Gold jewelry is not only a timeless piece of accessory that never goes out style. It is also a great investment as the precious metal retains its value even after many years. When you own gold jewelry like rings, bracelets, and necklaces that have been taken care of properly, chances are you can pass it down for generations.
But how do you know that you are purchasing a gold chain that will suit best with your personality and lifestyle? In this article, we cover the top things you should consider before buying your next gold chain:
Karat type
Not all gold chains are made from pure gold. In fact, you will find that the most common gold karats used in jewelries are 22 karat, which is 22 parts gold and two parts other metal, 18 karat, which is made of 18 parts gold and six parts other metal, 14 karat that contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metal, and 10 karat, which is 10 parts gold and 14 parts non-gold metals. Depending on your intended usage for the gold chain, you may choose to buy pure 24k gold for that beautiful luster or go for 14k gold that provides durability while still contributing to a sophisticated look. The choice of karat not only depends on your personal preference, but on your budget as well. Needless to say, you will be spending more on buying pure gold chain than purchasing a 14k gold chain.
Is pure gold the better choice?
The answer to this is: not always. A 24k gold takes on a distinct yellow color because of the higher purity of gold in it, but it is not commonly used in making jewelry because of the malleable property of the metal. Gold in its purest form is extremely soft and can be bent easily, which is why it is mixed with other non-gold metals to make it stronger and better suited for jewelry use. In essence, pure gold chain will look better because of the bright yellow color, but may be more prone to scratches.
Length of the chain
There are standard necklace sizes that you can choose from when purchasing a gold chain. Do you want the chain to fit like a choker? Do you want it to fall just above your chest? Or do you want a chain that hangs near your belly?
A common choice for chain length is 18″ because it is not too short like 14″ chains, and falls at the collarbone, making it more visible than shorter chains.
If you are purchasing a gold chain to use in business and casual wear, consider getting one that is 20 to 24 inches long and falls between the collarbone and the chest. There are also gold chains that are 36 to 42 inches long, and sit just below the center of the chest. This chain length is ideal for elegant evening wear.
Consider the types of gold chains
There are a variety of gold chain styles that you can choose from. We cover some of them below:
Box chain – a lightweight and durable chain that looks sleek and is typically used to hold pendants and charms. A box chain is made up of square links, which gives it a ‘boxy’ appearance.
Cable chain – a classic chain style that is made from oval links that are uniform in size. Cable chains look great with delicate pendants.
Figaro chain – this is another popular gold chain design that are often worn by men. It is a modified version of curb chains, and is made with alternating patterns of links that are mostly oblong in shape. When used by men, Figaro chains are often adorned with pendants such as medallions and crosses.
If you’re looking for Gold Chains then consider Fraser Ross as one of the best sources for gold chains online.