How to choose the right gold chain? 5 important tips

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• 25-03-2021
• Author: Mysekret Team
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Some might have the impression that wearing gold jewelry today is bad manners. After all, fashionistas now and then give preference to massive necklaces and bracelets, looking at which you immediately understand that this is not a precious metal. Otherwise, where is her security, it must cost a fortune!

We talked about why stylish women don’t wear gold jewelry , so we won’t repeat ourselves. Better study the top most fashionable jewelry for this year, which we have prepared. No one forbids wearing gold and silver; the main thing is to choose a current design.

How to choose the right gold chain?

There is hardly a more versatile piece of jewelry than a chain. Everyone, without exception, wears it - both adults and children; it can be complemented with a cross, a pendant, or in itself be an elegant detail of the image.

Thanks to the skill of jewelers, the gold chain has become an important style-forming element. Masterfully juggling in different genres, the masters create diverse models that combine romantic tenderness, impressive respectability, deliberate rudeness or teenage brutality.

There are many variations of chains, but each has its own characteristics: length, width, weaving (hand, machine), metal. Without taking these parameters into account, a hasty purchase will result in complete disappointment. The chain can prick and squeeze the neck, and even worse, it cannot withstand even three months of wear.

Which chains are the strongest? How to choose the optimal length for yourself? What is better to combine with? Read about this and more in our article.

Methods of weaving chains

There are three chain weaving technologies in total. Each method is unique in its own way, has its own specifics, strengths and weaknesses.

Gold chain weaving

Manual labor of chain makers

Specialists who weave by hand are called chain jewelers. True masters of this technology are able to create masterpieces that cannot be compared with any machine-made chain.

This kind of weaving is long and hard work. Chain makers manually connect the links with pliers, “braiding” the desired pattern. Each link is soldered, and the resulting chain is riveted using special tools.

Machine

Not all types of chain weaving are amenable to machine technology. But specialized machines are capable of creating about 500 very thin links in 60 seconds. Chain jewelers do not work with such thin links, so the most elegant and weightless jewelry is created by machine.

To solder the ends by machine, the chain is calcined in an oven at a temperature of 815 degrees.

Bismarck gold chain

Stamping

Stamped technology, simple and fast, does not involve soldering the links, but threading them into each other. Such jewelry is the least durable and very easily twists when worn. Stamping is gradually becoming a thing of the past, unable to withstand competition in terms of quality compared to machine and manual methods.

Determining the optimal length of a gold chain

Paying attention to the style of weaving, women sometimes do not attach much importance to the length of the product. But in vain! It is this parameter that can play a cruel joke on you at the most inopportune moment - visually enlarging your chin, or making your neck rougher, and more.

The thickness and length of the chain should be selected in accordance with the composition of your body.

To ensure that the jewelry fits harmoniously into the image you have created, determine for yourself which area you want to emphasize with it - the neck, chest, or décolleté. Short models (35-40 cm) will emphasize the sophistication of a long neck, and those 40-50 cm are suitable for dresses with a deep neckline. Thin long chains (55-60 cm) visually elongate the body, so they will be very useful for Plus Size representatives.

The optimal size for a women's gold chain is 40–50 cm, for men's it is 50–60 cm.

You can find out which chain length is most suitable at home:

1. Take an object that can be wrapped around your neck (thread, tape measure, cord) and make notches where the length of the intended chain should be. After that, measure the length from notch to notch. Take this indicator into account when choosing a chain in the store.
2. Wrap a thread or lace around your neck so that it does not fit too tightly, and multiply the resulting figure by 2. If you want to wear a cross or pendant on a chain, add another 5-10 cm to the resulting value.
3. Well, the easiest way is to measure the length of your favorite chain and base it on its length when choosing other jewelry.

TOP - 32 best types of chain weaving

Today there are more than 50 types of various methods of weaving chains. How to choose something of your own in this variety? To decide on the choice of jewelry, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the best of them.

Anchor chain with diamond-cut edges

This is a universal twist with a self-explanatory name - it resembles an anchor chain, and the arrangement of the links at right angles to each other contributes to high strength.

The “anchor” version is one of the most ancient methods of ligation. The edges of the links are rounded and are treated with a diamond cut to give them a special shine.

Weaving chain anchor chain

Rollo - Chopard's favorite weave

Thanks to a series of repeating rings, such jewelry looks more like a beaded necklace. Especially about the jewelry house Chopard. This weaving can be seen in almost every collection.

Weaving jewelry chains

Flat belzer: all the pros and cons

This is a subtype of anchor weaving in which the links are flat, which adds flexibility to the decoration. The clear advantages of the product include its versatility. Women's options look subtle and elegant, men's options look weighty. The only drawback is that the small flat links can prick the skin.

What is the best standard of gold?

The type and grade of metal is an individual choice for everyone. Here it’s worth starting from what models you can afford within your existing budget. Yellow, red or white gold - a chain in any shade looks stylish and beautiful if it is correctly combined with other jewelry in the set.

Silver chains also come in different shades due to gold plating. High-quality elite silver is sometimes difficult to distinguish from white aurum, but with daily wear it can change color.

In terms of practicality, 750 and 585 samples are the leaders, since they do not cause irritation and do not darken. A chain made of red and yellow aurum should have a pendant made of the same metal, while a chain made of white gold will suit any pendants.

Question-answer section

My husband has long dreamed of a thick chain that would not look pretentious. What types of weaving can there be?

Expert opinion

Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich

Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop

It is definitely worth considering such options as “Bismarck Flat”, “Spikelet” and “Double Diamond”. Such products look brutal, emphasize the masculinity of the owner and are very durable. Thick links in the Double Diamond weave chains especially focus attention on the man’s broad shoulders.

Which type of weaving is better and more reliable: hand or machine?

Expert opinion

Pribrezhny Gennady Valentinovich

Jeweler 6th category

In fact, the manufacturing technology does not affect the strength of the product. Machines, like people, are capable of creating high-quality jewelry; resistance to external factors is influenced by the type of weaving itself.

Gold details for chain weaving

Which gold chain weave is the most durable for women?

Expert opinion

Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich

Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop

There are many strong types of gold chain weaving, but Bismarck has no equal in strength. The fact is that one row of elements interlocks with another, which ultimately creates a very strong chain. “Bismarck” has many subspecies: “Python”, “Fox Tail”, “Triple”, “Rose” and others. If your goal is to purchase durable gold jewelry, these are the options you should consider.

Silver neck jewelry for men, what options are there?

Expert opinion

Pribrezhny Gennady Valentinovich

Jeweler 6th category

You can complement the chain with a variety of jewelry. This could be a pendant with a Celtic pattern, a talisman or some other symbolism. In the case of silver, crosses, amulet and tokens made from this metal look especially impressive. The choice of jewelry will depend on the type of weaving of the silver chain, its thickness, and the preferences of the owner.

Which chain weave is the strongest in silver?

Expert opinion

Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich

Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop

“Shell”, “Python” and “Anchor” weaving are clear favorites. Please note that the strength of the chain is directly affected by its thickness and weight.

How and with what to wear a gold chain?

Wherever you put the chain on at the moment, remember - it should be that finishing touch that brings harmony, and not imbalance, to the image. Forget about the tandem silver ring + gold pendant. Create complete looks by choosing products in the same tone and color.

Keep your distance while wearing jewelry! A large gold ring + bracelet + watch will overload the image and create a repulsive impression.

General recommendations:

• If a woman's chain is quite massive, you should not combine it with large earrings;
• A thin gold chain will look harmonious with an equally thin bracelet;
• Combining chains of two different colors is acceptable if the outfit is completely monochromatic

A gold pendant is a great companion to a chain. With its help you can not only decorate the chain, but also adjust the proportions. For example, an elongated pendant will visually lengthen your neck.

The pendant should be lighter than the chain: cross-shaped - twice as light!

In order for both products to look harmonious, they must be selected taking into account their weight.

Avoid hollow chains. They attract with a budget price, because they are light in weight. However, such chains quickly wear out and break!

Types of gold and silver chains: solid and hollow

Regardless of the weaving technology, all chains are divided into solid and hollow.

Hollow chains are woven from hollow tubes. A void remains in the middle of the material after the core is chemically etched out of it. Base metals act as the core.

Hollow chains appear much thicker than solid ones, although both jewelry may have the same weight. Such chains require careful wear. You cannot hang pendants on them; it is not recommended to play sports or go to bed in them.

Solid chains are woven from a single material. This makes them stronger, heavier, and also more expensive. Calculation of the cost of a product directly depends on its weight. You can hang pendants on such jewelry, the optimal weight of which is up to half the weight of the chain.

Types of chain weaving

Criterias of choice

When purchasing a chain, consider:

• who will wear it;
• with or without pendant;
• person's age;
• durability of the accessory.

Jewelry stores offer a large selection of gold chains. Hollow specimens do not have strength and reliability. There is no official classification. The most common types of weaving:

1. Armored.
2. Anchor (ship).
3. “Cardinal” (“Italian”, “Python”).

Anchor braided gold chain

The first three options are approximately the same in strength. The strongest weaving is armored. This qualification is only suitable for chains of the same weight.

Women and men choose different accessories.

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.

Double diamond

Chains are made only by machine, since the links are smooth and flat. The double diamond chain weave is beautiful and rarely breaks. But if you are looking for a thin chain of light weight, wear the jewelry carefully. Options for jewelry with double diamond weave type:

• square;
• double rounded links;
• oval rings (elongated).

The ornament is universal and practical, goes well with everyday and evening wear. Massive double chains are worn without additional jewelry.

Are pendants needed on chains?

Once you have figured out what kind of weaving you like, study what famous jewelers offer to complement chains. Let's say right away that in 2022 some will have to give up their favorite pendants and look for something new.

What should you forget? All pendants with plant and animal themes will become anti-trends in the new season. Therefore, if you like to follow fashion, then you will have to remove jewelry dogs and cats, butterflies and birds from your neck. It is also better to temporarily put leaves, flowers and trees in the box.

Fashionable women's chains 2022 should complement geometric pendants. The trend is rings and circles, rhombuses, etc.

They can be either flat or voluminous. For example, you can buy one or several balls or barrels from the “Charms” group to go with the chain.

Neck decorations with abstract elements will also look interesting. They can follow the shape of a natural stone without cutting or any object. And if you don’t find a suitable option in the store, then such a pendant can be ordered. The Golden Sphinx online store accepts your sketches. After discussing the product, we will produce it exactly with the approved layout. And then your chain will definitely be supplemented with an exclusive element, which will make it unique.

Length

Wearing a chain comfortably is only possible with the correct size selection. The lines of most manufacturers consist of models ranging from 40 to 70 centimeters in length.

The purchased chain should be tried on. This procedure will allow you to evaluate the comfort of its fit, design features, and combination with wearable clothing.

Love

This sophisticated piece of jewelry is suitable for young girls with thin necks. The openwork weave resembles a row of hearts, so it will appeal to romantic people. Love technology refers to a type of armored connection of links. This means that the decoration is durable. The romantic love chain is worn alone or with small pendants, crosses and medallions. You can wear such chains in several rows.

People buy these chains for themselves and give them as gifts to loved ones. The universal size for women is 40. They take more if a deep neckline is appropriate in the style. For men, chains from 50 to 60 centimeters long are selected.

If it's your loved one's birthday, a chain is a good gift. Combine jewelry with a pendant to create an original set. Choose beautiful weaving chains according to your style, but do not forget that some of them do not need to be supplemented with pendants. Original connections create a complete decoration without additional details.

Manufacturing Features

The vast majority of chains entering the retail chain are machine woven from jewelry wire. Thin women's chains are made only in this way. Modern technologies make it possible to quickly weave chains of rather complex configurations, which significantly reduces the cost of production.

Chains with flat wide links can also be made by stamping, from links cut out with a stamp. They sometimes look very presentable and original, reminiscent of necklaces, but they are not particularly durable.

The chains woven by hand by masters of jewelry design are of the highest quality.

Fastener quality

The strength of the entire chain depends on the reliability of each link - this is not just a hackneyed phrase. It is difficult to appreciate the importance of the lock in ensuring the high performance of the entire decoration. Let's look at the most common types of fasteners.

Spring lock - used for the lightest products up to 5 g. For its segment, it is a very worthy option, there is one important drawback - in most cases, the lock ring connecting it to the chain is not sealed and can become unbent during wear. The fastener cannot be repaired, but must be replaced with a new one.

The carabiner is the most popular type and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Installed on products from 5 g. Quite practical, the main drawback is the presence of a steel spring, which regularly becomes unusable and requires replacement, fortunately this procedure is well known to all jewelers, does not take much time and is inexpensive.

The sentry is very reliable, there are no steel parts, however, most often they are placed on bracelets, much less often - on chains. The disadvantage is the need to constantly monitor how the lock latches.

The box is the most durable type, especially if it has wire fuses. Used on heavy jewelry weighing 20 grams or more. The service life is not limited by wear of any parts.

Fashion trends 2022

Massive chains are the main trend of next year. New samples with a thicker design will appear in the collections of many famous houses: Tiffany, Cartier, Graff. These solutions are combined with loose-fitting clothes and look equally appropriate as part of everyday or business looks. Bulgari is preparing to introduce a chain in the form of a necklace. This solution is addressed to girls who value a laconic visual style when choosing accessories.

A significant trend in 2022 will be the abandonment of large pendants, crosses, and pendants. Chains will be a self-sufficient addition to male or female looks. The base materials will be white gold, silver, platinum. Jewelers will focus on details: casting, stamping, soldering. Decorative elements will increase slightly in size, but will remain elegant. The locks will turn into genuine works of jewelry.