Gold chains have a timeless charm that very few things in the world can match. Whether it is a shiny 14k gold rope chain or an offbeat rose gold rope chain, the elegance and allure of a gold neck chain is simply unrivalled. If you are on the lookout for a 14k gold rope chain or 14k gold franco chain, it is important that you understand how to measure its quality and gauge its length.
Let us look at what goes into assessing the quality of a gold chain and how you can measure the length of your chain, ensuring that you get nothing less than the most stunning piece that looks like a million dollars around your neck.
How to Understand the Quality of a Gold Chain
- Stamp of authority
The easiest way to gauge the quality of your gold chain is to look for a hallmark on the jewelry. Typically, a stamp or hallmark that specifies your gold chain’s purity is a reliable and good enough indicator of its quality. If you cannot spot this stamp on your chain, ask your jeweler to point it out to you.
- Certificate of authenticity
Most modern-day jewelers will provide you with a certificate of authenticity which can verify the quality and attributes of your chosen gold chain. For expensive jewelry, we recommend asking for this certificate if your jeweler does not give it to you proactively.
- Purity
10k, 14k, 18k, 24k… you might have seen these terms being used to describe gold jewelry. For the uninitiated, the karat rating (k) is used in order to measure the quality of gold accessories. The higher the karat rating, the more valuable it is. 24k is the purest form of gold, but it is also the softest, making it highly susceptible to dents and damage. Jewelry makers often alloy 24k gold with other metals to give the final piece of jewelry enough strength, durability, and structure.
- Weight
The weight of your gold chain can be easily measured in “grams” by using a digital weighing scale. The value of your gold chain is directly proportional to its weight. So, the more the weight, the costlier your jewelry is likely to be.
- Color
Whether you opt for a conventional yellow gold chain, a rose gold necklace, or a white gold chain, it is important to how each respective alloy’s value is determined. White gold alloys, for example, typically contain some amount of palladium or silver, which contribute to the jewelry appearing white or silver in color. Rose gold, on the other hand, uses a generous dose of copper in its alloy to get its signature rosy-red hues.
- Craftsmanship
The quality of the clasp, links, finish, and polish are a few other indicators of the quality of your gold chain. Jewelry makers generally use the lobster claw clasp, toggle clasp, or spring ring clasp for gold chains depending on the style and weight of the piece. Various link types offer different types of looks, textures, and strength, so you will need to choose one based on your usage needs and aesthetic preferences. In terms of the finish, you will find options that have a really glossy finish or those that come with a matte-satin finish. Again, you can choose the finish depending on your personal taste. Another type of finish that is really popular is the sparkling diamond-cut finish. The craftsmanship is as important as the raw materials used in your gold chain, so do some research on gold chains and see multiple options before choosing one that suits your style and budget. Remember, the higher the level of craftsmanship, the more premium your chain is likely to look.
How to Measure the Length of Your Gold Chain
The standard chain lengths are 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, 24 inches, and 30 inches. While you might come across some that fall between these lengths and some that go beyond 30 inches, ready-to-wear neck chains are generally available in these standard sizes.
- If you are on the lookout for a choker type necklace that wraps around the base of your neck, 16 inches is the right choice for you.
- 18 to 20 inch long gold chains are generally preferred by women because they hang just around or below the collarbone.
- For men, we recommend choosing a gold neck chain that is slightly longer and rests just above the chest. A chain that is anywhere between 20 to 30 inches looks great on men and can even be worn as a pendant chain.
For ready-to-wear neck chains, the length of the gold chain will be mentioned either in the product details or you can ask your local jeweler about it. If you wish to measure the chain length yourself, here is how you can do it:
Unclasp the chain and lay it out on a flat surface. Now, use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the length of the chain from one end to the other (including the clasp area). You can also use a measuring tape around your neck to gauge your neck’s circumference. Once you have the number, add a couple of inches to it so you know exactly what the right chain length is for you. Make sure you
Taking Care of Your Gold Chain
An often overlooked aspect of gold chains is the maintenance bit. The following points might seem redundant, but we believe they are extremely important if you want to ensure that your sparkling beauty retains its original glow and charm for a long period of time.
- Always keep your chain in a separate box, away from your other jewelry accessories, in order to avoid tangling and prevent scratches.
- Use a soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth with warm water to gently clean any dust, dirt, or grime that might have accumulated on your chain.
- Visit your local jeweler at least twice a year to get your gold chain cleaned and polished by professionals.
We hope this article and the tips and hacks mentioned in it help you make an informed choice while purchasing your next gold chain.
At so icy jewelry, we have the widest variety of hip-hop inspired jewelry for men, 14k gold rope chains, rose gold rope chains, 14k gold franco chains, and more. Explore our collection now!