Photo: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels
Gold, since time immemorial, has been material that humankind gravitated to. We used it as a currency, Jewellery, and symbol of status throughout our history, and one can argue that things haven’t changed that much. Gold jewelry is still a status symbol, and what better way to show the precious piece of accessories than adorning it on your neck like a chain necklace?
But before you go and buy the next Star Sign Jewellery, there are a couple of things you’d need to consider, especially paying attention to the authenticity. So, it is crucial you give the following points a thorough read before you go for your next shopping.
Ask whether the gold chain is solid, plated, or hollow.
Yes, there are different types of gold necklace chains, and that is why it is the very first question you should ask the seller. These three types are quite different from each other.
A plated gold chain necklace is cheaper, and as the name suggests, ‘gold’ is actually plated on metal. But the drawback to them is that as time passes by, they will lose their shine, and the underneath metal will get exposed. When that happens, you can have the chain re-plated, and it will look as good as new, but you have to do this process again and again.
Solid necklace chains are a great option if you are planning to wear your gold necklace chain as often as possible. In comparison to the other two, solid necklace chains have significantly higher durability, and that’s why they can last for an extended period.
Hallow gold necklace chains are the lightest and the cheapest of the three options available for one to choose from. One common problem with hollow gold chain necklaces is that they are pretty easy to break or dent. And what happens, is there is not much one can do to repair the Jewellery.
Karat is extremely important
When one is choosing a gold chain necklace, it is vital that one give due consideration to the karat number of the gold in that gold chain necklace. And while 24 karats are considered the purest form of gold, do keep in mind that the purer the gold is, the softer and less durable it will be. Yes, it is often the ignored part when one is purchasing a gold chain necklace.
For those planning to wear their Nikola Valenti gold chain necklace on a daily basis, or more frequently than what may be considered occasional use, then anything above 20 karats should be skipped immediately. The chain with gold at 20 karats will scratch more easily than compared to a gold chain necklace made with 16 or 18 karats gold.
The purity of gold is diluted by adding non-gold alloys, and if you are someone who is allergic to nickel, you should ask the jeweler not to add a nickel to the gold chain necklace.
Photo Courtesy Picking the link type
The purity of the gold used in the gold chain necklace is not the only factor that determines how soon the gold chain necklace will break. Another factor plays an equal if not more considerable role, and that is the type of link of your gold chain necklace.
If your chosen gold chain necklace has a flat chain like an omega chain or a herringbone chain, then you should be aware that they are more prone to twisting and breaking. If this is something that is of concern to you, then you should avoid flat chains in your gold chain necklace.
Round snake chains are not that much better than flat chains as they are quite easy to catch on your clothes and twist, and they are also quite hard to repair as well.
Box chains and wheat chains are some of the best choices for chain link types because of their sturdiness and flexibility. Figaro chains, anchor chains, curb chains, and rope chains are other great examples of chain links.
One thing that should be kept in mind while choosing the chain-link type is the design of the gold chain necklace, as it is very important that the chain links add to the design and do not distract from it.
Inspect the clasp
Another thing that every potential gold chain Jewellery buyer should inspect is the clasp of the gold chain and whether or not it is easy for one to break.
A lobster clasp is one that is highly recommended and for a good reason. It is pretty solid and does not open quite easily, even if someone pulls the chain harder than the necessary amount required. Similarly, ring clasps are something that should be avoided. Not only are they cheaper, but they are unusually thin and not secure enough to be used on a gold chain necklace.
