Box chains for pendants?

[beaujolais]

Well, I recently had princess cut JXR set in a yellow gold bezel. Stone is about 1.7 cts and the bezel is fairly thick and semi-closed (small opening at back). As such, it is not the lightest pendant and the weight causes it hangs too low on an 18" box chain. So, I'm looking to get a 17" box chain. But, on the websites it lists the box chains by mms. I'll got get out the caliper later and measure mine later but do you know what mm. box chain you usually get?

And, any site recommendations for pendant chains? And, I guess box is the way to go or what else do you use?

Thanks,
sonoma

 

[GregS]

I went through Amazon, not a box chain but 1 mm.

 

[LD]

Is your heart set on a box chain? I always find they snag the tiny hairs at the base of my hairline. Ouch!

I always buy very slim ball chains and they are really pretty and incredibly strong. I often get compliments on them. I buy mine from Ebay but they can be expensive.

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks Greg & LD.

Beautiful pendant, Greg. I love that look but I think I buy a bit heavier as the thinner ones can break too easy, I find. (I have a somewhat physical job and want to know I won't break it and not realize.)

"Is your heart set on a box chain? I always find they snag the tiny hairs at the base of my hairline. Ouch!"

No. I just didn't ever think of what other style to use for a fairly neutral look that wouldn't take away from the pendant. Thanks for the suggestion. I don't think I've had problems with them snagging but I could see how they could do that.

 

[LD]

I've been searching to find a photo and it's not a good one but hope this gives you an indication of how a ball chain can look. It really catches the light when you move.

 

[innerkitten]

Sure for a delicate pendant. But I prefer link chains myself.

 

[beaujolais]

Is this a link chain (the top photo)?

http://www.betteridge.com/betteridge-collection-sterling-silver-curb-link-chain-necklace-24/p/4076/

Thanks so much for the photo, LD. I was trying to picture it with a pendant. That works ! And what is that lovely creation hanging from it? How fun that is !

I'm so glad I asked this question. I somehow thought everyone did box chains. (Oh, I don't get out much. )

 

[innerkitten]

Yes
I have a feeling they last a long time, they seem more solid. Plus I like the way they look.

 

[LD]

Is this a link chain (the top photo)?

http://www.betteridge.com/betteridge-collection-sterling-silver-curb-link-chain-necklace-24/p/4076/

Thanks so much for the photo, LD. I was trying to picture it with a pendant. That works ! And what is that lovely creation hanging from it? How fun that is !

I'm so glad I asked this question. I somehow thought everyone did box chains. (Oh, I don't get out much. )

That's a curb chain. The one that Greg showed with his pendant is either a twisted curb or a rope chain. Very pretty.

Actually I've managed to break nearly all my chains with the exception of the ball chain ones! That pendant is over 10g believe it or not so for a skinny looking chain it has muscles!

Here's a few pictures of chains with names: http://www.wow-imports.com/chain_options.asp

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks IK. Do you (or anyone) have a photo of a link chain w. pendant?

And all these years I've only had box chains ! I think someone once to me that pendants go on box chains so I never really questioned it. Nor did I ever catch that those were not box chains on lots of your photos. Silly me.

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks for the link, LD. There was no photo of a link chain in there, still. I wasn't sure if their "curb link" was the same as link.

Is your awesome diamond pendant a custom creation? What colors gold are in it (I see rose and white?) Is it comfortable to wear?

 

[LD]

I don't think there's such a thing as a "link" chain. That would be very confusing as all chains have links! Anyway, here's a curb chain ....

Yes the pendant in the photo above is white/rose gold with a natural pink central diamond and white diamonds all over. I designed it and Sally at HoW made it for me. I go through phases of wearing it and then putting it away for a while! It is comfortable to wear (despite it looking a bit spiky) but it's a bit too heavy.

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks for the photo, again.

"Yes the pendant in the photo above is white/rose gold with a natural pink central diamond and white diamonds all over. I designed it and Sally at HoW made it for me. I go through phases of wearing it and then putting it away for a while! It is comfortable to wear (despite it looking a bit spiky) but it's a bit too heavy."

Thanks for telling me about it. Well, if a bit too heavy - maybe as a piece for special occasions. Certainly spectacular, though.

 

[beaujolais]

Oh, does anyone use a wheat chain? Those look kind of interesting but I don't know much about them or if I truly like them or not yet.

 

[innerkitten]

I don't think there's such a thing as a "link" chain. That would be very confusing as all chains have links! Anyway, here's a curb chain ....

Yes the pendant in the photo above is white/rose gold with a natural pink central diamond and white diamonds all over. I designed it and Sally at HoW made it for me. I go through phases of wearing it and then putting it away for a while! It is comfortable to wear (despite it looking a bit spiky) but it's a bit too heavy.

Yes. But I didn't want to say curb link because there are other chains with links like rolo chains etc. If you do a search for link and chain you'll get pictures of chains where the pieces are linked together. And I like chains with links better than box chains wheat chains etc.

 

[chrono]

I wear a curb link chain and it takes the weight of my pendant very well. It's also very smooth and goes with everything for every occasion. I left my iPhone cable at work so I'll only be able to post a picture of it tomorrow.

 

[pearlsngems]

Eleven years ago I was recommended a wheat chain for a pendant that I wanted to be sure I didn't lose, and I've never looked back. I have wheat chains in 16", 20" and 24" and love wearing them. They don't kink and are very secure.

Whatever you end up buying, be sure not to buy a hollow chain-- they aren't strong and are no bargain in the long run.

 

[chrono]

The pendant is made of pure gold (24K) so it has a bit of heft to it has measures 20 mm x 20 mm also on a 24K curb chain. I wear it everyday 24/7 and it has held up for more than 10 years of constant wearing.

 

[innerkitten]

The pendant is made of pure gold (24K) so it has a bit of heft to it has measures 20 mm x 20 mm also on a 24K curb chain. I wear it everyday 24/7 and it has held up for more than 10 years of constant wearing.

Wow Chrono, that is a great pendant! Nice to see that 24k actually hold up to a lot of wear.

 

[GregS]

That's a lot of gold.

The size of the bail definitely factors into all of this.

 

[Fly Girl]

I have box chains, curb chains, wheat chains, and rolo chains. Box chains are sturdy, but frequently, as has been mentioned above, catch little hairs at the back of the neck. I've had my wheat chain forever, and I think it has the dressiest look. Large curb chains are a popular style for men's chains, but smaller ones make for great pendant chains. I'm going to picture my 14k pink gold rolo chains here, since rolo have not yet been mentioned. I like them with more modern, edgy pieces, but I'm sure they could be used for any pendant. The second photo shows two matching rolo chains, one larger and longer than the other, but the same style and from the same manufacturer, so the rose gold color is the same.

 

[chrono]

I love pure gold but they are really best suited to earrings, pendants and if not too thin, necklaces. I can go on and on about it but I think I've threadjacked enough. Sorry, Sonoma. I've had a ball chain before and broke it not too long afterward at the weakest part of the chain, which is between two balls.

 

[beaujolais]

Sorry for getting back to this so late. I've been dealing with post hurricane clean up craziness. Anyway, thanks all, so very much ! The 24K is such a rich & luxurious look, Chrono.

Well, lots to think about. I prefer smaller (about 1.5 ct. pendants & usually without much metal around them) so that may factor in. I do like the look of the ball chain but not happy about Chrono's one that broke.

Does anyone have a picture of a wheat chain w. a pendant on it being worn?

I only remembered the box chains snagging little hairs after you all reminded me of it. I thought all chains snagged hairs on occasion, so I paid no attention. (Remember those herringbone chains, back some years, that grabbed some skin in them sometimes, though, - )

Ya'll like the lobster clasps better, right?

Tx again.

 

[Fly Girl]

My fairly substantial 20 inch 18k yellow gold wheat chain with a nice peachy Indian moonstoon pendant. Yes, to lobster clasps. Lobsters are my first choice whenever I select a clasp.

I swap out this sturdy chain for a number of pendants. Here is a photo of it with a botryoidal chalcedony and orange grossular garnet piece that I got several years ago on sale from Barry at ACstones.

While mine is about 3 mm wide, I think it would be equally lovely in a slightly smaller diameter.

 

[chrono]

No snagging with a wheat chain? Yes, the lobster claw makes it easy to open and close the necklace. My children have worn a rolo chain necklace and it seems sturdy as well. I dislike herringbone chains. They have a tendency to twist and once twisted, does not like to lie flat anymore.

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks for the photos, Fly. I'm feeling it. I think a wheat will by my choice.