Silver chains

Neck jewelry will surely be found in any woman's jewelry box, regardless of age and preferred style. Silver chains have long ceased to be only the basis for pendants, confidently occupying the niche of a stylish and effective independent accessory. This article will focus not only on the laws of attractiveness, but also on the practical side of the issue.

What does any woman pay attention to when choosing a piece of jewelry? Naturally, on its external attractiveness, a good or not too good combination with a wardrobe, as well as elementary compliance with one's own expectations.

Silver chains in this sense do not stand out from the general number of others, however, in addition to the indisputable beauty of the metal, you can find many more advantages in such an acquisition.

First of all, silver is not the most expensive metal, but even the simplest chain will hardly look “cheap”. Silver jewelry does not lack sophistication and charm, and therefore they can be mixed not only with casual clothes, but also with bright cocktail or elegant evening dresses. In addition, chains can differ not only in volumes or weaving, but also in decorative additions in the form of gilding or blackening.

​

If we talk about other properties of silver, then we cannot fail to mention:

• Its ability, according to many, to have a positive effect on the body, especially for people who suffer from hypertension or chronic migraines;
• Unpretentiousness in the care of some types of metal.So, chains made of rhodium-plated silver are distinguished by wear resistance, while the rules for handling them are the simplest;
• Those who believe in the mystical properties of various metals argue that it is silver that helps the fair sex to attract the attention of men, develop a sexual principle and even strengthen intuition.

Despite the fact that when the word "chain" appears as the first thing a neck decoration, it is worth starting with a description of less familiar models.

Silver wrist chains are often called bracelets. The accessory looks amazing, emphasizing the fragility of the wrists and the grace of a woman's hand. Every woman can choose the decor to her taste, because modern jewelry houses offer a wide variety of variations. Ladies who want to look respectable and imposing often choose rather massive short chains without frills. Young girls prefer either models of sufficient length, creating the effect of several thin bracelets, or chains that are decorated in the form of pendants-butterflies, flowers or angels.

An even more interesting option is a silver chain that wraps around a woman's leg, which is also called a "profile". More often, such models dangle casually around the ankle, and negligence is the main rule that must be adhered to. If the jewelry fits too tightly or, on the contrary, falls completely on the foot, then the desired effect will not be achieved.

The situation with diversity in the case of silver accessories on the leg is very optimistic: you can find chains with adjustable lengths, and thin beach chains, and large ones for a summer urban look. By the way, women who are complex because of the size of their feet should take into account: if you choose a bracelet with many different details, then the foot will look more miniature.

Standard chains - those that are designed to be worn around the neck, differ mainly in the type of coverage:

• Gold-plated accessories are perhaps the most well-known to most buyers. They earned their popularity due to two things: a presentable appearance and the ability to successfully combine two types of metal. Not so long ago, fashion experts gave the go-ahead for a combination of silver and gold in one set, and therefore chains, where gold-plated links alternate with silver ones, quickly became a hit of the season;

• Rhodium plated silver, about which a couple of words have already been said, is visually no different from ordinary silver, except that it has a greater shine. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that jewelry with such a coating has higher wear-resistant characteristics;

• The blackened chain speaks for itself - in some areas or along the entire length, the composition is distributed, due to which the color of the metal changes. The deep black color favorably emphasizes the noble modesty of silver, and often such chains do not need additional decoration;

• Copper plating, although it does not break records for requests, still has its advantages. From a practical point of view, copper is the best way to strengthen the chain and avoid possible defects, as well as keep the product from blackening.

Also, the chains have a difference in the degree of strength:

• The most massive and reliable are forged chains. Whatever the weight of the pendant or pendant, it will surely be able to support it. It cannot be said that only men choose them, but still, such powerful jewelry goes much more for the stronger sex;

• Chains, which are called "church", are really purchased not as a stylish accessory, but in order to wear a pectoral cross or scapular. Of course, they are quite strong;

• Practically weightless regardless of volume - hollow chains. Even if a woman wants to choose a rather large piece of jewelry, it will definitely not "pull back" her neck. It does not do without cons: a hollow chain cannot be called amazingly strong.

Chain weaving is the main, in addition to the decor, component, which is responsible not only for the appearance, but also for the strength of the decoration. Despite the fact that there are a great many weaves, there are only three main types of them, and all the rest are just derivatives.

Weaving has been at the top for many years and is not going to give up positions - what else to expect from the eternal classics. Such chains look catchy and expensive, especially with cord weaving, which looks like a self-sufficient decoration even without a pendant. However, there are options for those who prefer lighter and more sophisticated models. Venetian weaving is an amazing symbiosis of elegance and intricacy.

Weaving rules the show where something original and unusual is expected from a chain. The base is perfect for accessories with the most intricate patterns. Men prefer the Figaro type, which looks equally good on the neck and on the arm as a bracelet. By the way, this is the most famous men's jewelry.

Ladies have a weakness for carapace weaving such as "Nonna" and "Rope" - for all their classic form, they have a rather interesting design... Love weaving is a great option for a sweetheart gift, since the links are very reminiscent of hearts. If you need to find the simplest possible version for a pendant, then you should pay attention to "Snake".

Complex, very effective weaving. It is not possible to perform some of its types with the help of machines - only manual work. Naturally, this increases the cost of the product. "Bismarck" is flat, half-volume, "Python", "Royal". Moreover, unlike the previous types, which do not have an obvious gender difference, Bismarck has a fairly clear division.

Weaving, which has the name "Perlin", deserves separate words. The chain with tiny balls that make up the links was given another name for weaving - "ball". Such chains do not belong to any of the above types, which gives them the right to stand alone. An original and unique look is a nice bonus.

A lock on a chain must meet, in general, the only criterion - to be as strong as possible and in no case to open at the wrong moment. True, in some cases it is necessary that the fastener is also practically invisible, or matches the decor of the product.

The familiar ring with a spring, about which more than one long nail has been broken, is the most commonly used type of fastener. Such a lock will suit absolutely all decorations, but there is one thing: if the performance suddenly fails or the spring breaks, then you will not be able to avoid troubles. And they fall into disrepair pretty soon.

Carabiners that look like a small eyelet are also in demand. Unlike ring locks, they are easy to use, but renowned for their reliability. When buying, you should carefully examine the clasp: if there is at least a tiny gap in the lock, then the decoration should be discarded.

If you are concerned about the aforementioned issue of the invisibility of the lock, then take a closer look at the box clasp. Finding it on the shelves will not be easy: due to the fact that execution requires a lot of effort, chains with a lock-box are rarely made. The question of strength remains open - the "box" is unbuttoned more often than we would like.

But in terms of insecurity, no clasp can be compared with the "eight" and the screw lock. True, everything is logical here: what is easily fastened, it is also easily disconnected. Considering that these versions do not conquer with their extraordinary design, they are not often chosen.

The length of the chain can be any: short models that practically wrap around the neck look attractive, and even the longest ones, almost to the navel.

It is important to remember: the size of the jewelry can not only work for the desired image, but can also hide some imperfections of the face.Therefore, when choosing a length, try to be guided by the following tips:

• If you don't have the most graceful lower part of your face, then you should pay attention to the volumetric chains that will fall just below the collarbones. Usually this length is from 40 to 50 centimeters - suitable for dresses with a deep neckline, and for strict office options, with the exception of blouses with a stand-up collar;

• Lush ladies are perfect for multi-tiered models, quite thin and long. Don't forget about pendants for a bold and playful look;

• Petite women with a swan neck can wear anything, but the elegance of short chains with fancy weaving will be especially favorably emphasized. A categorical "no" should be said to elongated models - anything longer than 60 centimeters will only visually stretch them even more.

There is no urgent need for an answer, since silver goes well with almost any style and outfit. Therefore, it is easier to imagine different chains in different ways.

An oversized dress or sweater with a deep neckline is perfect with a short chain with a tiny medallion or pendant.

For a casual style of a city girl with a man's shirt and boyfriend jeans, you can choose a voluminous anchor chain - possibly with gold leaf.

A little black dress can be complemented not only with pearl beads according to the classic example, but also with a fairly long chain - more than 50 centimeters, with a large pendant. By the way, this is a good office option.

For women who feel a rock-star riot in themselves, multi-tiered models with a variety of decorative elements, be it stars, skulls or roses with blackening, will not hurt.

It is time for fashion experts to declare universal gratitude: there are no strict prohibitions, with the exception of a vague, but necessary concept of the appropriateness of the use of jewelry and a successful combination.

Decorative inserts are not a squeak of fashion, but a rather loud and confident exclamation. The color scheme of the season is clearly stated: from the timeless classics - white, black and red, and for eccentricity orange and blue are added. So if you want to surprise yourself and those around you with something new, then choose a chain with semi-precious stones of any of the proposed shades.

The originals will also love the leather inserts, and the fans of restrained elegance will love the pearl chain. Even one little pearl will turn Cinderella into a princess.

In addition to the aesthetic side of the issue, when buying, it is important to pay attention to:

• silver test;

• weaving and the quality of its performance;

• reliability of the fastener;

• the length of the product and its volume.

Each of the points ultimately affects how long the jewelry will last and its appearance. The lock and the size of the questions should not cause: in the first case, you need to make sure that there are no gaps, in the second - focus on yourself.

As for weaving, regardless of the technique of execution - manual work or machine ligature, it must be durable, without flaws and deformations in any of the sections.

But there are a little more questions about the trial. Do not rush to choose a higher fineness right away - it all depends on the purpose of the decoration. Thin, sophisticated and self-contained chains should be made of 925 sterling silver as they will be both reliable and pleasing to the body. But for the chain on which the pendant will be worn, it is better to choose 875 metal, ideally in a complete set, immediately with the addition.

This is probably the most difficult task. There are tons of ways to test silver - some of which border on chemical experimentation and are difficult to do even at home.

But what if you need to verify the authenticity of the chain right on the spot - in the store?

1. No silver jewelry, coated or uncoated, should leave any marks on the skin.If you hold the chain in your hands and there are darkening or any other marks on your palm or wrist, then the metal coating leaves much to be desired and the purchase does not make sense.

2. Silver has the ability to heat up very quickly. Try rubbing gently on an area or squeezing firmly and then touching. Hot? Excellent, the product is of high quality.

3. The price / quality ratio has not been canceled. If suddenly the cost of an accessory for one gram is less than the price of a gram of silver, which is stated by banks, then it is worth leaving the store - you are offered goods of low quality or with deliberate flaws.

4. Any self-respecting store must have supporting certificates and product passports. And you shouldn't be ashamed to ask.

Silver is a metal, although not the most capricious, but it certainly requires attitude towards itself. You can conditionally divide tips for caring for silver chains into professional and homemade ones.

With the first point, everything is simple: in the assortment of most jewelry stores there is a powerful arsenal of cleaning agents. We are talking not only about liquids, but even about soaps or napkins, which, without harming the metal, gently remove dirt or blackening. Each product must have strict advice on how to use it.

Folk methods are less safe, since there are no clear instructions, and each owner of the jewelry transforms the recipe at her own discretion. The only thing that can be said for sure: you cannot use thick rags for cleaning - linen or denim will not work. But soft pieces of wool are absolutely safe.

When wearing silver, try to:

• Do not swim in chain water - neither chlorinated pool water nor salty sea water. The same applies to a sauna or bath, and even taking a shower;

• Use cologne or perfume before putting on an accessory;

• Sleeping in a chain is not worth it for two reasons. Firstly, in a dream it is easy to tear it, and secondly, sweat and hairs entangled in weaving will definitely not contribute to the preservation of the appearance;

• Store the accessory in a jewelry box - more often they have a fabric base, which will prevent damage to the chain.

Fortunately, today's trends make it possible to forget about the rule "Gold + silver = no taste." But still, this does not apply to the combination between the bracelet and the chain, but between the pendant and the chain, as well as the different tiers of the jewelry. Otherwise, the image will turn out with an explicit "brute force".

If you choose a fairly large pendant or a voluminous chain, then the bracelet should be thin and neat, because only one accent is allowed. The same applies to the bracelet: if the chain on the arm is replete with decorative elements, do not overdo it with the details of the neck chain.

For a classic bow, it is better to give up a lot of accessories altogether: if there is a chain with a pendant, then give up the bracelet, replacing it with a beautiful ring.

Tiered jewelry will certainly make you a more flirtatious young lady, but the abundance of chains on the arm and on the neck is suitable only for children. For those who have celebrated their sixteenth birthday, it is better to stop at one thing.