Selecting the Right Gold Chain

Gold chains have been a mainstay of jewelry for millennia, and for good reason. Gold has been valued for its rarity and beauty since the time of the pharaohs, and by turning the various alloys of gold into chains, a variety of uses and style comments can be made, whether worn alone or with lockets, pendants, or charms attached.

Gold chains come in a variety of patterns and colors, ranging from the "gold" gold to yellow, to white, and can even have a reddish tint. The color of the gold depends on the alloy used and the amount of copper or silver added to harden the gold used in the chain.

There are variety of ways that chains are put together, creating different looks.

Simple rope - As the name implies the rope chain has the gold links braided into a rope pattern. Depending on the size of the links, these gold chains are often worn alone as a necklace, but can also be used to show off a pendant or mounted jewel such as a diamond or ruby.

Cuban or curb cut - These chains have a series of uniformly-sized, usually circular, gold links, with flattened edges. Depending on the length of the chain, this style of chain is worn either as a bracelet or a necklace, without embellishment, but occasionally terminated with a charm or locket opposite the clasp.

Herringbone pattern - Perhaps the most intricately made gold chain, the pattern is very delicate, and the chain is very flexible because of the intricate linkage of sections. Generally worn alone as a simple necklace. Occasionally a pendant on a loop will be snaked through the chain.

The fox - A pairing of gold links woven into a loose rope chain.

The box chain - The name for this style of chain says it all, with a series of box-shaped links bound together. Occasionally used with pendants.

Bar-and-bead - An alternating series of box links joined by beads of gold to create the chain.

The Rolo - A series of broad circular links joined into a chain.

Cable chain - Gold ovals are joined together, generally a more 'substantial' looking chain, commonly used for bracelets, but occasionally worn as a necklace.

Gold chains come in such a wide variety that making a choice is all a matter of personal taste. However, armed with this information, you can begin your search for the type of chain you want. How you plan to wear the chain will be important in the type of gold chain you purchase.