Choosing the Best Gold Chain: The Strongest and Weakest Gold Chains
Chain styles aren't all about looks. Some chains are more durable than others. If you're buying a gold chain, here are the strongest and weakest chains.
Keyword(s): gold chain
Wearing a gold chain is one of the most popular ways to accessorize your appearance. This is simply due to the fact that they are timeless pieces that go with a wide range of different styles and outfits.
However, it’s important to understand what type of chains are the most durable. Otherwise, you run the risk of having to pay for repairs or losing the jewelry entirely.
Let’s explore what you need to know.
What Factors Contribute to Durability?
It’s important to understand what factors contribute to the overall durability of the chain. This will make it easier for you to recognize a strong chain in the future.
Let’s take a look at some of the most notable attributes.
Chain Thickness
As you might guess, thicker chains are going to be stronger than thinner chains. As such, thicker chains are more suited for daily wear since they are more likely to withstand accidental pulling.
For example, even a simple interaction with a child or a dog could cause a thin chain to break.
Type of Link
The shape of the chain’s links plays a large role in its overall strength. Some styles of links bend or twist, putting them at risk of breaking.
The strongest types of links do not have a point at which they exhibit flexion, allowing them to retain as much structural integrity as possible.
Soldering
When a chain is soldered appropriately, it closes the gaps between the independent links. This essentially creates a chain that is highly resistant to breakage.
Depending on the style of chain, though, soldering isn’t always possible, causing the chain to become weaker than it would have otherwise been.
What Are the Strongest Chains?
When searching for a chain to purchase, there are a handful of different types you need to keep an eye out for. These are some of the strongest available and will therefore last the longest.
Let's take a brief look at them.
Figaro Chains
Due to its soldered links, Figaro gold chains are highly durable. On average, these are also some of the heaviest chains that are available.
This means that you are unlikely to encounter any issues if you choose to wear a pendant on this type of chain.
Figaro chains are often purchased for younger individuals who are likely to take suboptimal care of them. Children, for example, need a chain that can resist pulling.
Curb Chains
Curb links are some of the most commonly used during chain manufacturing. Even smaller curb chains are notably thick.
However, small curb chains are both more appealing to women and significantly strong compared to other types of chains of a similar size. If you’re looking for a classic chain option that will never go out of style, this is the choice for you.
Rope Chains
Rope chains are unique in their appearance. While other chains have links that hook into each other, a rope chain involves twisting two pieces of metal together into an intertwining pattern.
Something to consider, however, is the fact that rope chains are notably difficult to repair. This is simply due to the complexity of the design.
However, opting for a thick rope chain can help alleviate this issue, as it will be notably durable. Keep this in mind when making your decision.
Box Chains
As the name suggests, box chains are composed of links shaped like squares. For chains at least 1.5mm thick and above, they are also particularly strong.
Box chains are renowned for the ease at which they are able to hold a pendant. If you have an extra piece that you would like to wear on your chain, a box chain is a solid option.
What Are the Weakest Chains?
There’s a large number of different types of chains to choose from. However, some are much weaker than others.
It’s in your best interest to avoid wearing these on a daily basis — if at all. Otherwise, you run the risk of them breaking or becoming damaged.
Here are some of the weaker chains available.
Bead Chains
The narrow bars that connect the beads of a bead chain are fairly weak in comparison to the links of other types. Bead chains are also fairly weak in general.
If you choose to wear this type of chain, it’s best to go as big as possible.
Herringbone Chains
Many people choose herringbone chains due to how beautiful they are. Their flat, thin appearance is unique compared to other chains — especially those that use conventional types of links.
Unfortunately, they are both lacking in durability and prone to kinking. So, you may find them unpleasant or inconvenient to wear on a regular basis.
Snake Chains
Snake chains are named so due to the fact that they resemble the scales of a snake. In the light, they create a mesmerizing shimmer, something that is especially true with higher purity values.
These chains don’t have underlying support in the form of mesh or wire. This means that they must be repaired by soldering, which isn’t always successful in achieving the original appearance.
The nature of its design also makes it prone to breakage.
Choosing the Right Gold Chain Is Essential
The above information will help ensure that you can do so without any trouble. So, keep this guide in mind when choosing which gold chain is best for you.
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