most popular option is 585 gold. Accessories made from this material are very durable and beautiful.
Platinum
This is an expensive and elite material that is perfect for status men. Products made from it resemble silver accessories. However, there are certain differences. The key advantage of the material is considered to be high quality and excellent durability. The disadvantages include the high cost.
Made of silver
Such products are considered more budget-friendly, but they also look just perfect. Silver chains easily complement any look. In this case, the metal undergoes oxidation. Therefore, it is often covered with a special rhodium layer. Thanks to this, the product becomes more shiny.
Tungsten carbide
These accessories are incredibly durable. This alloy is considered very durable. The chain coating can be subjected to many cleanings or polishes without losing its appearance. In addition, the alloy is hypoallergenic. It is suitable for all people with skin pathologies.
Copper
This option is suitable for fans of budget accessories. Copper products look incredibly attractive. However, not everyone knows that they have medicinal properties. Copper promotes healing of skin wounds and prevents viral infections.
Variations on the theme of anchor weaving
Even anchor knitting has its own variations. This suggests that the type of weaving is developing and acquiring new colors. Common variations include:
- Marine gold chain. Of course, at first glance, it may seem that these are the same thing. But in jewelry, and even in maritime affairs, chains look different. The thing is that the marine chain has jumpers in the links in the middle. This helped the sailors, since the chain did not get tangled and the links did not rub against each other. The jewelers also liked the idea and implemented it into a piece of jewelry. A chain with jumpers looks more complete, is great for both men and women, and does not require an additional pendant.
- Double and triple anchor. The essence of weaving is the same, only several links are used that are connected to each other. Thus, the decoration becomes more massive and voluminous.
- Rollo or belzer is a type of anchor weaving that is made from round links. It is also universal, suitable for pendants. This weaving is also called Chopard, in honor of the fashion house of the same name that produces such jewelry.
- Garibaldi or double rollo - this variety is named after the Italian family who were inseparable until death and went through all the trials of life. Another name for mating is Italian. It consists in the fact that instead of one ring, two are connected at once in a link. Each link is a forked ring. The Italian is more preferred by women because the chain has an original design.
- Venetian weave or Venetian weave is also a common type of jewelry design. A modification of anchor knitting consists of using square or rectangular links. Of course, the chain looks more strict, but this also gives it a certain charm. And the products themselves are more suitable for men. The chain can be made either massive or more fancy.
- Cord weaving belongs to the group of anchor weaving. According to the technology, several links are connected at once by jumping over 2-3 links. The products are often found in jewelry stores and have a twisted shape, so from a distance they do not at all resemble a simple type of knitting.
Jewelers tried to add fantasy to this knitting technology. Among the resulting options, “Aurora” and “Hawaii” stand out. In them, round links are connected to each other, several pieces at a time. Therefore, the chain turns out to be as voluminous as possible, almost round. This variety is worn as an independent decoration without a pendant.
Anchor chains and bracelets are made from mainly 585 gold. This sample is the most reliable; if the gold content is higher, then such a chain will deform over time under the weight of the weight. And medium samples keep their shape optimally, their appearance does not change over time.
There are almost no defects in anchor weaving and its varieties; the links are large and can be seen with the naked eye. The clasps of such products also do not require special attention, since any of them can withstand the load of the weight of the jewelry.
Of course, anchor weaving appeared first, so it is now difficult for them to surprise and express individuality. But sometimes, when choosing a gold chain or bracelet, you want to choose the most practical and at the same time stylish option. For such cases, anchor weaving and its varieties are perfect.
Famous brands
The cost and design of the accessory depends on the brand. Products from well-known companies are much more expensive than similar models from the mass market. Today, men's chains are produced by many famous companies.
Cartier
Men's chains of this brand have a special, recognizable weave. First there are several small links that are fastened to each other. They are then attached to a longer piece. The products also have a magnificent diamond cut, which gives them a stunning shine.
SunLight
This Italian brand offers popular products. This company has stores in many cities. They offer accessories for every taste.
Bvlgari
This famous Italian company has a rich history. Today it is one of the largest jewelry manufacturers. They are distinguished by their attractive appearance and exclusivity. Such products help to emphasize the individuality and impeccable taste of their owners.
Spikes
This is an American brand that makes its products using titanium and medical steel. The company also uses tungsten carbide for chains. The brand's products are characterized by affordable prices and amazing wear resistance. Such products look incredibly stylish and expensive.
Types of chain weaving. Which one to choose?
"Nonna"
somewhat reminiscent of a “diamond”, but unlike it, the links of the “nonna” are not the same in size. Most often, “nonna” is double: when small rounded diamond-ovals are enclosed inside large ones. Krastsvetmet also produces a single version: in this case, large links are connected to small ones one after another, creating a light and airy weave.
Love/s
- a chain whose links resemble the shape of a heart. This airy and feminine weave is suitable for creating a romantic look. You can also give a “love/s” chain to your lover or daughter, telling with this gesture about the ardor or constancy of feelings.
"Figaro"
- a combination of long links with short ones. Figaro has several varieties, depending on the number of short links located between the long ones, and vice versa. Thanks to this alternation, you can choose the most suitable character of the chain even within one type of weaving: “figaro” can be either airy (such as the 3+1 variety), or reminiscent of twisted chains (1+1), or similar to a cord with “ knocked out" links (4 or 5 short links in a row).
"Ochio di Pernice"
- seemingly complex - openwork - weaving, and at the same time continuing the principle of connecting links, like a “diamond”. Other names for weaving: “panther eye”, “eagle eye” or “bird eye” (translated from the original from Italian - “partridge eye”), which two adjacent links in the chain are really similar to.
"Lumakina"
- armored weaving of links twisted inward and between each other. From a distance, the links look like mollusk shells, which is why “lumakina” has a second name - “snail”. The memorable design is good on its own, so it does not require a pendant, but with it it will create a winning pair.
"Tsar"
- armor weaving in two rows, in which the links are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Tsar weave chains look both masculine and simple, so they can serve as an alternative to another favorite men’s weave, Bismarck weave. In addition, women often choose the “king” for themselves: a wide chain contrastsly emphasizes femininity and fragility.
"Singapore"
- one of the most famous and popular weaves, which allows you to create a chain with a particularly bright shine. Links of the same size in "Singapore" are intertwined into a twisted chain and complemented by diamond cutting. In Krastsvetmet chains, the turn is made often: such processing turns even the most modest decoration in width into a catchy accent. Despite the apparent decorative effect, Singapore chains can be worn with a pendant.
"Serpentina"
- weaving from flat links, which is based on “gurmet”. reminiscent of waves or Greek ornament. Despite the fact that “serpentine” has a bright, recognizable pattern, it can be worn with a pendant.
