HOW TO CHOOSE A GOLD CHAIN

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!