Production technologies
Jewelry factories use three methods of producing chains: hand weaving, machine knitting and stamping.
The first technology is used to create exclusive jewelry with complex weaving. Chain makers have outstanding metalworking skills. Craftsmen independently produce wire from gold or silver. The workpiece is wound onto a base and cut. The resulting rings serve as the basis for the links from which the chain pattern is formed. Soldering of each element is done manually. The final stage of the work is rolling the jewelry through special shafts that make each link flat.
Machine weaving is performed on automated lines, which are equipped with high-precision equipment. Programmable machines are capable of creating miniature elements whose thickness does not exceed 0.2 mm.
Stamping allows you to produce chains from ready-made links, called dies. The technology makes it possible to do without soldering: the individual components are threaded into each other.
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Features of solid and hollow links
Jewelry woven using different technologies can be hollow or solid.
Hollow links are created from hollow wire, which gives the decoration the necessary volume while maintaining light weight. Often accessories of this type are made using complex weaving techniques and are complemented by a large number of decorative elements. The advantages of hollow chains are low cost and solid appearance.
Jewelry made from solid links has more weight. A significant amount of gold or silver is used in their manufacture. Chains of this type are resistant to deformation and are significantly stronger than their hollow counterparts. Damaged links can be repaired in a jewelry workshop - a specialist will solder the broken elements.
Types of weaving
Chain makers use three main methods of producing chains: anchor, armor and Bismarck weaving. Each technology has dozens of variations that determine the design of the links and their relative position. The peculiarities of the technological cycle allow jewelers to use any noble metal - platinum, gold, silver.
Anchor weaving got its name due to the similarity of the finished decoration to ship's anchor chains. The design of the accessory is extremely simple: the classic version involves the use of an oval-shaped link. The components of the chain can consist of one or two rings. Based on this, chain knitters distinguish single and double anchor weaving. The round components were called rollo - jewelry with this design became popular thanks to the fashion house Chopard.
Shell technology remains the prototype for many decorative weavings. Its design feature is determined by the relative arrangement of the circuit elements. The links are given a simple shape - they are in the same plane, forming a flat surface. The weave got its name from the similarity of the design to the appearance of medieval chain mail. Wire rings can be combined into single, double or triple rows. A more complicated option is a rhombus, combining up to five elements.
Bismarck is often used to create jewelry for men. The technique is named after Otto von Bismarck, who served as Chancellor of the German Empire in the second half of the 19th century. Chain knitters consider this method as the most difficult. Many operations are still performed manually. Each link consists of several rings directed in different directions. The master can perform a single, double, triple or quadruple combination of elements. The chains are incredibly strong and durable.
Popular types of weaving for chains
When choosing a chain for your neck, especially if it is made of precious metals, be sure to pay attention to the weave. Firstly, the durability of the decoration depends on this, and secondly, it is important that it be fashionable. And here are some current samples for you to take note of.
- Bismarck.
Chains with this knitting pattern, which, by the way, is considered the most reliable, are very popular among both men and women. Its main feature is the unique connection of rings, which results in an intricate pattern. There are several subspecies of Bismarck weaving. The most common are “Royal Robe”, “Triple”, and “Cardinal”, especially loved by women for their openwork.
Interesting! Jewelry trends 2020
- Armor weaving
. Another reliable type of knitting. Its second name is chain mail. Women love chains made in this way because they look very unusual. And all thanks to the closely spaced links, which from the outside really resembles chain mail. A very popular subtype of armor knitting among ladies is the “Snake” chain. In the last few years, fashionistas have also paid special attention to “Nonna” and “Cartier” weaves from the same category.
- Love
. A very popular type of chains among young girls who prefer lightness in everything. But where did this name come from? The thing is that the links of this decoration, intertwined with each other, resemble connected hearts. This piece of jewelry looks very elegant on the neck and perfectly complements both everyday and evening looks.
- Chamomile
. Openwork, intricate, voluminous weaving that will not leave any lady indifferent. Its second name is “Rose”. This knitting is considered perhaps the most expensive, since it is done by hand and consists of many tiny gold threads that intertwine with each other in a chaotic manner, forming an airy pattern. From the outside, this weaving really resembles a flower bud that has not yet opened. Additional decoration in the form of a pendant or stones is not required for such a chain.
- Singapore
. A very beautiful and feminine weaving, which is made in such a way that the ring-shaped links are twisted together. This gives the decoration additional shine and luxury. Thin chains made using this technique go very well with additional decorative elements, such as a cross or small pendants. And more massive ones can become an independent decoration.
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Length
Wearing a chain comfortably is only possible with the correct size selection. The lines of most manufacturers consist of models ranging from 40 to 70 centimeters in length.
Size, cm | Chain description |
40 | Located as close to the neck as possible. Recommended for children and girls |
50 | Freer than the first option. Allows you to comfortably wear pendants, pendants, medallions. Universal solution |
60 | Reaches the mid-neckline. Recommended for girls who prefer large pendants |
70 | Worn loosely, at the level of 2-3 buttons of shirts or shirts. Addressed to men and teenagers |
The purchased chain should be tried on. This procedure will allow you to evaluate the comfort of its fit, design features, and combination with wearable clothing.
What women's chains will be in fashion in 2021
The New Year brings new changes, and this applies not only to clothes, but also to jewelry. We recommend that you now familiarize yourself with the chains that are fashionable in 2021 so that you have time to buy the options you like most.
Volumetric chains. Massive chains have remained at the peak of popularity for several seasons. At the same time, they decorate not only girls’ necks, but also shoes and bags. The voluminous chain focuses attention on the fragility and sophistication of its owner’s neck. Fans of such jewelry like this effect, which is why they choose them.
Chains in the style of surrealism . This is an unusual discovery of 2021, which appealed to many designers. This style is characterized by the manifestation of great imagination, includes various fabulous details, extraordinary solutions and unusual curves.
Multi-tiered decorations. The combination of chains of different lengths on the neck, together making up an original picture, looks very stylish and at the same time unusual. Such decorations can be considered new items of the season. They go perfectly with a V-neck in clothes and can be with or without pendants.
Ultra-long chains with pendants. Many girls fell in love with chains reaching to the navel with a pendant. They are worn over a dress, sweater, blouse, and it looks very sophisticated.
The theme of chains has been relevant for a long time, starting with chain necklaces and continuing in bracelets, earrings and pendants. Coarsely woven chains began to be combined with round pearls, and this union turned out to be very successful. Elegance and massiveness, it turns out, look good together.
Fashion trends 2021
Massive chains are the main trend of next year. New samples with a thicker design will appear in the collections of many famous houses: Tiffany, Cartier, Graff. These solutions are combined with loose-fitting clothes and look equally appropriate as part of everyday or business looks. Bulgari is preparing to introduce a chain in the form of a necklace. This solution is addressed to girls who value a laconic visual style when choosing accessories.
A significant trend in 2021 will be the abandonment of large pendants, crosses, and pendants. Chains will be a self-sufficient addition to male or female looks. The base materials will be white gold, silver, platinum. Jewelers will focus on details: casting, stamping, soldering. Decorative elements will increase slightly in size, but will remain elegant. The locks will turn into genuine works of jewelry.
Current trends in women's gold chains
In addition to fashionable weaving options, for those who want to be in trend, it would be useful to know a few more fashionable nuances related to the choice and features of wearing jewelry accessories. First of all, it's multi-layered. The option of complementing an image with several jewelry of different lengths and shapes at once cannot be called a novelty for 2020 - this trend has been relevant for more than the first season. You can combine from two to five chain models.
Reference. The trend is to combine gold and silver or gold and platinum. Therefore, if you wear several chains, and even made of different metals... It will be a trendy addition to your look.
Along with classic and minimalist decorations, which are appropriate, as they say, always and everywhere, massiveness is trendy this year. Of course, the truly “giant” chains that could be seen at fashion shows are costume jewelry, but this “volume” trend has also affected the jewelry sphere. The leaders in the “massive jewelry” category were neck accessories with “anchor” weaving.
Reference. Voluminous chains will be appropriate not only in an evening look. Such accessories will become a fashionable and noticeable addition to your everyday outfit. The ideal backdrop for massive jewelry would be an evening dress with a low neckline or simple clothes in neutral tones.
As already mentioned, as if “in contrast” to massiveness, a laconic design is welcome. Neck accessories in Snake or Figaro weave are ideal to complement your everyday look.
Another nuance - massive chains or those made using a complex technique are “self-sufficient,” but thin, simple-design neck jewelry can be complemented with a pendant or pendant. It’s good to have several of them and combine them with different outfit options, choose depending on your mood or in accordance with any event.
Pendants and pendants can be decorated with pearls, enamel or multi-colored semi-precious stones (diamonds today are more of an “ever-trending” classic than a trendy option), be of different geometric shapes, made in the shape of a heart, star, bird, etc.
A fashionable combination is a women's long chain with a voluminous pendant. This does not mean that short and medium-length chains are no longer relevant, but the real trend is when large jewelry is at chest level or below.
A variety of options for current neck jewelry will allow you to choose a fashionable chain in accordance with your own preferences and lifestyle.