Before
you invest in a gold chain, you must get down to the nitty-gritty of buying it.
There are a lot of factors to be considered such as if the chain is solid gold,
what karat is it and what kind of link the chain is made up of. Fraser Ross Gold chains come in a variety of styles,
designs, and lengths and it can be a challenge to pick the perfect one. They
can be worn with or without a pendant but before you buy a gold chain, there
are a few things you should keep in mind.
KNOW
WHAT YOU WANT
There
are different types of chains available suitable for different purpose and
personalities. Knowing what you want and how often you have to wear the gold
chain will help you make the right decision. The most common type of gold chain
is bead chain, box chain; cable chain, Figaro chain, rope chain, and snake
chain. You can choose the one you like based on several factors including
durability, affordability and amount of gold used.
STRENGTH
OF CHAIN
If
you intend to wear the gold chain daily, then you must look into how strong the
chain is. Chains with link are the strongest such as cable, Figaro and anchor
chain. This is because they are soldered individually and don’t have any
bending point, which means they can withstand knotting, bending, twisting or
folding. Even if the link breaks, link chins can be repaired easily.
KNOW
THE MATERIAL
It
is important to know the material that the gold chain is made of: solid gold,
gold filled, gold plated and hollow gold chains. Solid gold can be made in 24
karats, 22K, 18K or 14K. Higher karats result in a weaker chain that can be
broken easily and lower karat chains do not have the best gold colour. Hollow
chains have a hollow tube-like space inside. The reason for this is to reduce
the quantity of gold used inside which is why it is less expensive and lighter
than solid gold chains. Out of these, the solid gold chain is the best option
to buy as it will not only be durable but will also never lose its value. But
if you are on a budget, then you must go for hollow gold chains that have more
resale value than the gold filled and gold plated ones.
EVALUATE
THE QUALITY OF GOLD
Gold
is an expensive and in-demand metal which is why there are people will try to
out-smart you by selling fake gold. The trick is to know the required
information beforehand and not fall for these traps. You should know how to
identify if a gold chain is fake or real.
There
is a tiny engraving on the surface of the gold jewellery known as the Hallmark.
This will indicate the purity of the gold used. All reputable gold chain
manufacturers will always include a Hallmark on their chain. Porcelain test
determines if the material used is fake or not by rubbing it on an unglazed
porcelain tile. Another way the authenticity of the product can be checked is
through Magnets. There is no such thing as magnetic gold. If the gold is
attracted to a magnet, it means that the ornament has iron or nickel in it. You
can also go with Acid test and Appraisal which is a sure shot way to check for
the quality of your gold but it may also be expensive.
CHAIN
THICKNESS
Gold
chains can be thick or thin according to their use and not only to serve an
aesthetic purpose. If you want your gold chain for a pendant, you must
consider the size of the pendant. Make sure the chain has the strength to hold
the pendant. Women with long hair avoid wearing gold chains because they feel
smaller, thinner chains can easily tangle in the hair. So people with long hair
should opt for thick chains.
LENGTH
OF CHAIN
Too
long of a chain will get tangled in hair, buttons or just cause mere
inconvenience, while too short can stick to your neck or choke you. Chains with
a length of 14 to 22 inches are the common ones for regular wear. Shorter
chains are good for regular use but you have to make some room for movement of
the chain otherwise, it can leave marks on your skin. Longer chains are best
for when you plan to head out, usually to an outdoor event or party.
INSPECT
THE CLASP
When
deciding on which chain to buy, you must pay heed to the clasp. Ensure that the
gold chain has a clasp that closes well is not easy to break. The lobster clasp
is one of the best choices. It is solid and does not open easily if your chain
is pulled harder. Avoid going for ring clasp which is spring-loaded, for they
are cheaper and less durable than lobster clasps.
CHOOSING
KARATS
When
choosing karats, you will have to remember, the purer the gold, the weaker it
will be. If you plan to use your chain regularly you should skip 22Kt or 20Kt
gold instead should buy 10Kt or 14Kt chains, which are harder and do not break
easily because they contain a higher percentage of non-gold alloys. Before
buying a low Karat gold chain, make sure you are not allergic to nickel. Many
low karat chains contain this metal to make it inexpensive and harder,
resulting in a durable chain.
KNOW
YOUR STYLE
Your
style preference will decide what chain to buy. If you like an elegant look and
classy designs, you may choose a thin, delicate chain with a simple dainty
pendant to go with it to create a minimalistic look. If you are someone who
would like to make a statement and turn heads with your accessories, then an
eye-catching larger chain will do the job for you. If you can pull it off, you
must flaunt it!