Chain Reaction

The most easily defined characteristic of a gold chain is its karatage, which can range from 10-karat to pure 24-karat gold. Pure gold is rarely used in fine jewelry because of it softness. Gold is typically alloyed with other metals to make the chain more durable; for this reason 14-karat and 18-karat are most popular for daily wear.

The 18-karat option often has a deeper, richer gold color. With the exception of rope and bead chains, all gold chains are a variation on the link, the most basic and classic of which is the cable. Cable chains are only as strong as the thickness of the links and quality of the closures; choose thicker designs for standalone wear, or to support bold pendants.

Also popular are the Venetian link, featuring box-shaped links connected like a child’s paper garland; Byzantine designs that weave links together to form thick, cylindrical chains; and heavy, hinged Panther Link chains, a great option for men as well as women.Figaro chains use varying link sizes to form patterns, while Belcher chains use uniform oval links of various thickness and size. The unique linking pattern of Prince of Wales chains make them delicate enough for small pendants, yet strong and rope-like in appearance.

Tightly woven links give the mesh chain, in any thickness, a durable and distinctive edge. Ask us about what chain style would suit you best. With designers introducing new looks all the time, selecting a gold chain is much more exciting than it used to be.