How to Choose a Chain Necklace

Chain necklaces can be subtle or flashy.

A chain necklace can be a wonderful fashion accessory to add flair to any ensemble and also makes a lovely gift. There are many types of chain necklaces for both men and women of all styles.

Instructions

1. 

   Consider the wearer.

   Match the chain style to the wearer's gender, style and needs. A chain necklace for a man should be of medium thickness and simple in design. Women might enjoy a thinner chain, particularly one that can be accessorized with a pendant or charms. Someone who wears simple clothes would probably enjoy a subtle piece of jewelry, whereas a person with bolder tastes might like something flashier.

2. 

   Curb links lay flat.

   Browse a selection of styles. There are many types of necklace links, some feminine and delicate, others strong, with a masculine edge. Box links are square and interconnect, and come in thick and thin styles, depending on whether they'll be accessorized with charms. Snake and omega links are strong and resemble a cord; rope links, made of entwined strands, are also durable and available in an array of thicknesses. Curb links lie flat against the neck, whereas a delicate Singapore-style chain will have more movement.

3. 

   Decide on a precious metal.

   Decide on a material. Platinum is typically the most expensive precious metal, then gold, and finally, silver. Prices will depend on the amount of precious metal in the chain, as determined by karat and/or weight. According the jewelry department of Walmart, "In its pure state, gold is too soft to be worn for jewelry, so it is usually mixed with other metals, such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc, to make it harder," which affects price. On the other hand, "Sterling silver is a silver alloy with a fixed standard of purity. It consists of 925 parts silver (out of 1,000) and 75 parts copper." For instance, the Heavenly Treasures website has a rope-style chain necklace in sterling silver for $79, but a similar model in 14-karat gold sells for $198.

4. 

   Give the necklace to a friend.

   Care for the necklace. Remove it before showering, to keep it from degrading. Silver will require occasional polishing to retain its shine, and a gold chain can be cleaned with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints. If giving the necklace as a gift, provide a nice case for the recipient to keep it in.

References

• Jewelry.com: Caring for Gold
• Beautiful Silver Jewelry: Caring for Silver
• Walmart: Jewelery Education Center
• Heavenly Treasures: A Selection of Chain Necklaces

Resources

• Federal Trade Comission: How to Buy Jewelry