- Selection of men's chain sizes
- Basic types of weaving men's chains
- General tips for choosing a men's gold chain
A neck chain is a classic jewelry accessory, suitable not only for women, but also for men. In the modern world, they can be found in huge quantities for every taste and in different price categories. The most common products are made from the following materials:
- gold is not subject to corrosion, oxidation, does not darken, does not lose its appearance from water and over time, it suits any style of clothing. In addition to traditional yellow gold, it is possible to purchase white gold - with the addition of silver, platinum or palladium, and red - with the addition of copper. The most popular is 585 test, it has a beautiful color, increased strength and wearability;
- silver is a cheaper option, but no less stylish, and is also suitable for any look. Its disadvantage is that it oxidizes and turns black over time, so it requires either constant application of a special coating to add shine, or frequent cleaning;
- Copper is similar in appearance to gold, but costs much less. It is also known to have healing properties, such as helping skin wounds to heal faster and also protecting against viral infections;
- stainless steel – the material does not corrode, as the name suggests, is durable, inexpensive and available in a wide range;
- Eloxal - recently appeared in jewelry, is an alloy that imitates gold and silver. Compared to standard coated jewelry, it is not susceptible to external influences (water, sun, salts). Many stores offer a huge selection at an attractive price, often sold by the meter;
- platinum is an elite metal, suitable for men with status. It looks similar to silver, but is more durable and of higher quality. However, a significant drawback is the high cost;
- tungsten carbide - is characterized by the highest strength, even after a large number of cleanings, polishings, and retains its original appearance during physical impact. And thanks to its hypoallergenicity, even people with skin diseases can wear it.
Gold chains are the most popular among men. If you want to buy a men's chain for yourself or choose a men's chain as a gift, you need to focus on several criteria.
Men's chain - an attractive decoration
So, more details. A man's chain as a clear evidence of financial security, as thick as a finger - this is, as they say, a thing of the past. Modern businessmen and business people give their preference to accessories that are not at all flashy and pretentious. Today, the market offers a wide variety of simple, but at the same time stylish and original jewelry.
Men's chains occupy a special place in jewelry production. Many famous world designers are working on the development of their forms. Sometimes you have to work hard on this activity. But in the end, the strong half of humanity gets the opportunity to purchase attractive and reliable products.
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Another indicator of the quality of gold jewelry is undoubtedly the sample. It confirms the fact that the accessory was created by a jeweler from real gold. The figure depends on how much gold is in the metal alloy. The most common option is 750 gold jewelry. Cheaper - 585 sterling chains.
Regardless of which option you decide to choose, the main thing is that the chain is of high quality. To do this, you should buy it not in the market or during your trip to Turkey or Egypt, but in a good jewelry store, or on the official website of a trusted brand.
You can find real exclusives at brand stores. It’s not only foreign brands that offer good chains. Russia also pleases with high-quality jewelry for real men. And if you don’t like any of the presented range of products, you can always order something to suit your taste. Such luxury, of course, will cost more. But at the same time, you can get an accessory that suits you in all respects.
One distinctive feature of men's gold chains is their original weaving. It gives the decoration uniqueness. There are many different types of weaving. Some of them are considered universal, others are definitely suitable only for representatives of a certain gender. Let's look at a few of the most popular "masculine" types of weaving that are worth paying attention to.
Durability and design
Men, compared to women, lead a more mobile and active lifestyle. It is a fact. That’s why a man’s chain must be very strong. These accessories look quite impressive. They represent an intricacy of a large number of strong links. Decoration clasps are usually massive and tight.
The design of the chains is usually quite strict. They look impressive and voluminous. Young guys prefer chains of medium length and thickness. Older men wear flat, wide accessories that emphasize life experience, status and taste. Elderly people use chains to wear crosses, amulets or talismans.
Metal selection
Next point. What metal can accessories be made of? Men's gold chains are very popular. The photo of each such accessory looks very attractive. But it's not just about appearance. If you are going to wear jewelry regularly, it should also be of high quality and expensive.
Of course, the ideal material is gold. This metal is always appreciated and looks great. When purchasing a chain, be sure to look at the sample. The most popular option is 585. The absence of a sample indicates a fake, and a very crude one at that. Even the simplest gold chain is not cheap. However, its presence indicates the wealth of the man. The main thing is not to overdo it. So as not to look like the textbook “new Russian” with a kilogram chain hanging around his neck.
A more affordable piece of jewelry is a silver chain. Nevertheless, this accessory also looks very elegant. Of course, it doesn’t catch the eye as much as a gold chain, but the pleasant soft shine of silver cannot help but attract the attention of others.
Platinum is not the most common material for men's chains, but no less interesting. Most likely, the untrained eye will mistake this metal for silver. It would seem that there is no point in overpaying. On the other hand, a man with refined taste will not be guided by anyone. It will be enough for him to know that his jewelry is expensive, exquisite, noble.
Padlock
Each gold chain is complemented by a lock. It must be of the highest quality, because if the lock breaks, you will no longer be able to wear your jewelry. If possible, it is advisable to check the lock for strength immediately before purchasing. Pay attention to how easy it is to unfasten and fasten and whether it is well fixed.
There are several main types of locks that are used by modern jewelers. First of all, it is a lock in the form of a ring. The spring lock is quite simple, but at the same time, not very reliable. This type of lock usually complements thin and light chains. If it breaks, the entire mechanism will have to be replaced.
A more reliable option is a carbine-type lock. In addition, it is more convenient and easier to repair. If it breaks, you do not need to replace the entire lock at once. You just need to take it to a jewelry store, where they will replace the spring in the lock and thus restore its functionality.
Chain length
So, you have decided on the metal. Now you need to figure out how long your men's chain will be. Naturally, it is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. Much depends on the constitution of a man’s body, his preferences, tastes and style. However, some advice is still worth taking into account.
For teenagers and thin men, chains 40 centimeters long are suitable. Such accessories are also used by lovers of chokers (chains wrapped around the neck with a pendant on them). Men of average build and standard weight turn their attention to chains 45 centimeters long. This is a quite popular option. Most representatives of the stronger sex choose chains 50 centimeters long. This size is universal. The chain hangs freely without seeming too long. Chains 55 centimeters long are accessories designed for overweight men and professional bodybuilders. This decoration will look good only on a large neck.
How to wear
The choice of product depends on the style of clothing and the circumstances of wearing. The cost of the chain should be commensurate with the cost of the clothing: for an expensive classic suit, you should choose an expensive gold or platinum chain. Thick products are worn in the evening, and they are not always appropriate in a classic look.
The choice of metal also depends on the style of clothing:
- bright gold chains look good with clothes of rich colors, but not necessarily bright ones;
- matte yellow and white gold look harmonious with clothes of any range;
- Rose gold models are best left for informal wear.
Gold chain, SL (price on the link)
As a gift, it is better to choose gold chains made of white or yellow gold . Firstly, this is a classic option that suits both a formal suit and a casual style. Secondly, they are durable and not subject to corrosion.
As for the decor of chains, metal products without additional decorations remain a universal option. The fashion of recent seasons allows you to wear chains with pendants, which allows you to diversify your look. It is appropriate to wear pendants in a “masculine” style - crosses, skulls, sabers, keys, compasses, stars, anchors, various military paraphernalia, as well as zodiac signs.
Men's chains can be decorated with stones, but such models are suitable only for special occasions. Typically, products are decorated with dark or transparent stones - for example, diamonds or cubic zirconia.
Jewelry with a pendant is more suitable for casual and informal style
It is important to wear men's chains correctly:
- thin chains (thickness 2-3 mm) are appropriate only for teenagers, young men and thin, short men;
- products of medium thickness (4-5 mm) are the most optimal and universal choice, since they can be worn by men of all ages and sizes;
- massive chains (6-20 mm) are best worn solo - this is a status accessory that will become the main accent in the image;
- products with large links and voluminous weaving are appropriate for men of large build.
Anchor and armor weaving
Men's neck chains are not as simple as they seem at first glance. A wide variety of weaving types and technologies are used in their production. Cost, appearance, and much more depend on this. One of the most popular types of weaving is anchor weaving. It is the simplest, and therefore probably the most common. The chain links are connected to each other perpendicularly. That is, the first is horizontal, the second is vertical, the third is horizontal, etc. Guys from 17 to 25 years old prefer this weaving.
Armor weaving looks a little more interesting. In this case, the oval links lie in the same plane. The bright shine of the links with a special cut gives the chain a special chic. Such jewelry is preferred by men who want to demonstrate financial security and high social status.
Weight
The next parameter that plays an important role when choosing is the weight of the product. It determines not only how comfortable it will be for you to wear such an accessory in everyday life, but also the cost of the product. The greater the weight of the accessory, the more precious metal was spent on its production. This means that the cost of such a product will be more expensive than that of a chain that is 50 grams lighter.
As already mentioned, gold chains can be divided into hollow and solid. Inflated chains are cheaper because they weigh much less. Large chains of this type do not last as long.
Bismarck and rhombus
A men's gold chain around the neck, created with one of these weaves, is a great option. Bismarck is an old style, known since Soviet times. Massive rough links are connected by their edges. Weaving is suitable for men of large and medium build. Athletes also prefer such chains. They look quite brutal.
Rhombus – rhombic-shaped links lying in the same plane. Weaving suits absolutely every man. You definitely can't go wrong when choosing such an accessory.
Should you decorate your wrist?
Hand chains are no less popular than neck jewelry. According to generally accepted rules of etiquette, they should be simple, but of high quality. Most often they are made from gold or silver, and the weaving is similar to that for neck options. The thickness of such jewelry is calculated based on the volume of the wrist: on a thin hand, a massive chain will look out of place, as well as an elegant bracelet on a large wrist. Jewelry is in perfect harmony with a business style of clothing, but it should be taken into account that the length, color and weave of the chain on the hand should be combined with a similar decoration on the neck.
If you don’t want to get confused in the store when deciding on the length, roughly calculate it at home using a thread and a ruler. To do this, just wrap the thread around your neck or wrist, as if it were a chain, then fix the desired length and measure it with a ruler. However, the main condition is that you need to wear the chain with comfort and pleasure.
