The 12 Things You Need to Know About Chains
There are many different types of necklace chain and each has its own style and attitude. From chunky gold link chains to delicate pendants, we’ve got the Jewellery lowdown on everything you need to know about chains and how to wear them.
What are chains?
Chains are a series of connected links or rings that form a flexible and durable structure. Chains can be made of various metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, or copper, and can have different shapes, sizes, and patterns. Chains can be used to make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or other jewellery pieces.
Why wear chains?
Chains are versatile and timeless accessories that can suit any outfit and occasion. You can wear chains alone or layer them with other necklaces for a more dynamic look. You can also mix and match different types of chains to create contrast and interest. Chains can also help you express your personality and style, whether you prefer simple and elegant or bold and edgy.
How to choose chains?
There are many factors to consider when choosing chains, such as the length, width, weight, style, and quality. Here are some tips on how to choose the best chains for you:
– Length: The length of a chain determines how it will hang on your neck and what neckline it will suit. The most common lengths for chains are 16 inches (choker), 18 inches (princess), 20 inches (matinee), 24 inches (opera), and 30 inches (rope). You can use a measuring tape or a string to measure your neck and see what length works best for you.
– Width: The width of a chain refers to how thick or thin it is. The width of a chain affects how visible and noticeable it is, as well as how comfortable it is to wear. The width of a chain is usually measured in millimeters (mm) or gauges (G). A thin chain can be as narrow as 0.5 mm or 30 G, while a thick chain can be as wide as 10 mm or 6 G.
– Weight: The weight of a chain depends on the metal, width, and length of the chain. The weight of a chain affects how heavy or light it feels on your neck, as well as how durable and sturdy it is. The weight of a chain is usually measured in grams (g) or ounces (oz). A light chain can weigh as little as 1 g or 0.03 oz, while a heavy chain can weigh as much as 100 g or 3.5 oz.
– Style: The style of a chain refers to the shape and pattern of the links or rings that make up the chain. There are many different styles of chains, each with its own name and appearance. Some of the most popular styles of chains are cable, curb, figaro, rope, snake, box, bead, wheat, herringbone, and byzantine.
– Quality: The quality of a chain depends on the metal, craftsmanship, and finish of the chain. The quality of a chain affects how shiny or dull it looks, how smooth or rough it feels, how strong or weak it is, and how long it will last. The quality of a chain is usually indicated by the metal purity (karat or percentage), the hallmark (stamp or engraving), and the clasp (type and security).
How to wear chains?
There are many ways to wear chains
and create different looks with them. Here are some ideas on how to style chains with different outfits and occasions:
- Casual: For a casual and relaxed look, you can wear a single chain or a few thin chains with a simple top, jeans, or a dress. You can also opt for a longer chain or a pendant to add some interest and movement to your look. For example, you can wear a 20-inch cable chain with a white t-shirt, a denim jacket, and some sneakers.
- Formal: For a formal and elegant look, you can wear a single chain or a few thin chains with a sophisticated blouse, skirt, or suit. You can also go for a shorter chain or a pendant to accentuate your neckline and face. For example, you can wear a 16-inch curb chain with a black blouse, a pencil skirt, and some heels.
- Boho: For a boho and eclectic look, you can layer different types of chains with different lengths, widths, and styles. You can also mix metals and add some charms or beads to your chains for more texture and colour. For example, you can layer a 24-inch rope chain, an 18-inch figaro chain, and a 16-inch bead chain with a floral dress, a leather jacket, and some boots.
- Glam: For a glam and chic look, you can wear a single chain or a few thin chains with some sparkle and shine. You can also choose a thicker chain or a statement necklace to make your look more dramatic and eye-catching. For example, you can wear a 18-inch snake chain with some crystals, a sequin dress, a gold clutch, and some pumps.
Conclusion
Chains are versatile and timeless accessories that can suit any outfit and occasion. You can choose chains based on the length, width, weight, style, and quality that suit you best. You can also style chains by wearing them alone or layering them with other necklaces for different looks.
I hope this blog post was helpful and informative for you. If you liked it, please share it with your friends and family who love jewellery as much as you do. And don’t forget to check out our website for more jewellery tips and tricks, as well as our amazing collection of chains that you can shop online or in store. Thank you for reading and happy styling!