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
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.
Advantages and disadvantages of blown gold
Blown gold is fertile ground for the work of a master jeweler. Very often, it produces charming and unique products that, despite their rather impressive size, weigh practically nothing.
The main advantage of jewelry made from blown gold is that they are several times cheaper, since they do not have precious “internals.” That is why for the same amount of money you can buy several inflated gold chains instead of one full-sized one.
The main disadvantage of this type of product is fragility. According to standards, blown gold must retain its shape under a load of up to 15 kg. Unfortunately, GOST standards are observed only at some manufacturing enterprises, so it is better not to expose chains and earrings to undue risk, because if you are not careful, defects may appear on them. In general, it is not recommended to wear such jewelry while sleeping or during intense physical activity. Blown gold jewelry is not intended for everyday wear. They are created to emphasize the significance and solemnity of life events.
When choosing a pendant and chain made of blown gold, you need to adhere to a simple rule: the weight of the pendant is equal to 30% of the weight of the chain, and in the case of a long chain - 50%. Provided that the rules for using hollow jewelry are followed, they will last for many years and will become a very successful and inexpensive purchase for their owners.
Hollow gold chains: pros and cons
Let's consider the main advantages of hollow gold jewelry:
- the design solution of blown chains is in no way inferior to the design of full-weight chains;
- the price of a lightweight chain with the same volume will be two or even three times less (if it is a super light option). Of course, of two chains of equal cost, the consumer will choose the one that has a more impressive appearance;
- with the same weight, the length of the inflated chain will be much greater than the length of the full-weight one;
- An “honest” blown chain is made from gold of the same standard as cast ones. It is worth being careful in this matter: unscrupulous craftsmen can leave a core made of base material in an inflated chain, which increases the weight of the product and its cost, respectively. It is recommended to purchase such jewelry in reputable jewelry boutiques, and never from hand;
- modern blown chains have quite high strength, which is determined by production technology, weaving variation and core diameter;
- Often lightweight gold chains come with a carabiner or spring lock. Thanks to them, the products are safe to wear and have a long service life;
- blown chains can be worn with a pendant or pendant with one condition: the pendant must be twice as light as the chain to prevent chafing.
However, in addition to the advantages, there are also disadvantages to lightweight designs. Blown chains require careful handling. Due to the peculiarities of their structure, the structure is fragile and subject to deformation, and repair work can be difficult and, in some cases, impossible. It is not recommended to give blown chains to active children - they will not last long.
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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 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.
Most popular chains
This weaving was invented for heavy chains weighing more than 100 grams, but it turned out to be too beautiful and practical to remain aside. So this method began to be used for the production of thin light chains. It can be made either manually or using machinery. By the way, Bismarck weaving is especially popular in Russia.
This weaving is often called “Byzantine” and “Royal” - and all options are correct. The ornate interweaving of rings makes it one of the most beautiful and feminine weaves. Of course, this also affects the strength - such a chain will withstand heavy pendants.
Fox tail chain weaving is often equated to Byzantine chain weaving. But even at first glance, the difference is striking. “Fox tail” - weaving is more smooth and dense. Its links fit into a strong chain like a puzzle. A thick chain of this type of weaving cannot be broken by hand.
You can guess its name from the appearance of the chain. Weaving differs sharply from others in the fastening of the links - in a “rope” they are tightly connected to each other and twisted with a rope. This feature makes the chain strong and allows you to wear heavy pendants and crosses. At the same time, it turns out to be so self-sufficient and elegant that it can be worn without additional pendants.
The exceptionally feminine Rose or Courage weave is impressive. Its details in the form of buds are made not of simple links, but of spiral ones. Due to this design, the chain looks voluminous and airy, but in fact has good strength.
“Caprice” or “Python” is another type of durable weaving. Most often it is done manually. It is one of the few chains that can be worn independently without additional accessories. Beautiful, laconic, airy.
Weaving "Nonna" is very popular among female buyers. It looks openwork thanks to the connection of lines and harmoniously combines with various pendants. Due to its design, it can be worn as a stand-alone piece of jewelry. Remember that it all depends on the diameter and thickness of the chain wire. This weaving often refers to machine knitting; less often, craftsmen assemble the links by hand. Reliable, beautiful, affordable - despite the fact that weaving is a classic on the shelves of jewelers, the Nonna chain is still relevant to this day.
Diamond, double or triple diamond - these types of chains are popular among both men and women. Based on the name of the weave, the design is based on a diamond shape. Several types of weaving allow you to make the chain both laconic and more massive and voluminous. It is made both manually and by machine, and therefore is available to a wide range of buyers.
A classic and universal version of weaving - it does not stand out as pretentious, suitable for both men and women. The rounded elongated links are connected in series and perpendicular to each other. It was invented back in Ancient Egypt, and it became the basis for dozens of other types of weaving. It is performed both manually and using automated equipment.
Simple and straightforward weaving with perfectly round links. It can also be found under the names “Belzer” and “Chopard”. The latter stuck with him because of Chopard’s love for this weave - the brand actively used it for many years and made it its calling card.
“Snake” is ideal for everyday wear - laconic, stylish, versatile and as strong as a lace. But such a chain must be worn especially carefully and removed at night. With physical impact, creases form on it.
Singapore weave has a complex spiral structure. It gives the chain a graceful shine as it moves. Pairs with almost any style and jewelry.
Gurmet weaving is universal and elegant at the same time. It consists of small links that form an elegant chain. “Gurmet” is good not only on the outside, but also on the inside - such a chain does not twist and serves faithfully for a long time.
The “Chris Cross” chain is a fancy weave, complex and extraordinary in shape, but in every sense a brilliant know-how among different types of chains. It looks impressive, stylish, bright, like a rich, self-sufficient necklace. It appeared on the shelves of jewelry stores relatively recently, but has confidently taken its place among the popular models.
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.
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.
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.
Types of chain weaving: how to choose the right one
A chain is the most versatile and functional product, which, thanks to the skill of specialists, has become a full-fledged piece of jewelry.
It is worn as an independent accessory, complemented with a pendant, a body icon or a cross. Now jewelry manufacturers offer us a huge number of chains: short and elongated, wide and narrow, classic and decorative, men's and women's, gold and silver, not to mention dozens of different types of weaving.
How to choose a chain that is right for you? We invite you to figure this out together.
