by Jesús Zabala - 5 min read
Strongest Gold Chain Type
When shopping for gold chains, you’ll notice a variety of options, such as solid, plated, and hollow chains, as well as numerous styles. If you’re looking for a robust piece of jewelry, it’s essential to know which is the strongest gold chain type and how to recognize it.
If you plan on wearing your gold chain jewelry regularly, you must pay extra attention to its construction and durability. Some chain types are more fragile and prone to breaking, while others are sturdier and better suited for frequent wear. Join us as we test the strength of various types of chain jewelry.
Strongest Types of Gold-Plated Chains
The two main factors determining the strength of gold chain jewelry are the chain design and material composition. The chain design is not only about the looks. As metalsmiths, we can confirm that the interlocking design of the chain plays a significant role in the strength of the chain jewelry.
First, the interlocking structure of gold-plated chains is vital for their durability. The right interlocking structure will minimize signs of wear and tear by preventing the links from twisting.
The link design affects friction between the links in a chain with a pendant. Less friction means the chain can support more weight, as it reduces stress and wear on the links.
The strongest gold chain types are the box, Figaro, and Cuban link chains.
Box chain
Box chain jewelry is renowned for its elegant style and sturdy design. The box chain style is not made from typical chains. Instead, it features a series of cubed links.
More often than not, the square shapes are flattened and interconnected to create a smooth-looking and continuous chain. Most box-chained jewelry has a symmetrical pattern, unlike regular chains that might have chains of various shapes and sizes.
In jewelry-making, the box chain style is commonly used for necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. Due to the seamlessly connected square links and their strength, they are considered some of the most durable styles for gold-plated jewelry.
The square shape of the jewelry will lay flat on your skin, evenly dispersing the tension and stress from everyday wear and making the piece more resistant to wear and tear.
Figaro chain
Figaro chains are a special type of necklaces with multiple series of small circular links and one elongated oval-shaped link in between. The number of circular links in a row varies from design to design, but typically, there are two or three links. The unique combination of different chain shapes reduces the likelihood of breakage.
In most designs, the links are flattened, which adds to the overall robustness of the jewelry piece. When the chain links are flat-shaped, they will more effectively resist bending and twisting.
Ultimately, compared to other chain styles, Figaro chains are thicker and among the heaviest styles available. To add to this chain’s durability, the links are soldered, not allowing them to break apart easily.
Cuban link chain
The Cuban link chain has a thick texture. The interlocked links are typically round and bold with a flattened and minimally twisted profile. The continuous chain is formed with the close connection of the uniform links. The width and thickness of the Cuban chains are the two crucial factors that make this jewelry style robust.
There are different types of Cuban link chains, each one with a slightly different appearance and durability. The strongest types are the classic Cuban link, the Miami Cuban link and the diamond-cut Cuban link.
Other Factors Affecting Chain Strength
Material composition
Besides the chain design, material composition is another huge factor affecting the strength of the chain. Generally, gold jewelry is versatile and can be found in solid gold, hollow gold, and gold-plated options.
Out of all gold jewelry compositions, it is more than clear that solid chains are the strongest. However, one of their disadvantages is that they come with a high price tag, making it out of reach for many people.
The next most robust option is gold-plated jewelry. If you want to get a long-lasting handmade necklace, we highly recommend our divine Small Rectangular Chain Necklace.
Hollow gold chains are the least durable and lightweight option. The inside of the jewelry piece is a hollow tube. As a result, hollow gold chains are vulnerable and more susceptible to wear and tear.
Karat weight
Under the category of material composition, the karat weight is also significantly important. At first thought, you might think that jewelry with higher karat weight is clearly the choice to go with. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Since pure gold is quite soft, it is not recommended for daily wear. Consequently, jewelry made from lower karat gold is considered stronger and more durable. As metalsmiths, we would have to say that the strongest chain link is made from either 10K or 14K gold.
Gauge size
The last subfactor in the series of gold composition factors is the gauge size, or simply put, the thickness of the gold chain. The general rule is that the thicker the chain, the more resistant it will be to breaking. Yet, it is important to note that the gauge size alone is not a strength-determining factor, as other characteristics mentioned above go hand in hand with it.
Considerations When Purchasing
When you are purchasing gold chains or any type of jewelry in general, you should only order from reputable sellers. In theory, the strongest gold chain type is determined by the metal construction and chain design, but in reality, the quality of the craftsmanship is also a highly influential factor.
Let’s illustrate it quickly. A metalsmith can make a box chain necklace with solid gold, but if he is not experienced, he might not join the links together properly. One loose link can increase the risk of breakage and reduce its robustness.
Consequently, you should check the experience, knowledge, and reputation of the jewelry maker you purchase from. If you decide to purchase gold-plated jewelry from our JewelryLab shop, you can rest assured that highly experienced metalsmiths, with incredible attention to detail, have handcrafted each piece.
Conclusion
The strongest gold chain type has two crucial characteristics – a sturdy design and a durable material composition. As a reference, the strongest gold chain jewelry is made from 10K or 14K solid or gold-plated gold and has a box chain, Figaro chain, or Cuban link chain design.
Besides looking at the jewelry characteristics, you should also pick the jewelry manufacturer wisely if you want your pieces to last and withstand typical wear and tear.
Jesús is the founder and designer of JewelryLab. He is the Head of Design and also oversees production, quality control, and precious metal sourcing.
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