Anchor chain
There are many varieties of jewelry of the mentioned design. The simplest type should be considered a chain consisting of oval flat links connected to each other in one row. This form fully corresponds in appearance to the prototype and is distinguished by its brevity. Thanks to this, the accessory is considered an ideal solution for wearing pendants, including those encrusted with precious stones.
A more complex version is called “Cartier”. The peculiarity of this weaving is the use of links of different sizes in the following combination:
- from 3 to 8 small rings;
- 1 large and oblong.
In addition, the elements are made using various techniques:
- with diamond edges;
- minting;
- simple notches, etc.
Another type is tape. The chain looks massive and, due to the tight fit of the elements, is almost monolithic. You should not wear pendants or pendants with it.
The most classic version of the anchor chain is oval links with internal cross bars.
When making any product of this kind, 585-carat gold is usually used - a more pliable material will not last long.
Solid or hollow: what's the difference?
All chains, regardless of the type of weaving, are divided into solid and hollow.
A distinctive feature of hollow chains is the combination of volume and lightness. The wire from which the decoration is woven is hollow inside, so despite the external thickness of the links, hollow chains have little weight. Most often they are made using complex decorative types of weaving and look quite solid. The advantage of such chains is their affordable price, which is determined by the weight of the product.
Solid chains are much heavier than hollow ones, which affects the cost of the jewelry. However, they are very comfortable for everyday wear, resistant to deformation and external influences and therefore durable. If the links are damaged, a specialist can easily solder the product and restore its original appearance.
Armor chains
The armored chain, regardless of the type of design, is always durable. It uses a principle similar to that used to create chain mail. The links, due to their specific bending, are located in a single plane. The finished jewelry is sanded on both sides - this prevents twisting during wear.
There are many varieties of such chains. The most popular, for example, is “Figaro”. A distinctive feature of the design is 3-4 small, almost round rings and one long one. The effect is enhanced if elements from several types of gold are used.
The weaving of a snake (or in English - snake) actually resembles the scaly body of a reptile. Craftsmen often connect several chains together - this makes the decoration more voluminous and elegant. The latest modification is called the French braid.
The double version of red gold and white looks good. By the way, the combination seriously increases the durability of the product - a single chain is quite brittle.
Types of chain locks
When purchasing a jewelry chain, pay attention to its lock. Firstly, it must be of high quality, since the safety of the jewelry depends on this “minor” detail. And secondly, the lock should be comfortable so that you can fasten and unfasten it yourself, easily putting any pendants on the chain.
As a rule, the type of lock is selected by the jeweler depending on the weight and type of weaving of the item. More massive chains have reliable carabiners, while elegant, thin models are more suitable for a spring lock. Most often, both types of fasteners allow you to easily put pendants with different eye thicknesses on a chain, so they are approximately equivalent to each other in terms of convenience and reliability.
"Bismarck"
Anchor, as well as armored and Bismarck chains are the most popular chain designs in the world. The last weaving appeared in the mid-19th century and was named after the German chancellor, who had a reputation as a man of strong convictions and very stubborn. The decoration in question also has these qualities. Thanks to the multi-row nature, the chain looks heavy, but it has a very impressive strength.
A more complex version of the “Bismarck” is considered the “Royal Robe”. Here, individual links are additionally braided with thin wire, which ultimately makes it look like an ermine edge. Decorations of this kind are not considered practical - they often tightly adhere to knitwear.
A more sophisticated version of “Bismarck” is a combination of multi-row weaving with elements inlaid with stones.
“Python” is a very interesting variety of weaving being studied, always made by hand. Other design names:
- scorpion;
- Italian.
The strength of the chain weave is so great that it is often made from refined gold.
The jewelry will withstand long-term wear, even if it is made of the following metal samples:
- 999;
- 750, etc.
Jewelry cords
Tondo . The following type of weaving is quite strong and looks great on girls and women:
Snake:
Fox tail (hollow):
Ball:
Ball + barrel:
Finally, I present to your attention a few more interesting types of chain weaving :
Here are the main, most common types of weaving chains and bracelets. Each type is beautiful in its own way and such a variety will easily satisfy the requirements of even the most sophisticated connoisseurs of jewelry.
If, however, you still couldn’t find a suitable chain or bracelet weave for yourself, then in this case you can turn to professional jewelers who will definitely be able to offer something exclusive and original.
Of course, it may take several weeks or even months to complete your order, but then you will be happy. Many people do not like to wait and do not particularly trust jewelry workshops and buy in stores; however, the quality of products in stores is not always high.
Weaving "Pharaoh"
A similar type of design was used in Ancient Egypt. It was on the mummy of Pharaoh Tutankhamun that the first sample was discovered, on the basis of which jewelry masters subsequently began to develop their own versions.
The decoration in question is abrasion-resistant and voluminous. At the same time, thanks to the large links, it is possible to maintain delicacy and relative lightness. The strength of the product is given by rings located in two or three rows, connected together in a special order.
Jewelry in the Pharaoh style is equally suitable for both women and men.
"Fox's tail"
This type of chain is a type of armor weaving. Its feature is considered to be the characteristic bright shine of the flattened edges of the links. Weave is usually chosen to create thick jewelry that is worn without pendants.
Archaeologists have proven that the first chains of this style began to be made in the middle of the Bronze Age.
There are several varieties of Fox Tail:
- square;
- circle.
The first one is always very expensive, since the work is very complex. The second type is easier to make, but it has another advantage - high strength.
"Perlina"
The “Perlina” chain has an unusual shape. Its links are balls and cylinders of gold connected together. The popularity of the design in question is not very high, but we recommend choosing it for young ladies who want to stand out from their peers.
The name of the weave comes from the German word “pearl”, which translates as pearls. The first products appeared on the market relatively recently, but their owners have already managed, on the one hand, to appreciate their originality, and on the other, their vulnerability to mechanical damage. The decoration, unfortunately, breaks easily even if bent too sharply.
Choosing the chain length
One of the important criteria when choosing a chain is its length. As a rule, the size range consists of models from 40 to 70 cm.
- 40 cm - the chain is worn close to the neck
- 50 cm - the chain is worn at the level of the upper part of the neckline
- 60 cm - the chain is worn at the level of the middle part of the neckline
- 70 cm - the chain is worn at the level of the lower part of the neckline
It is believed that it is better for women to choose chains up to 50 cm, and for men - longer. Still, there are exceptions to every rule, and when purchasing jewelry, you must try it on.
