Hollow chains made of gold and silver are becoming increasingly popular among people with different financial capabilities. The main reason for the growing interest in these products is the significant increase in the cost of gold products, so the desire of consumers to buy budget, but spectacular jewelry is understandable. If previously manufacturers produced hollow chains only large in diameter - from one millimeter or more, now there are exquisite models of only 0.3–0.5 millimeters in diameter.
- 30 Jewelry Chain Weaves: A Large Illustrated Guide
How to determine whether a chain is full or hollow
Both decoration options can vary in width, pattern complexity and weave. It is quite easy to distinguish a hollow chain from a full one. The main criterion is weight. If the chain is massive, has a three-dimensional pattern, sufficient width, but is light in weight, then this product is made of hollow gold wire. Conversely, a heavy chain product clearly indicates the use of solid wire in its creation. The cost of the decoration also changes in proportion to the weight. Before purchasing a gold product, it is important to determine whether the chain is full or hollow, since a number of important criteria depend on this.
Cons and pros
Jewelry made in this way has a number of positive characteristics, for which customers love them so much.
The advantages include:
Compared to other jewelry that is made from solid wire, hollow ones are cheaper. When you come to the store to buy one chain, you can buy two for the same price. This benefit attracts buyers and increases the demand for such jewelry.
The jewelry looks very expensive; outwardly it is impossible to distinguish them from similar products that are made using standard technology. In addition, chains, bracelets and rings made of hollow gold are distinguished by skillful weaving. The use of other metals in the process of work allows the master to create. A jeweler can create complex weaving or a fancy pattern.
Hollow gold bracelet
The products also weigh little, despite their impressive volume, which can also be attributed to the advantages of such gold.
But there are also disadvantages that are characteristic of blown jewelry:
There is emptiness inside the jewelry, and for this reason it may not last for a relatively long time. Jewelry is subject to mechanical damage and may become deformed when worn. Such products need to be looked after; they do not tolerate temperature changes and contact with reagents.
Jewelry can be called fragile, but only in comparison. According to the standard, the products are designed for 15 kg. You can add a pendant to the chain, but you should make sure that it does not have too much weight. Craftsmen recommend selecting those pendants and pendants whose weight is no more than 30% of the weight of the chain. Such a “neighborhood” can be considered safe.
Jewelers do not recommend using blown jewelry for everyday wear, as this will shorten their service life. It is advisable to wear jewelry on special occasions, so it will last longer.
Hollow gold is an alternative that will allow you to purchase an impressive large-sized precious metal product at an attractive price.
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Hollow silver chains
When offering hollow gold and silver products, not every seller is able to convince the buyer of their merits. How are things going in your store?
Hollow chains have appeared on the Russian market recently, but have already earned an excellent reputation. Buyers often pay attention to this product, the demand for it is constantly growing - they are attracted by the combination of design, no different from full weight, plus a low price. They are ready to buy it if the seller can competently present the product.
LET'S LOOK AT A MODERN HOLLOW CHAIN WITH THE EYES OF A CONSUMER AND COMPARE IT WITH A FULL-WEIGHT ANALOGUE.
1. The hollow chain is identical in appearance to the full chain.
2. A hollow chain costs almost 2 times less, and a super-light chain costs 3 times less.
3. The price of products made of precious metal directly depends on its weight. A hollow chain is much lighter than a classic cast chain.
4. Hollow chains are made from the same gold and silver as all the others. Each is stamped with a hallmark confirming the content of precious metal in the product.
uses only proven hypoallergenic alloys without nickel-containing components.
FURTHER DOUBTS FOLLOW: IF THE CHAIN IS HOLLOW. MEANS. IS IT UNDURABLE? NO!
■ The strength of the chain depends on the type of weaving. Even a very thin chain with properly selected weaving can be quite strong. The largest manufacturer of hollow chains in the Russian Federation, SW Adamant, offers the widest selection of the most popular lashes: Bismarck, Love, Double Diamond, Singapore.
■ The strength of the chain is significantly affected by the diameter of the wire from which the product is made. Modern technologies make it possible to obtain durable gold wire, impressive in volume and hollow inside.
■ The durability and safety of the chain depends on the quality of the lock.
Experiment
The super-light Adamant chain, made of wire with a diameter of 0.50 mm, can withstand nuts and nails weighing more than 300 g suspended on it, demonstrating high strength. An experiment conducted by employees at JUNWEX-2013 in St. Petersburg proved that hollow chains can withstand intense operating conditions.
The most popular automatic locks are springel and carabiner. They are used in all types of Adamant chains.
When choosing jewelry, consumers first of all pay attention to its cost and appearance, and not to weight. These criteria are key, and according to them, hollow chains significantly outperform full-weight chains.
Technological features of weaving
There are several weaving methods that allow you to create unique jewelry:
- Machine knitting is performed on modern equipment and is based on process automation. The latest technology makes it possible to weave jewelry whose links are less than a millimeter thick.
- Handwork is used in the manufacture of types of weaving that cannot be done on a machine. The minimum weight of handmade chains is from 6 grams. The impeccable quality of workmanship is determined by the degree of professionalism of the chain jeweler. The painstaking weaving of jewelry chains consists of winding gold or silver wire around a workpiece and cutting it into rings of the same size. The links are compressed using pliers. The connector of each link is soldered. Labor-intensive work is highly valued.
- The stamped chain is assembled from blanks. The links are threaded into one another without soldering. The finished decoration may become deformed, twisted and less durable.
Machine or hand knitting chains
Machine knitting technology is good for both the thinnest and lightest chains and popular full-weight weaves. Moreover, most light chains that are knitted on a loom cannot be made by hand due to their very small size or complex assembly.
With the help of machinery, it is possible to produce a full-fledged product of 1 gram or less, and the smallest link size in our factory, for example, will be 1.4 mm. Once the decoration is woven, it is sent to an oven heated to 815 degrees to join the ends of the links. This is how we get perfectly smooth products with identical elements.
Our customers often ask about the strength of weaves. So, in terms of strength, machine and hand knitting are not inferior to each other. Strength often depends on the thickness of the wire, the quality of soldering of the links and, of course, the careful wearing of the jewelry affects it.
Chain tying machine creates 600 links in 1 minute
Hand weaving allows you to make a really strong chain that will be good for everyday wear and large pendants. In addition, in this way you can realize any idea - come up with a fancy weave for one single order, combine it with cast elements. The manual method of weaving chains requires a lot of time and the professionalism of a specialist. See for yourself - on average, the process, from working with wire to obtaining the finished product, goes through 13-14 stages.
How to test gold with a lapis pencil
Gold can also be checked using a lapis pencil. It is sold in every pharmacy to stop bleeding. How to test gold with a lapis pencil ? To do this, soak the gold in water and make a small mark in the form of a dot with a pencil. You will see the result immediately, it will appear instantly. Real gold should not oxidize or react with the pencil. The metal will remain clean.
The difference between full and hollow chains
- When choosing a chain, you will pay attention to the difference in weight of jewelry of the same length and volume. Regardless of what type of weaving is used, the chains can be: Hollow - these are chains that combine lightness and volume. They are made of wire that is hollow inside and have a low weight and differ in external thickness. Complex decorative types of weaving provide them with solidity, and the affordable price explains their popularity.
- Full-weight chains, while visually similar, are heavier than hollow ones, and the cost is higher. If you have a desire to have jewelry that is resistant to deformation, comfortable to wear and durable, a full-weight chain will answer all your needs.
- Snakes are distinguished by their round cross-section, and got their name due to their resemblance to plastic snakes, from the English snake - snake. The elements of unusual twisting are connected in series, and the product is very durable.
What determines the average weight of a wedding ring?
Weight can be anything and, as a rule, does not affect the choice. But the following factors influence :
- Size.
- Width.
- Thickness.
- Number of grams of gold in a wedding ring.
- Client's design preferences.
- Availability of additional decor.
A man's wedding ring weighs more than a woman's (if one item is compared), since it is smaller and lighter. The average weight for men is 2.5-4.5 grams, for women - 2-4 grams .
Rose gold ring with diamonds, SL (price on link)
According to general recommendations, the ring should not weigh more than 8 grams. It’s good if the weight varies from 3 to 6 grams. Lightweight jewelry weighing 2 grams, comfortable for everyday wear, will not be felt on your finger.
However, this option has one drawback - they can become deformed over time.
What does a hollow gold chain mean?
Let's figure out what a hollow gold chain is. This is the chain that appears more massive and heavy than it actually contains gold. However, it is less reliable than full-fledged variations.
How to distinguish a hollow chain from a full one: place the selected chain on your palm and listen to your sensations. If you do not feel the weight that was stated in it (that is, the product is more massive than it feels in your hand), then the chain is inflated. Remember, you won’t have to doubt a full-length chain of any length, but if you have doubts, then this is an inflated option.
The difference between hollow chains and full-fledged jewelry lies in the materials from which the products are made. Hollow ones are made by wrapping a thin strip of real gold around a core of non-value metal. This non-precious material lends itself in a special way to the etching process, resulting in voids inside the product.
How to check the authenticity of gold by sound
Some experts have been testing their gold jewelry using the sounding method for years. To do this, you need to take your jewelry (ring, pendant or earring) and throw it on a perfectly flat and hard surface. If the gold is real, then a clear ringing sound will definitely be heard, which will be somewhat reminiscent of the sound of crystal.
Professionals believe in this method, but believe that for the purity of the experiment, a person must have an excellent ear for music. Unfortunately, this method cannot be applied to long, soft or loose jewelry, which includes chains or bracelets.
Types of chain weaving
When choosing jewelry, the main criterion is the weaving of chains made of gold and silver. There are only three basic weaving technologies: anchor, shell and bismarck. All the rest are fantasy. The artistic configurations of each are distinguished by simple or intricate knitting of links and have given life to many variations:
- Anchor knitting attracts with its uncomplicated simplicity. Externally, the weaving of the links resembles an anchor chain. The classic version assumes an oval shape of the links. If the links are round, then this is “Rollo” or “Chopard”, after the name of the fashion house Chopard, which ensured the popularity of the original type of knitting. The technology of weaving with links of two rings is called “Double Anchor”.
- Armor weaving impresses with the decorative shine of its polished edges. It is distinguished by chain links that are knitted not perpendicularly, but in a single plane. The name is explained by its resemblance to a chain mail shell. There are single, double and triple weaving - it all depends on the number of rings being fastened. Knitting with diamond-shaped elements is called “Rhombus”. The most elegant armor weaving “Nonna”. The double-sided diamond cut gives it a spectacular shine.
- “Bismarck” is one of the most complex weavings and is most often accompanied by manual work. Knitting is formed by elements consisting of several rings. Double, triple or quadruple weave technology guarantees increased strength.
- Fantasy weaving combines different types of designs in different proportions. Design changes instantly respond to new jewelry trends.
Timeless classic
Do you prefer gold jewelry ? In this case, it is recommended to choose 585 grade products, which have a number of advantages:
- The best option in terms of price-quality ratio.
- A classic 585 sterling engagement ring weighs on average 2-5 grams.
- The products are durable because they contain additional metals (copper, silver).
In addition, you can buy an engagement ring in any color and shade. The alloy, consisting of 58.5% gold, 33.5% copper and 8% silver, has yellow or red tones. To obtain a white shade of gold, palladium and nickel are added to the alloy.
Gold ring with diamonds, SL (price on the link)
What it is
They make a hollow chain of gold wire, inside of which there is metal wire up to a certain point. At the final stage of production, the latter is smelted, leaving a void in its place. Thus, the jewelry looks voluminous, but weighs little.
What are the advantages of such a chain? In a huge variety of models, since the original technology allows us to produce a chain not only of classic weaving, but also of fancy, unusual ones. That is, the design of such a product can be very interesting and in different styles.
Cost also matters a lot. A hollow chain is not too expensive, so it is quite possible to buy several items at once that can be worn together or separately.
Types of chain locks
If you have decided to choose a chain, you should pay attention to the clasp. There are several requirements for the lock:
- Reliability. He is obliged to guarantee the safety of the product.
- Convenience. Fastening and unfastening the chain yourself should be comfortable.
- Aesthetics. The design and appearance of the castle should not interfere with the artistic perception of the decoration.
The type of fastener depends on the weight of the product and its weaving; the most common are classic options:
- The carabiner reliably protects the connecting ring from unwanted falling out of the structure. The design can be in the shape of a rectangle or a drop. Perfectly suits both massive chains and elegant chains.
- A spring lock is more suitable for thin chains. The mechanism consists of a miniature ring with a spring mechanism inside.
In addition to the most common fasteners, chains use: butterfly fasteners, chain and screw locks, figure eights, crutch fasteners and boxes.
The chain is a worthy accompaniment of the cross. Part II
The chain is a worthy accompaniment of the cross. Part II
The chain is an accessory that accompanies almost every Orthodox believer: after all, we all wear crosses. The chain symbolizes the spiritual connection of virtues and the unity of believers in the Church. In practical terms, the safety of the cross and other shrines worn on the chest: icons, amulet, etc. depends on its strength. And, finally, a good chain is simply beautiful. How to choose the right gold chain? How to determine the quality of a chain? How to handle it correctly? Let's try to answer these questions.
It is known that there is gold of various shades: “white”, “red”, etc., right up to the exotic “green”. The color of the metal depends on its composition - those impurities that are added to the gold itself. What color of chains is most popular among church shop buyers?
To wear a gold cross or icon, it is advisable to use a chain made of a similar alloy. In Russia, crosses of the 585th sample of the so-called “red” color have gained the greatest popularity. Accordingly, more than 90% of 585-grade chains produced and sold in the country are of the corresponding “red” color.
In terms of weight, when selecting a gold chain for a cross, the same principles apply as when choosing silver chains: the pendant should be 1.5–2 times lighter than the chain.
If it is quite easy to determine the weight and color of a chain, then by what criteria can you determine its quality? First of all, specialists from LUZ "ADAMANT" recommend remembering a simple rule: a high-quality chain cannot be made in artisanal conditions - this requires expensive high-tech equipment. In order for the reader to have a more correct idea of the chain manufacturing process, we present the following reference material.
Full and hollow chains
Depending on the production technology, a distinction is made between full-weight and hollow chains. The difference between the latter is a significant price advantage: after all, a hollow chain weighs an order of magnitude less than its full-weight counterpart. Therefore, hollow chains have been in increasing demand in recent years. But when purchasing them, it is especially important to remember about quality, since a dishonestly executed chain simply will not serve - it will break.
Testing gold with iodine
If the color is significantly different, then this is a gold-plated fake, and in order to completely dispel all doubts, take a cotton swab, dip it in iodine and anoint the place that you rubbed with a file, the top layer, if it is gold, will darken, and the deeper layer will remain without changes.
Gold reacts well with iodine. Now let's move on. If you were offered a beautiful, thick chain or bracelet and you did everything as I wrote above and the analysis indicated to you that this is gold, do not rush to buy it as soon as possible.
Testing gold with iodine
Very often there are such products made of hollow material, and scammers pour non-precious metal into the center, respectively. You checked everything seems to be fine, but in such cases you have to cut the product with a jigsaw to make sure that you are not being deceived. In general, the most popular method among scammers is to coat another metal with gold and sell it. Therefore, checking the top layer does not give a 100% guarantee.
Chain length
The length of jewelry chains ranges between 40 cm and 70 cm. An important criterion is decisive when choosing jewelry and involves several options:
- from 40 cm and above – the decoration gently bends around the neck;
- from 50 cm and above – the product lies just below the base of the neck;
- from 60 cm and above – the chain is at the level of the neckline;
- about 70 cm - the chain touches chest level.
Women prefer products up to 50 cm in length, men prefer those that are longer. There is no general rule. Each specific case is dictated by personal preferences and is considered correct.
OUR STORES
Goldfish in TSUM
Zolotaya Rybka in TSUM is located on the 2nd floor. Here you will find gold and silver jewelry and gifts. Opening hours: 9:00-21:00 Phone: 265-00-35 Whatsapp: +79503181602 Address: Kazan, Moskovskaya st., 2, TSUM shopping center
Golden Fish in Savinovo
Our jewelry store in the Savinovo shopping center is located on the 1st floor, to the right of the Carousel. Gold and silver jewelry. Opening hours: 10:00-21:00 Phone: 265-37-10 Whatsapp: +79534007983 Address: Kazan, Yamasheva Ave., 93, Savinovo shopping center
