Chains
The chain is one of the most familiar and beloved by many jewelry.... It is worn by men, women, and even children. It is a self-sufficient decoration or serves as a beautiful addition to a pendant and pendant.
This accessory is worn every day and put on for a special occasion. Despite the outward simplicity, there are a huge number of very different models of this jewelry. They differ from each other in the material of manufacture, length, width, weaving technique, type of lock, color, and the presence of decorative ornaments.
Types and models
Chains are subdivided into male and female. Jewelry for women is distinguished by the grace of weaving, the delicacy of the pattern, rounded links, light weight, and the presence of decorative details. Men's chains are more massive, heavy and angular. There is also a completely universal option that looks equally harmonious on both young people and girls.
Chains are used to decorate not only the neck, but also the arms, legs, head and body. They can be used on their own or supplemented with a suspension.
As a decorative accessory, the chain can be single, double or triple. Various types of weaving, as well as decorative inserts made of stones, beads, rhinestones and other metals give an aesthetic appeal to the jewelry. Chains can consist of some links or alternate with balls made of the same metal. They can be hollow or solid, flat or volumetric. The adornment can consist of one or several thin chains intertwined with each other.
A chain for a pendant or pendant is usually made in a simple, uncomplicated design so as not to divert attention from the main jewelry.
By the type of weaving, the chains can be divided into 2 groups:
- simple (with the classic weaving option);
- complex (with design options for weaving in several rows, using blackening, diamond-cut links, decorative inserts, a combination of metal of different colors).
According to the thickness, jewelry can be conditionally divided into 3 groups.:
- thin (with a link thickness of no more than 2-3 mm);
- medium (link thickness 4-5 mm);
- large (link thickness from 6 mm and more).
By the way, sufficiently bulky chains may not be heavy at all. These are hollow jewelry and are much cheaper than regular solid chains. Such chains have a significant drawback - fragility. Broken links cannot always be corrected and restored.
Types of weaves
One of the main criteria for the decorative value of a product is the type of interweaving of the links. The more complex and sophisticated the weaving, the more expensive and beautiful the jewelry looks.
Today, there are several main types of weaving.
Anchor option
The chain links are perpendicular to each other. The classic version, which has several varieties. The links themselves can be square or round. One of the strongest, most durable and practical types of weaving. The links and the spaces between them are easy to clean if necessary.
Armored version
It is considered a variety of the first type, although outwardly it differs quite significantly from it. The twisted links visually resemble unfinished eights. They lie in the same plane, and the chain looks almost flat, and grinding further enhances this effect. This type of weaving is distinguished by its particular refinement and elegance. The chain does not twist or cling to the collar of a shirt or blouse. Chains with such weaving are worn by men and women.
Nonna
A very interesting and original version of double weaving. Inside the twisted and large links, smaller ones are located. The decoration turns out to be very voluminous and, at the same time, airy and light. Most often used to create women's accessories.
Bismarck (cardinal, Kaiser, American)
The chain made with this weaving option looks quite massive, so men prefer to wear it. At the same time, the drawing does not look heavy and rough, but light and airy. The links consist of several closely spaced elements. Due to this, a monolithic structure is visually created. It is very difficult to clean such a piece of jewelry, this is its drawback.
Figaro
This option harmoniously combines links that differ from each other in length and shape. Usually, there are three shortened links first, then one long and then in the same order. Such weaving has high strength, in addition, it is unpretentious in maintenance. However, links can sometimes twist due to different sizes and shapes.
Perlina
Weaving got its name for the external similarity of the links with pearls. They are made in the form of tiny balls and fastened together with a gold thread. The weave is incredibly beautiful and original, but not very strong and durable.
Turtle
This weave consists of flat links. It looks very impressive and catchy. But such chains often cling to hair, clothing and get tangled. This type of weave is mainly used to create women's jewelry.
Singapore
A very beautiful twisted weave that is often used to create chains for pendants. The links are twisted in a spiral, so their edges glow and shimmer with each hit of a sunbeam on them. A fairly simple and strong connection.
Snail (paperclip)
The links are designed in the form of curls, outwardly very reminiscent of the shell of a snail.
Snake
Small, well-polished links are tightly adjacent to each other and slightly twisted. Outwardly, such a chain looks almost monolithic and very much resembles snake skin. It is this similarity that gave the name to this kind of weaving.Due to its unusual appearance, such a piece of jewelry can be worn by itself, without pendants and pendants.
Rhombo
Diamond-shaped weave, in which the links are located in each other. There are double or triple weaving, depending on the number of links located in each other. A beautiful option that is often used to create bracelets.
Venetian variant
Outwardly, it resembles the anchor version, only in this case all the links are thinner, wider and flattened. The links are available in square or rectangular versions.
Ear
A very original weaving, resembling an outwardly beautiful twisted spikelet braid. This option is material-intensive, so such chains are quite expensive.
Byzantine variant
Beautiful, exquisite weaving. Its originality consists in a special way of fastening the links, located and connected to each other in a complex order.
Cord weaving
Outwardly, it resembles a tourniquet, when the links jump over each other. This method is more suitable for creating men's accessories.
the Rose
A very beautiful and feminine option, when each link is twisted in a spiral, forming a rosebud. In addition to purely aesthetic appeal, this weaving method is also distinguished by its high strength.
Rope way
A very strong and durable connection, reminiscent of a rope or rope weaving.
Love
A beautiful and feminine option, suitable for the youngest and most romantic girls. The links that make up the chain look very much like hearts.
Scythe
The classic version of braiding from three thin chains.
Thai weaving
It is a rather complicated option, in which pre-bent links are inserted into each other, forming a beautiful, openwork pattern.
The same weaving may differ in different versions depending on the materials used, their color and metal thickness. The wider the diameter of the metal wire, the more massive and heavier the chain will appear.
Where are they worn?
Today, the chain is not only a classic necklace. The designers went even further and offered several fashionable and stylish options for decorating the whole body with a chain. Such an accessory is called a bodicain, that is, a chain for the body.... It will help to emphasize the beauty and curvature of certain parts of the body and draw attention to them.
Usually such a chain is worn in the summer, when the body is as open as possible. A gold or silver chain beautifully emphasizes the beauty of a tanned body, effectively contrasting with it.
The most popular way to wear this kind of jewelry is a chain on a belt.... It allows you to focus on a thin, toned waist. It can be worn directly on the naked body or over clothing.
Another interesting option is a chain on the shoulders... Especially if such an ornament is made of several tiny chains, scattered over the shoulders, like a shiny spider web. It looks incredibly impressive and stylish.
Girls who prefer more classic options can use the chain to decorate the ankle or wrist..
One of the trends of the new season is the head chain.... There are different options for wearing such jewelry, and they all have Indian roots. The chain can be one and decorate the parting. There can be several of them, they can be located in parallel or intertwined with each other. Often, chains are additionally decorated with small pendant stones. Such an ornament looks very unusual and is most often used to create an evening or formal hairstyle.
Length
The range of lengths of modern chains is quite wide. There are also very tiny products that are suitable for decorating the wrist or ankle. There are also long chains that are worn on the arm, neck or body in several turns.
The most common length is "princess"... Its length ranges from 40 to 50 cm.This length allows the jewelry to easily fit a woman's or man's neck and freely go down into the open shirt collar or neckline.
Chains from 45 to 55 cm long are worn with pendants or pendants, depending on where the jewelry is located - in the area between the collarbones or on the chest.
Chains longer than 55-60 cm can be put on over the head without unbuttoning. Such models are worn on clothes without a cutout, for example, on a turtleneck or a closed dress.
With the help of a well-chosen length of the product, you can beautifully play up the advantages and disadvantages of the figure. For example, a short chain focuses on the beautiful neckline, while a long chain will draw attention to the luxurious neckline.
To determine the appropriate size, you need to wrap the neck with a thick thread in the way you would like the chain to hang. Then round the resulting value to the nearest multiple of five. This will be the correct size.
Types of locks
Chains differ from each other not only in material, weaving, width and length, but also in the type of lock.
Among the most common are:
- Round. Reliable fastening, consisting of a ring with a spring-latch.
- Carbine. A hinge with a tensioned spring, slightly set aside. Ideal for massive, heavy jewelry.
- Box. It resembles a box with a bar embedded in it. Such a mount is not particularly reliable.
- Magnetic clasp. The name speaks for itself, the clasp is made in the form of small magnetic links that are attracted to each other.
- Togl. It is a ring and a crossbar that is inserted inward and pivoted across. Not a very reliable option, so it is most often used for jewelry.
Material
Chains can be jewelry or costume jewelry. Jewelry from the first group is made of precious and semi-precious metals: gold, silver, platinum, ruthenium, iridium, osmium, rhodium. Precious materials are of high quality, strength, durability, and excellent aesthetic characteristics.
The quality and purity of the metal is confirmed by the sample, which is necessarily put on each product.
The most affordable option is silver jewelry, which is not inferior in beauty to gold jewelry and is often made with a special coating "like gold".
Jewelry gives a huge scope for the embodiment of designer fantasies. The chain and other jewelry can be easily made with your own hands from the material at hand. Homemade bead chains made of beads, multi-colored stones, rhinestones and other beautiful and shiny materials have always been especially popular. Wire, textile or leather cords and shiny threads are used as the basis for such jewelry.
Colour
Despite all the variety of modern materials for making jewelry, the most popular color scheme in which chains are made remains unchanged. First of all, it is yellow - the color of gold. The most popular option for both men and women. It goes well with different clothes and looks harmoniously with other jewelry. By the way, gold can be not only yellow, but also white and red.
The more sophisticated silver models have a neutral white color. The black chain looks very unusual and original. Some models are made in several colors at once, for example, black and white or white and yellow chain. DIY jewelry and jewelry are presented in a wider range of colors.
How to choose?
When choosing the right accessory, you need to pay attention to several points.:
- If the chain is bought for a pendant or a pendant, then weaving should be as simple as possible, and the product itself must be combined in color and style with a decorative ornament.
- A person's age plays an important role in the selection of jewelry.Young people, as a rule, prefer more original, fancy weaves and catchy jewelry. Mature people tend to laconic and conservative models, kept in a classic style.
- Weaving. The type of weave has a huge impact on the durability of the jewelry. The tighter the links are, the stronger the chain will be.
- Length. The chain should not be too long. Otherwise, it will become tangled and clinging to hair and clothing, or twisted.
- Quality. Certificate, passport, compliance with standards, sample - all these documents and signs must accompany any branded jewelry.
Combination with bracelet and pendant
A chain for a pendant or pendant plays the role of an elegant addition to the main decorative adornment. She should unobtrusively emphasize the beauty and elegance of the pendant, and not divert attention to herself.
The pendant comes in a variety of designs, shapes and sizes. It can be a decoration with a zodiac sign, a crescent moon, an angel, a letter, a flower, a heart, an animal. The chain itself should be of such length that the decorative adornment lies freely on the chest, without clinging to clothing.
As for the combination of a chain and other jewelry, for example, earrings, bracelets, rings, then ideally they should all be made of the same metal, have the same color and a similar design. Even if this is not one set, jewelry similar in style looks very harmonious and stylish.
What to wear with?
Correctly selected jewelry will give any look a complete and elegant look, while an incorrectly chosen accessory can spoil the impression of even the most beautiful outfit.
It is best to choose a classic chain of short length for a strict office dress or suit.
Long chains with intricate weaving go well with beautiful, low-cut dresses.
Medium-length gold or silver chains with or without a laconic pendant are perfect for every day. The weave shouldn't be too fancy when combined with a simple T-shirt or top. Fancy-shaped accessories are best left for an evening out.
One of the most beautiful and feminine embellishments for an open back evening dress is a thin long chain that falls down the back. It can be decorated with a laconic pendant. There can be several chains at once. Then they intertwine and cover the back, like an openwork sparkling mesh.
Body chains look perfect in the hot season. They can be worn with summer clothes, bathing suits, and can be used to decorate nude areas of the body.