by Jesús Zabala - 8 min read

Metals for Chunky Chain Necklaces

Jewelry has always played a vital role in the fashion industry throughout the years. Even from ancient times, these pieces have captivated people’s imaginations. Jewelers have used almost every metal they can find to create remarkable pieces. So, it’s no surprise you want to learn more about these materials and metals for chunky chain necklaces.

These pieces of jewelry can significantly impact your appearance. From adding a touch of elegance to completing outstanding statement outfits, they’re a must-have for everyone. Chunky chain necklaces can elevate your look to the next level and turn heads around you.

However, to pick the right metal to fit your look, you should discover more about your various options. Continue reading this article to gain insight into these metals and explore their significance.

Source: jewelrylab.co

Chunky Chain Necklaces

A chain necklace is a pattern of links or rings connected to create a full circle. Chunky chain necklaces are the same, only with bulkier and larger pieces fitted with one another. In most cases, these necklaces are made from a variety of metals. However, you can also find them made from wood or carbon.

Furthermore, chains have been used for a variety of reasons throughout history. They are most likely the first form of jewelry the ancestors wore. However, in the past decades, you have used them as accessories to enhance your appearance.

These historical pieces of jewelry have great symbolic significance to them. They represent love, peace, and human connection. This is due to the circular shape of the necklace. The form has no beginning or end, thus symbolizing eternity and the interconnections resembling you as a human.

The chunky chain necklaces as you know them have been estimated to have existed for at least six thousand years. Throughout the years, they have shifted in form and meaning. In recent days, there are countless different designs and styles for both women's and men's chunky chain necklaces.

The history of chunky chain necklaces

The first ever chunky chain necklace was found hidden in a tomb in ancient Babylonia, today's Iraq. This necklace was created using the perennial loop-in-loop technique that's still in force today.

Later on, the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans took over this trend but embellished precious stones and pendants on their necklaces. Further, Byzantines began wearing chunky chains decorated with crosses and symbols, honoring their religious piety.

In most cases, noble, wealthy men have primarily worn chunky chain necklaces. During the Middle Ages, this was a way to showcase one's status and position in society.

In the Renaissance period, however, the meaning took a tool and began symbolizing jewelry's sentimental meaning. The upper-class population wore large, chunky chains made of gold and silver chains as signs of favor.

In modern days, chunky chains have shifted once more. Many influencers and celebrities helped bring back this trend and create a fashion statement. Many designers and jewelers create stunning pieces to fit anyone's taste, style, and class.

What Are the Different Metals for Chunky Chain Necklaces?

Chunky chain necklaces are statement pieces with significant value and meaning. This trend has been off and on since ancient times. However, it has never disappointed you when it comes to elevating your look.

Each and every one of you can pull off this accessory with the right outfit and style. That's why knowing how to choose the right metals for chunky chain necklaces can further enhance your appearance. This step is just as vital as choosing the design and incorporating it with your fit.

Every material has its pros and cons. They provide their own unique, distinctive aesthetic and are used in all jewelry industries. Learning about the different types of metals will help you identify the perfect piece.

So, without further stalling, here are the most commonly used metals for a chunky necklace:

Brass
Bronze
Stainless steel
Titanium
Sterling silver
Gold
Platinum

Chunky Chain Necklaces Metals

1. Brass

Brass is one of the most common and beloved metal jewelry industries used to create stunning pieces. This material is a common choice for custom pieces due to its gold-like appearance and coloring. Brass is an excellent alternative to precious metals since it's affordable and durable.

Brass is typically a combination of zinc and copper. The properties of the brass can shift depending on the amount of these two metals used. Additionally, brass may also include nickel and aluminum. So, if you have any allergies, be extra careful when purchasing brass jewelry.

Furthermore, brass is an excellent choice for active wear and daily usage due to its robust characteristics and durability. This metal won't rust or corrode with regular use.

However, depending on the copper containment, it may lose its color over time. But, this problem can be easily solved with a quick polish and lacquer appliance.

2. Bronze

A lot like brass, bronze is a mixture of multiple other materials. In most cases, this metal contains copper, tin, and zinc. Additionally, bronze can also contain nickel and aluminum, which may bother people with allergies.

This metal has a warm gold-brownish color and appearance. This attribute can work very well with various accessories and pieces of jewelry as well as stones and pendants.

Bronze has a very delicate, solid texture that's excellent for detailed engraving work. This means that you can find outstanding decorative jewelry in this metal. The durability and strength of this metal also add to its value and popularity.

Moreover, this metal is affordable, making it a perfect choice for an inexpensive fashion statement piece. However, due to its alloy, it may tend to lose its color and tarnish over time.

3. Stainless steel

Stainless steel is most likely one of the first metals that comes to mind when thinking of silver-toned jewelry. This metal is exceptionally affordable and perfect for an edgy, seamless look. You can find all kinds of jewelry made from this metal, such as earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Stainless steel is an alloy of a few different materials. This includes chromium, titanium, copper, and other materials. This metal may also have nickel, which may be problematic for people with metal allergies.

Opting for a chunky sterling steel chain is a perfect choice if you're looking for a long-lasting piece of jewelry. This metal is resistant to rust and corrosion, meaning you can freely combine it in your active, daily wear.

When comparing stainless steel to other precious metals, you'll find that it is much more affordable. For its pricing, it's also exceptionally durable and easy to maintain. A quick polish once or twice a year will keep your metal fresh and shiny.

What Are the Different Metals for Chunky Chain Necklaces

Source: jewelrylab.co

4. Titanium

Titanium is an exceedingly solid, firm metal and a great alternative to precious materials. It's an affordable and excellent choice with lots of advantages and perks.

Titanium is super durable and strong and is around 45% lighter than steel. This means that it is the perfect choice for accessories you plan to use often. You also have the option to purchase pure titanium or an alloy with titanium.

So, people with metal allergies or skin irritations can opt for pure titanium and avoid any health issues. Furthermore, crafting jewelry with titanium means that your pieces won't face any rusting or tarnish. There's not a lot of required maintenance for this particular metal.

However, the only disadvantage of titanium is that it's hard to work with. Resizing or engravings may be difficult to execute due to their contaminants.

5. Sterling silver

Silver is another beautiful white material used in the jewelry industry. However, due to the fragile characteristics of pure silver, sterling silver is an alternative option. This metal is much more durable and stronger than pure silver.

It consists of 92.5% pure silver combined with 7.5% other metals such as zinc or copper.

Its aesthetic and natural antibiotic made it popular among high-end dinnerware and occasions. Hence, a simple chunky silver chain will elevate your look and enhance your overall appearance.

In the market, you may also come across silver-plated and silver-filled pieces. Silver-plated items typically feature a thin layer of silver on the surface of the jewelry.

However, this makes the piece easily damaged or scratched. Silver-filled pieces are much more durable due to their thicker layers of silver.

6. Gold

Gold is one of the most favored and beloved metals for jewelry pieces. However, most of its popularity comes from the historical significance we've placed on it throughout the years.

Gold is a very delicate and fragile material, so it's often alloyed with other metals. This includes zinc, copper, and more. Gold comes with different karats and purities, each determining how much pure gold is used in your piece.

24-karat is 100% gold.
22-karat is 92% gold.
18-karat is 75% gold.
14-karat 58% gold.
10-karat is 41% gold.

Furthermore, you can find gold in several different colors. In addition to the yellow tone, you can also come across white, rose, green, and many more. You can find the perfect color and shape of the chunky gold necklace to fit various occasions and settings.

Gold is a very malleable, durable, and strong metal. This means you can get a customized piece that won't rust, tarnish, or lose color.

Additionally, solid gold is hypoallergenic. This means that people with metal allergies or sensitive skin won't have to worry when wearing gold chain necklaces. However, some alloys and mixtures may cause irritation or allergic reactions.

7. Platinum

Last on our list is platinum. Platinum pieces are some of the most desirable jewelry among people. This is no surprise since platinum's characteristics and aesthetic is remarkable.

Many properties give platinum its high status and value. One of which is its beautiful white color that doesn't fade, corrode, or rust. This material is one of the strongest metals on the planet, and it's an excellent choice for a long-lasting piece.

Moreover, platinum is extremely durable and needs minimum maintenance. It works perfectly with various jewelry designs and doesn't need any polishing.

However, since this material is rare and has extraordinary attributes, it's one of the most expensive in the jewelry industry. Due to its fragility and softness, platinum is often alloyed with other materials. Depending on this, people with sensitive skin may need to be extra cautious when purchasing platinum chunky chain necklaces.

Source: jewelrylab.co

Conclusion

Chunky chain necklaces have been around for centuries carrying significant value. They have been a favored accessory throughout ancient times to the middle ages and now the modern day.

When looking to expand your jewelry collection, you should explore the craft behind each piece. Learning more about the metals for chunky chain necklaces will give you a better understanding of what you're buying.

This will also allow you to decide whether the metal is good for your skin or not. Keep in mind that many alloys include materials that may cause allergic reactions.

Hopefully, this article has provided useful information about the most common metals in the jewelry industry.