Before investing in a chain, there are several considerations an individual should make. The specifications influence the price, the make of the jewelry, weight, and they feel the customer will be wearing it. This paper looks at the best types of chains to opt for considering such factors.
- Karat type
Choosing the best type of chain requires the specification of the karat type. This is an important choice because it will determine the materials used to construct the chain and consequently the overall price of the chain. There are different karat type specifications such as:
- 10 karat gold.
The purity of gold in such a specification is low compared to other alloys. The chain will comprise of 10 parts gold and 14 parts of other materials such as copper.
- 14 karat gold.
This is the most common type of specification due to the good combination of gold and durability. It comprises of 14 parts of gold and 10 parts of other metals.
- 18 karat gold.
Pieces within this specification get you closer to gold purity. The pieces have 18 parts of gold and 6 parts of other metals. It is a good combination that still maintains durability however, it commands a higher price.
- 24 karat gold.
This is the crowning jewel of gold purity. The chain is made up of pure old however, other materials are still present to offer durability.
- Length.
The most standard length for necklaces is usually 45cm or 18″. This measurement is best for most situations as it just sits above the neckline. Outfits play a huge role in choosing the length of a chain, so is the height of the individual. The 45cm or 18″ measurement sits well with a V shape and offers a nice frame to the face. For taller individuals with large frames, a matinee length of usually 55cm or 22” is needed to get a similar effect. There are numerous ways to be fashionable by tampering with the length of a chain or a pendant. Fashion images on Pinterest show creative ways individuals can wear their chains and stand out.
- Kink or fold.
This tip is majorly intended to preserve your sanity after buying a chain. Kinking is a frustrating experience, especially when trying to put your chain or pendant in place. Some chains are notorious for kinking; this being attributed to the type of link. Links such as omega link, the herringbone link, and the snake link are beautiful designs but are prone to curling. Therefore, consider links such as mariner links, anchor links, curb links that don’t kink easily,
- The pendant or no pendant.
This decision will impact the weight and thickness you choose for your chain. Therefore, you should look for a chain whose weight and thickness are commensurate with the size of the pendant. This consideration will help in solving the kinking problem. This is because thin chains are more likely to kink than thick chains. Another fashion tip from YouTube is looking for chains without snags that will destroy your fabrics.
There are still numerous specifications a person can choose to customize their chain. However, the considerations discussed above can be utilized by the average shopper just looking for a budget-friendly chain. More customization beyond this depends on the budget or inclusion of other expensive minerals such as diamonds in the make-up of the chain.
References.
Links chain types. (2020).
Scott, R. (2019, August 30). CHAIN BUYING GUIDE – 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A CHAIN.
The 7 Most Important Questions to Ask When Buying a Chain Necklace. (2020).
Tips on Buying a Gold Chain. (2020).
Walsh, S. (2020). How to choose the right necklace length.
