Features of choosing chains
First of all, what you need to pay attention to is the metal from which the product is made. There is a wide range: gold (yellow, white, red), silver, platinum, rhodium, palladium, many others. In order to get a truly high-quality product, it is worth checking the availability of the sample and its number. Each of the precious metals has its own designations, which you need to check when purchasing. Sometimes craftsmen or jewelry stores can offer a product consisting of several metals. In this case, it would be better to build on your own preferences and taste. This option is convenient in selecting jewelry or pendants.
Production technologies
Jewelry factories use three methods of producing chains: hand weaving, machine knitting and stamping.
The first technology is used to create exclusive jewelry with complex weaving. Chain makers have outstanding metalworking skills. Craftsmen independently produce wire from gold or silver. The workpiece is wound onto a base and cut. The resulting rings serve as the basis for the links from which the chain pattern is formed. Soldering of each element is done manually. The final stage of the work is rolling the jewelry through special shafts that make each link flat.
Machine weaving is performed on automated lines, which are equipped with high-precision equipment. Programmable machines are capable of creating miniature elements whose thickness does not exceed 0.2 mm.
Stamping allows you to produce chains from ready-made links, called dies. The technology makes it possible to do without soldering: the individual components are threaded into each other.
Variety of weaves
The chains themselves consist of a ring, a lock and links. Alternation, as well as a certain arrangement of the last elements create a certain type of weaving. These include:
• anchor (perpendicular arrangement of links towards each other, similar in appearance to an anchor chain); • pearls (chain elements in the form of balls); • armored (in one plane); • fantasy (complex shaped links); • combined (presence of different types at the same time).
Today there are more than 50 types of these weaves, all of them are just variations of the main ones. Derivatives from “anchor” are “Aurora” and “Hawaii”, “armored” are “Nonna” and “Figaro”. Among the types of weaving, the names of which correspond to their link shape include “Love”, “Snail”, “Clip”, “Rose” and “Snake”.
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.
| Size, cm | Chain description |
| 40 | Located as close to the neck as possible. Recommended for children and girls |
| 50 | Freer than the first option. Allows you to comfortably wear pendants, pendants, medallions. Universal solution |
| 60 | Reaches the mid-neckline. Recommended for girls who prefer large pendants |
| 70 | Worn loosely, at the level of 2-3 buttons of shirts or shirts. Addressed to men and teenagers |
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.
"Snake"
The last of the above resembles a snake and is usually presented as a smooth jewelry cord with tightly fitting elements and a circular cross-section. This product is hollow in the middle and looks like a slight zigzag on the outside. These products are universal in relation to the target consumer, including suitable for children. This is due to the strength of this arrangement of links (due to the compaction and double base of armor weaving). In addition, “Snake” looks very beautiful with or without a pendant, cross, or pendant on it. Of the special recommendations for use, it is recommended to remove it before going to bed.
Recently, this type of weaving on accessories (chains, bracelets) has become a trend among jewelry. It is made using exceptional technology and has small links, the connections of which are inaccessible to the human eye. Due to all these features, Snake stands out from its category. Despite the fact that such chains and bracelets are hollow and seem fragile, in reality everything is different. This is confirmed by consumer reviews, videos with tests of strength and physical properties. The tightly spaced links in this weave are connected at an angle, as a result of which the chain literally looks like it’s alive when in motion. Today there is also a “square snake”, which has a more modern look.
Hollow and solid chains
If you take a hollow chain in one hand and a full-weight one in the other, you will immediately understand the difference - the first, for all its volume, will be much lighter than the second. If you look at a hollow chain in cross-section, it will look like a tube because it has voids in the middle. The full weight chain is completely cast from metal.
A hollow chain will look more massive and larger than a full-weight one, and its price will be lower. However, such a product is easier to bend or deform, so it requires careful care - take it off at night, do not wear it during sports activities, and protect it in every possible way from physical impact.
The full weight chain is durable. It will not bend, and will withstand even heavy pendants with dignity (but: here you need to take into account the weight ratio of the chain and pendant). However, due to the weight, you will have to pay more for such a product.
Differences between Snake and Tondo
Often this type of weaving, such as “Snake”, is confused with “Tondo” or is considered to be the same thing. However, in reality there are differences between them. Visually, products made using these technologies will be similar, but “Snake” weaving is more rigid in its structure and discreet in appearance. While “Tondo” can be compared to something airy and weightless. It is classified as anchor weaving, during the manufacturing process of which the links are never processed with diamond cutting. Just like “Snake”, such chains and bracelets are suitable for children, since they do not twist and do not cling to clothes or hair. Among the varieties in this category, the “Tondo oval” is also presented on the market, which consists of elongated, smooth oval links.
Important aspects of jewelry that require special attention include:
• chain pattern; • length (40 cm – will emphasize the neck, 50 – décolleté area, 60 – will lengthen the image and add “slenderness”); • lock; • weight; • strength of the twist; • correspondence to the massiveness of the weaving and pendant.
At the moment, you can buy silver or gold chains with Snake weave in almost any jewelry store in Moscow (Golddax, Nashe Zoloto, Sunlight), including online stores.
When purchasing products made from precious metals, you should first of all start from your own taste and pay attention to those items that best suit it. Decoration should both emphasize the dignity of a person’s external appearance and create an opinion about his inner world. As for the manufacturer, it is better to opt for domestic goods. Products from abroad are not always of high quality and reliable (Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt), and the true place of origin is often hidden. Having chosen a quality item, you should remember the rules for its operation, storage and periodically give it for cleaning. A true professional will be able to warn you in advance about possible breakage and cracks, which will help preserve the appearance and extend the life of the jewelry.
The main advantage of products made of precious metals over costume jewelry is quality. Even though this product will be more expensive, it will be able to please its owner for many years. In addition, it is an indicator of status and a sign of well-being. This kind of investment can become a specific option for saving and increasing finances. The important thing is that regardless of when the purchase was made, the products will not lose their value, and may even increase it.
Gold chains with “Rhombus”, “Double Diamond” and “Triple Diamond” weaving
Exquisite gold chains with “Rhombus” weaving, endowed with an original appearance, are very popular among connoisseurs of classical beauty. The peculiarity of these jewelry lies in the links, which, as you might have guessed, have a special diamond shape.
In some cases, the pattern rings are diamond cut, which gives the product a shimmering effect.
It is generally accepted that the “Rhombus” weave is predominantly a man’s weave. But technology does not stand still, so in our time more elegant chains of such knitting are being created that have already appealed to thousands of women.
Depending on how many links are fastened together, the pattern can be single, double (see the photo for an example of a gold chain with “Double Diamond” weaving) or triple:
Weaving from rings located inside each other visually gives the jewelry volume.
Ear
A complex massive weaving option with a correspondingly high cost. The chain links are multidirectional, truly creating a resemblance to an ear of wheat. A very strong option that is difficult to twist or tangle.
Popular with older men and women.
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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. A very worthy option for its segment, 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.
Carbine
- The most popular type, there are various 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.
Hourly
– 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.
Box
- the most durable type, especially if there are wire fuses. Used on heavy jewelry weighing 20 grams or more. The service life is not limited by wear of any parts.
Cardinal
Floor:
unisex (male, female)
Weaving strength:
very strong
Difficulty of performing the work:
high complexity
Bismarck Cardinal has many more names - American, Python, Pharaoh. Gold chains made with this type of weaving are very popular. Despite its elegant and airy appearance, this decoration is very durable and can be worn daily without taking it off. The minimum weight of jewelry is only 15 grams. Therefore, such a gold chain can be ordered on a limited budget. Want to save money? Make custom jewelry from your own metal (gold, platinum), thereby you only pay for the work of the jeweler.
Thin gold chains made with Cardinal weave go well with pendants, crosses and amulet, which are worn under clothing without being revealed to the public. But thicker chains can be worn without additional accessories.
Rose
It is made from many gold rings intertwined. The special weaving technique gives the final chain good volume with relatively little weight.
This type of weaving is exclusively for women, and men do not wear gold items with this type of weaving. It is in particular demand among not quite young women. Pairs well with business and evening suits and dresses.
Weight, geometric dimensions
Automatic machines have been developed to produce chains of very small weight. It is simply impossible to make them manually, or impractical due to the high cost of the final product. Accordingly, one cannot expect that jewelry weighing 2 grams will be highly durable.
Hollow or “blown” chains occupy a special place among machine-knitted chains. This technology is quite new, but well proven, and is becoming increasingly widespread. They look massive and luxurious with relatively little weight. Unfortunately, for jewelers such masterpieces are a complete headache. Not only is their strength practically zero, but also their maintainability is very low.
It is important to note that the presented classification is valid only for chains of approximately equal mass. You should not expect that 5 gram anchor weave will be stronger than 20 gram Bismarck. Reliability directly depends on the thickness of the wire.
Serpentine
A fancy version of weaving from dense twisted gold threads. The chain with this weaving option looks very voluminous and solid. Due to its appearance and the volume created, it can be used separately and does not require additional decorations in the form of pendants and others.
Predominantly female version, but certain types can be used by men.
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Pigtail
In this version of weaving, golden threads are connected into a voluminous, lush “braid”. Due to the volume created, it may not require additional decorations, however, due to the volume and intricate weaving, it can twist, cling to hair and clothes, and also get tangled.
Suitable for both men and women.
Try
A small, but still noticeable influence on the strength of the chain is the product from which it is made.
375
– gold of this standard is more affordable, but has a number of disadvantages, one of them is the increased fragility of the alloy, which affects the durability of the jewelry.
585
– the most common sample, suitable for making jewelry of any complexity, has excellent strength indicators. This quality is the result of a long search for the best ratio of pure gold and impurities.
750
– softer material, reliability is good, however, deformation of products is possible due to high ductility. The main disadvantage is that the price is much higher than that of 585 gold, with almost identical quality characteristics.
If you take into account all the above nuances when purchasing, then you can confidently say that the chosen decoration will never bring disappointment, but only positive emotions.
Pharaoh
It is believed that this type of weaving and its name came from a gold chain discovered on the mummy of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt. It is achieved by connecting chain elements longitudinally and transversely in several rows into a single openwork and three-dimensional structure.
Due to its massiveness, this weaving option is suitable for both men and older women.
