Friday, February 15, 2008

GOLD CHAINS

GOLD CHAINS

There are many different types of gold chains. Rope Chain as the name implies a rope chain resembles the style of a rope This style is often worn with pendants

Herringbone Often worn alone this intricately woven chain lies flat against the wearers neckline and provides a rich lustrous appeal

Bar and Bead Chain This type of chain utilizes a repeating pattern of rounded rectangular or bar shaped links and gold bead links This type of chain is often found in contrasting golds such as white and yellow gold

Rolo Chain Typically consisting of broad circular links these chains offer a simplistic yet sturdy and stunning look Hollow rolos are similar with the variation of hollow spherical links Singapore Chains These delicate chains are ideal for women The appearance is a slightly twisted delicate rope and is ideal for charms Cable Chains Oval links are alternately linked together for a classic chain appearance Curb Chains A curb chain is made from a series of circular flattened links These are ideal for men and in larger sizes are often seen in hip hop jewelry Marine Chains are designed from oval links with a post or bar centered vertically in between each link The result is a more intricate appearance than standard oval link chains

Types of Gold

Although the traditional classic is yellow gold gold chains are also available in white black rose and multicolored gold Black Hills gold uses rose yellow and green tinted gold in its grape and grapeleaf designs Colored gold is created by mixing other metal alloys with the gold to create the desired color The quality of gold chains varies depending on the amount or number of karats of gold a chain contains Pure gold for example is 24 karats and a chain containing fifty percent gold would be 12 karats Chains are almost never designed with pure gold however as the gold alone is too soft for wear The addition of other metal alloys strengthens the jewelry so it can be easily worn without constant fear of damage

Gold Plating

Some gold chains are actually goldplated This means that the chain is composed of copper silver or some other metal but has had an application of a thin layer of gold deposited over it The result is a goldlike appearance

Unlike chains containing actual gold goldplated chains will eventually show signs of tarnish as the plating begins to wear off The cost however is typically much lower than gold necklaces or chains so the tradeoff is often worthwhile for budget conscious jewelry lovers or those interested in the latest fashion jewelry trends Chains are typically sold in a variety of lengths dependant upon the wearers size and drape preference Lengths are generally available in increments from sixteen inches to over twentyfour inches

The costs for gold chains depend upon the quality length and style Long or intricate chain styles with high concentrations of gold can cost thousands

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