Armored chain weaving is probably the most popular these days. In this way, not only neck chains are woven, but also bracelets (including for watches), earrings, elements of brooches and hairpins.
Costume jewelry made using this technique is widespread, but the armor-like weaving of a gold chain still serves as an indicator of the good taste and well-being of the owner. These chains look great in silver, either in combination with pendants or in proud, shining isolation.
Manufacturing technique
Armor weaving is a natural evolution of anchor weaving: the links are also sequentially inserted into each other. However, they are not located perpendicularly, but at an angle to each other, which allows the product to be aligned in a plane. The links are additionally polished, which gives the jewelry an even more presentable appearance. The diamond cutting technique is often used.
Classic armor weaving became widespread in the early Middle Ages, and even earlier. It was found that it is optimal for making chain mail, which is where the second name for this technique came from - chain mail.
The chain mail woven in this way was comfortable and as light as possible (for those technologies), and the rings fitted to each other in a plane did not rub the skin as much and were better able to withstand blows from piercing weapons.
Modern gold chains of armor weave are made in various ways:
- Manually. This is how exclusive chains are made to order. The master weaves the chain by hand, soldering each link. The weight of such a product is from 6 grams and above.
- Machine knitting. Conventional armor weaving is quite simple, so it can also be done by machine, from ready-made skeins of jewelry wire.
- Stamping. Chains are made from ready-made links-stamps, which are inserted into each other sequentially, without soldering. The links are cut from the workpiece.
Craftsmen who weave chains are called chain weavers. Tsepovyaz carefully monitors the quality of each link. Hand-woven chains are considered the highest quality and strongest.
Chains with very voluminous links are often made “blown”, that is, hollow. This allows you to reduce the weight and cost of the product without losing the presentability of the exterior.
An armored chain made of silver is an excellent option for a man: it looks discreet and respectable. Women's options are usually more elegant and delicate, but this is not a fact: everything depends on the trends of a capricious lady named Fashion.
Types of armor weaving
There are dozens of types of weaving, which are based on the classic single Shell. They differ in density, quantity, shape and method of connecting links.
Gourmet. Here is basic armor weaving in its most common form. The links are a cross between diamonds and ovals. Let's stretch the links in length - and we get Gurmet Rad.
Double armor weave . The links are attached not only sequentially, but also next to each other, on the side walls. The result is a fairly voluminous, dense and massive product - an excellent option for a men's bracelet. Let's add one more row and we'll get an even more brutal triple weave.
Gurmet braided gold chain
Silver chain of double armor weave
Parallel weaving . The links seem to overlap each other without losing the internal spaces. The result is a very durable and beautiful, but not too massive weave.
Rombo . It's simple: large links have a pronounced diamond shape - which means we have a Rombo. Ideal for unisex: chains woven using this technique are suitable for both sexes. Moreover: Rombos are quite self-sufficient, but they also look great with pendants.
Single Rhombo looks too loose, so it is often made double or even triple.
Nonna . Before us is the evolution of Rombo, very beloved by Italian jewelers. The alternation of diamond-shaped links of different sizes visually resembles openwork knitting coming out from under the knitting needles of a beloved grandmother.
Gold Chain Weave Double Diamond
Gold Nona weave chain
Gurmeta Cordino. This weaving is also called Lav, but the weaving technique of the classic Gurmet Cordino is somewhat different. But in both cases, the links resemble miniature hearts - ideal for creating a romantic image.
Singapore . A very popular type of weaving among beautiful ladies: the links are connected at a carefully adjusted angle, resulting in a twisting effect. However, a twisted chain of armored silver weaving is also suitable for a representative of the stronger sex. Singapore is decorative in itself, but goes well with the pendant.
Silver chain of Lav weaving
Silver chain weave Singapore
Okio di Pernice . Translated from Italian it is “the eye of a partridge”, but in our country this interesting weaving is more often called the Eye of an eagle or a panther (it sounds more respectable). The pairwise manner of connecting the links really resembles someone’s attentive and expressive eyes. This is predominantly women's weaving.
Figaro . This simple but very stylish weaving has gained tremendous popularity thanks to the House of Cartier. Its essence lies in the sequential alternation of round and more elongated links. Depending on the sequence (from 1:1 to 1:5), weaving of varying densities is obtained.
A wide silver chain of armored weave of this type looks great on a man, giving the image solidity without the characteristic touch of the “dashing 90s”.
Serpentina . An interesting weave, reminiscent of a Greek ornament, although it got its name because of its resemblance to the curves of a snake’s body. In essence, this is an evolution of the classic Gurmet with tightly fitting flat links.
Snail . Other names are Lumakina and Paperclip. Yes, in the geometry of the links there is a similarity both with the curl of a snail shell and with the corresponding stationery. The weaving can be either very dense or airy, and the links are intertwined in pairs, forming an improvised letter S at the junction.
Figaro weave gold chain
Gold Snail Weave Chain
Tsar. An invention of domestic jewelers, widely used both in men's silver chains with armored weaving and in gold. In fact, this is a type of double armor weaving, which involves the arrangement of links in a checkerboard pattern. Everything is very strict and solid!
Spikelet. Italian craftsmen call this weaving Spiga (which means “spike”). The weaving is very elegant, dense and voluminous, and is used primarily for making massive men's chains. There is practically no Spikelet on sale - it is made by hand to order.
Gold chain weaving Tsar
Gold chain weaving ear
Gold chains, armored weaving
Today it is very easy to choose something beautiful for yourself or as a gift from a photo catalog in an online store. If you are satisfied with the product, you can check availability or order delivery of the product to a conveniently located jewelry store
Abundance of choice - that's the secret
The main thing in jewelry is variety. Some girls are conservative in their preferences: they rarely change their appearance and remain faithful to the things they have chosen once. And they try to choose jewelry in the same style: only their favorite precious stones, similar shapes of products, always the same color scheme.
Others love to change: their wardrobe has clothes for every occasion and every possible style. It's the same with jewelry. Such a girl’s jewelry box will contain anything: from a sports bracelet made of silicone and silver to vintage earrings with large rubies inherited from her grandmother, and a laconic diamond ring given by the groom.
Jewelry fashion is a look into the future
Modern jewelry is not always just gold, silver or platinum. Designers come up with completely unusual products where natural stones are harmoniously integrated into a ceramic base made in the shape of an animal and a flower. When working with ceramics, fashion designers are also drawn to simple geometric shapes with their clean lines.
The Jeweler-Karat product catalog presents chains in the form of strands of colored silicone, leather and satin cords. All accessories for such chains are made of precious metals of the highest standard, and expensive stones are used as decoration, for example, diamonds, sapphires, rubies.
Decorative inserts can also be different: the gold base can be decorated with an element made of valuable wood, earrings made of high-quality silver can be decorated with inserts of extraordinary beauty of glass with shimmer and play of light in the edges.
Perfect decoration
Of course, the decoration must have a special quality - it must be liked by its owner. This is the main rule, without which the decoration will cease to fulfill its function!
There are several other important requirements:
- Quality and technique of execution;
- High quality materials (sample);
- Delicacy of jewelry work;
- Original design and the ability to choose a complete set, including earrings, ring, chain, pendant and bracelet;
- Convenience of the model.
In the Jeweler-Karat network, you can easily select and buy any piece of jewelry either in stock in the company store or to order from a warehouse. To do this, we tried to make the jewelry catalog as convenient as possible and with high-quality photographs.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are many factors that can sway the choice in favor of a chain of armored weaving. The main ones are:
- Wide compatibility. Classic armored weaving does not impose any special requirements on the wearer - it can be combined with any city bow. For special occasions, it is better to choose more massive or openwork options, depending on the image.
- Can be worn with a pendant. Laconic models go well with pendants, changing which you can add special zest to your current outfits.
- Maintainability. The simpler the weave, the easier it is to adjust it to length or repair it if it breaks.
- Easy to care for. Cleaning such a chain at home is much easier than, for example, an intricate Byzantium.
- Strength. A high-quality chain will serve more than one generation of owners.
And there are simply no downsides to armor weaving, especially if it was touched by the hand of a real Master!
08.03.21
Graduation of gold chains by strength and reliability
Even among jewelry with light weight and thick links, you can choose several durable options that are good for daily wear. For example, women can purchase a chain created by weaving a spikelet. Such products are strong and do not get tangled. Venetian weaving is also durable and easy to repair, like all other “anchor” weavings. In the event of a breakdown, a specialist will be able to easily replace or solder the broken element. These chains hold the weight of pendants or pendants well. But you need to take into account that Venetian weaving looks best if the links are small, massive options look rough.
Of the more massive types of knitting, “Figaro” is distinguished by its durability, which is often chosen by men. In general, all armored chains are durable and easy to repair. But it is important to check with sellers how the decoration was made. If you plan to purchase a stamped chain, be prepared to regularly remove it at night. Such models are at risk of deformation, and they are not easy to repair.
You need to be careful with snake weaving, since its individual fragments often get tangled together. Sometimes the links can become so twisted that the jewelry cannot even be repaired. Therefore, you need to wear them carefully and ensure the safety of the elements.
Remember: the simpler the design of a gold chain, the greater the chance of repairing it if necessary, and the less it will cost you.
DIY jewelry repair
If your chain breaks, it is best to immediately take it to a jewelry workshop, since it will be difficult to correct the situation with your own hands. But if you or someone in your family is familiar with a soldering iron and other tools that require precision, you can try to fix the problem yourself. The easiest way to deal with a defect in a chain connected with an anchor type of weaving. To restore a damaged link you will need the following set of tools and materials:
- an old gold chain or other deformed gold item;
- miniature vice;
- gas-burner;
- round nose pliers;
- blowpipe;
- asbestos sheet;
- sewing needle;
- needle file (small file with a fine notch).
For high-quality work, a small jewelry vice is important that will securely hold the product.
Clamp the torn section of the chain in a vice, and connect the links of the two torn ends with a needle - just push it through them. Place the vice on an asbestos sheet, which will prevent fire during further manipulations. If you are dealing with a massive gold chain that holds its shape well, then you can not fix it in a vice, but simply put it on asbestos. But in this case, secure the links with a needle. Heat the rupture site with a gas torch. Direct the flame to this point using a blowpipe.
As soon as the metal turns white, place a small piece of gold on the heated section of the chain, which will be enough for soldering. You need to wait until it completely melts, spreading over the deformed area of the product. Allow the gold to cool and harden. After this, use small wire cutters to remove the excess amount of gold solder and process the solder with a file. If you did everything correctly, the links will be sealed. In a similar way, you can, if necessary, reduce the length of the product. Only for this you will first need to unfasten the required number of links.
Gold chains are basic jewelry for men and women. Depending on the type of weaving, they can be an everyday accessory or a luxurious accent to an evening outfit. When choosing this jewelry, you need to focus not only on its beauty, but also on convenience, strength and durability.
Consider in advance whether an ornate interlocking chain would suit you for everyday wear. Keep in mind that if it breaks, repairing it can cost a lot of money.
