Chain/pendant ratio for CBI/DK project?

[diamondseeker2006]

Wow, this is an exciting project! I missed your other threads as I have been busy and have had little time on the forum since the holidays.

I only have some large long fashion jewelry chains, and I do have one that is about 6mm in a rolo style. I think 6mm would be okay if you were just using the 1 large pendant, but I think it is too wide for your small pendants. I really think 5mm would work much better. I like the 6mm on my chain which is about 36" and has a large pendant hanging from it. I rarely wear any jewelry that is not real, but I do like a few long heavier pieces. But even with just your large pendant, it is not heavy and more of a filigree type design, so I really don't think I'd go with 6mm for that piece alone, either.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

Wow, I was really missing out by not visiting your previous threads! This project is right up my alley, aesthetically. It is bold and interesting and luxurious... and I mean those terms in all the best ways!

I really love the look of this chain you are considering. I love the size and weight because you can really appreciate the texture/pattern of the links so much better at that size when viewed from a distance, as necklaces are. And I love texture and pattern, it just adds so much visual and tactile interest to a piece. And it seems like serendipity that there is also a bracelet. Having an extender seems like a very good option because it will allow you to wear this work of art with so many different necklines, as Molly Malone said.

Now I have never owned or worn a chain of this size so I can't really speak to whether 5mm or 6mm is better. But I like what I am seeing in all these images you are posting, so that must count for something!

Can't wait t see this project develop!

Thank you Dachsie! I really love the look of the chain too. I like it for its heft and presence as well.

I have several silver chains that are 8 mm and even thicker, a Judith Ripka and a DeGruchy Bali weave that's probably closer to 10 mm. I love those pieces and really enjoy wearing substantial chains that look great with a pendant, and can even stand on their own. I understand that the norm for station necklaces are more delicate chains, but I am a bit hard on chains and have broken many a slender necklace accidentally.

My original thread on RT turned out to be a dud, but you can see the evolution of the project here, in case you are interested: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ce-project-could-use-some-design-help.245952/

Amy from DK told me I should be looking at 5mm or wider for the chain. I don't want to overwhelm the pendants so I was really trying to stick to 5mm. In the thread referenced above it was recommended that I try to obtain a Victorian chain, and I did. Several of them, and had to return them because I either didn't like the color of the gold, the workmanship, previous damages, or they were simply to busy in their own right.

I've visited Gold Link in Amy's building twice and looked through their catalogues and found some options to pre-order. It turns out they don't stock chains in wide diameters, they carry chains up to about 3 mm. So until I visit on Thursday with the pendants in hand, and the chain I've shown for comparison (arriving Monday), I can't know what will actually work.

Here are some images of the chains I was interested in from the catalogue. Bear in mind that these chains are sold in 8" lengths and greater, so the weight listed is for 8". If anyone thinks one of these chains would work better, please chime in and let me know! I've very true to form, so I know they all look similar, to a degree..... I admit that I'm somewhat partial to the rectangular Rolo links, those really appeal to me with their somewhat geometric shapes, but I think they might be a little too modern for the look of the pendants.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

As an alternative to extender you can also put in length adjusters on a 20 inch chain? Suggest at 19 and 18 inches interval. Quite simple to add slightly bigger loops for the hook on the chain.

Thank you @icy_jade, do you happen to have any images of what this idea might look like? I don't think I've seen something like that before.

 

[icy_jade]

Thank you @icy_jade, do you happen to have any images of what this idea might look like? I don't think I've seen something like that before.

Quick search and found above. Hope it makes sense. Quite simple to put a jump ring.

Japanese vendors also sells those can be length adjusted:


You just pull the desired length through the ball part to adjust the chain length.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

Wow, this is an exciting project! I missed your other threads as I have been busy and have had little time on the forum since the holidays.

I only have some large long fashion jewelry chains, and I do have one that is about 6mm in a rolo style. I think 6mm would be okay if you were just using the 1 large pendant, but I think it is too wide for your small pendants. I really think 5mm would work much better. I like the 6mm on my chain which is about 36" and has a large pendant hanging from it. I rarely wear any jewelry that is not real, but I do like a few long heavier pieces. But even with just your large pendant, it is not heavy and more of a filigree type design, so I really don't think I'd go with 6mm for that piece alone, either.

Thank you @diamondseeker2006. Personally, I don't own any really long chains. I think the longest one I have is 23", with the exception of pearls. I have various strands of 48" or so, and I wear those doubled or tripled up, for a Chanel style look.

My intent was to stick to 5mm, but I just haven't found much that I like within my price point, and I've been hunting daily since December. I have found some beautiful chains, but I am unwilling to pay $3k for a used chain, antique or not. As I've said, it's hard to visualize without the pendants in hand to see how they look with various links and diameters, or how they will end up being suspended. Currently, the pendants have no bales or method of suspension. Amy agreed that it was best to wait until a chain had been chosen to decide on how to suspend them.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

@icy_jade, yes the jump ring could work. I like the idea of the ball, but I'm not sure that could work on a chain of this thickness. I'll ask when I visit Amy. Thank you for the ideas!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Please take lots of photos when you have the chain and charms in hand!

 

[EC8]

Not sure jump ring will work if the pendants will be attached at certain intervals on the chain I.e. if they are fixed based on 18” length, then they will shift off center if you wear the chain at 20”.
What about getting the chain you think will work best initially in silver or gold filled, plate it in 18k and wear for a while with the pendants to confirm your choice?

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

@EC8 I think you're right, the jump ring wouldn't work, but an extender would. Thanks for pointing that out!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, I think an extender is a great idea! I intend to have one made for my long DBTY necklace to be able to add 2".

 

[missy]

Yes, I think an extender is a great idea! I intend to have one made for my long DBTY necklace to be able to add 2".

I have a 3” extender for my DBTY depending on the neckline I am wearing. I find it very useful and I wear the extender in the back so you don't see it. It's at the beach house or I would snap a pic for you. I don't remember where I got it but I want to say Etsy. It's white gold like my DBTY and is a similar chain. I love it.

The extender can increase the versatility of many necklaces though I only wear it with my DBTY at the beach.

 

[suzanne2]

I've followed along from afar and I'm eagerly waiting for your trip to DKJ on Thursday. You haven't said if you have decided to put the charms and pendant in the chain as stations or add them as dangles. When I picture the necklace I see the charms as stations and the pendant on some kind of bale. I think a big part of your chain decision will be apparent when you decide one way or another.
Of all the chains pictured, I liked the top one on the fancy page. You had said that you liked the shimmer from previous chains and that one matched, although it may be too expensive or not big enough.
Whatever you decide, it will be stunning! Eagerly awaiting updates!

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

@suzanne2 Thank you for your input. At this point in time, I am thinking that the central pendant will likely be attached to the chain invisibly on the east/west sides, and the smaller pendants perhaps as danglies. And you're right, the whole thing really depends on the chain, and the aesthetic as a whole. Working out these ideas piecemeal is really difficult, especially since I am not practiced at this stuff and have zero creativity. I really don't see the main pendant on a bale for this project, but you never know! It's going to evolve a great deal on Thursday when I can put the pieces together!! I really wish I had one of you to come with me for opinions!!

I received the chain pictured in the first post today. It is lovely. It weighs 21.6 grams at its current length of 15.5", but I have to say, it feels VERY lightweight. When I got it, I didn't believe that it weighed what I was told, but I verified on two different scales. It feels hollow somehow, I think its width is deceiving me as I expect what I see to weigh more in my hand. It's really odd...

Thank you, and everyone else for opining on the project. Your help really is invaluable.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

I have a 3” extender for my DBTY depending on the neckline I am wearing. I find it very useful and I wear the extender in the back so you don't see it. It's at the beach house or I would snap a pic for you. I don't remember where I got it but I want to say Etsy. It's white gold like my DBTY and is a similar chain. I love it.

The extender can increase the versatility of many necklaces though I only wear it with my DBTY at the beach.

@missy Between the necklace and the bracelet I have available to me, I can have an extender that will give me a total length of 22.75", plus the width of the pendant if it is suspended on both sides from the chain. If that chain works, of course. So the necklace would likely be 18-20", plus the rest as an extender. It will be the same links as the chain whether it turns out to be this one, or any other. I can buy any of the chains at Gold Link in any length I desire, and have DK make the extender for me in the same link. You have convinced me it is the way to go.

 

[missy]

@missy Between the necklace and the bracelet I have available to me, I can have an extender that will give me a total length of 22.75", plus the width of the pendant if it is suspended on both sides from the chain. If that chain works, of course. So the necklace would likely be 18-20", plus the rest as an extender. It will be the same links as the chain whether it turns out to be this one, or any other. I can buy any of the chains at Gold Link in any length I desire, and have DK make the extender for me in the same link. You have convinced me it is the way to go.

Sandy, IMO, you cannot go wrong with getting the extender as it will add versatility to both your bracelet and necklace.I hope you enjoy your beautiful new bling and the different ways you can wear it.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

MIND OFFICIALLY BLOWN!!!​

I saw Amy today. I can't believe how the pendants came out, and how the CBIs look in them. To say that I was shocked is an understatement. Amy/David Klass did a superb job on bringing my crappy drawings to reality. I did the best I could with the photos, but they don't do justice to the pieces.





Amy was astounded at my stones and asked me about them again. She told me that they reflect light brilliantly and that they were outstanding in every way, even the little 40 pointers. She wanted David to see them when he came in later, as he is the "Diamond Guy" and she is the "Designer" of DKJ. After we picked out a chain, David took a look at them and he said that these stones are perfectly cut. He said he doesn't see stones like this very often and he was very impressed by them. He showed me his father's license from 1948, who was registered as a cutter in South Africa.

David has been in diamonds his whole life, so his approval, grading and confirmation of what I already knew made me very happy. Especially since I now own 8 of them!! He guessed that my stones were a G, and was very surprised when I told him they were Js for the most part. He said the cut made them appear so much brighter and whiter, and that he has tons of clients that come in asking for D IF and are not interested in cut, and even though he tries to explain it to them, he can't always get through to them that cut is the most important factor for brilliance and scintillation. I think @Wink and @John Pollard will be very happy to hear how impressed David and Amy both were.

I brought in the two chains I had, the one I recently picked up (6.5 mm Rolo), and the very first one I bought and almost returned, but it was SUCH a good deal, and SO beautiful, I had to keep it. Here they are with the pendants.





Sadly, and as predicted here, the Rolo didn't work. It's too distracting and too thick (not too wide) for the pendants. When you put them together, you really can see that the chain competes with the pendants and there is no flow. And my other chain really doesn't work at all, but I was already wearing it so I thought I'd just throw it in for fun and comparison.

Amy and I went upstairs to Gold Link and we looked at a lot of chains. I found one that pulled the whole project together. The funny thing is, the chain is not something I would normally be attracted to, but everything I liked just looked VERY overdone with the pendants. I realized I needed something simple and elegant that could stand on its own, but not overpower the magnificence of the pendants. We looked at variations of this chain from 2 - 6 mm. Amy liked the 6 mm for both balance and weight, and I agreed. This is a hand-made chain by Gold Link itself and will take a couple of weeks to complete. The chain in the picture is in 14k, but I ordered it in 18k and it will weigh 49g, making the necklace just shy of 90g. (Yes, I like it heavy.)

After seeing all of the pieces together, I have to agree with those of you who suggested the pendant be on a bale. I also agree with those of you who suggested a longer chain. I ordered it in 24" so it has a built in extender. You guys were right, I think that's going to look a lot better and give me the versatility I want. Here are some pictures with just two of the small pendants. What do you all think? I hope I did well!!









The only thing left to consider is what to do on the backside. I failed to take a picture of the back of the pendants, but it's just plain. Any suggested we could do some engraving on the back. At first I didn't think it necessary, but the more I think about it, the more I think I don't want the backs to be so plain. What do you think?

 

[Dreamer_D]

LOVE IT!

 

[missy]

MIND OFFICIALLY BLOWN!!!​

I saw Amy today. I can't believe how the pendants came out, and how the CBIs look in them. To say that I was shocked is an understatement. Amy/David Klass did a superb job on bringing my crappy drawings to reality. I did the best I could with the photos, but they don't do justice to the pieces.





Amy was astounded at my stones and asked me about them again. She told me that they reflect light brilliantly and that they were outstanding in every way, even the little 40 pointers. She wanted David to see them when he came in later, as he is the "Diamond Guy" and she is the "Designer" of DKJ. After we picked out a chain, David took a look at them and he said that these stones are perfectly cut. He said he doesn't see stones like this very often and he was very impressed by them. He showed me his father's license from 1948, who was registered as a cutter in South Africa.

David has been in diamonds his whole life, so his approval, grading and confirmation of what I already knew made me very happy. Especially since I now own 8 of them!! He guessed that my stones were a G, and was very surprised when I told him they were Js for the most part. He said the cut made them appear so much brighter and whiter, and that he has tons of clients that come in asking for D IF and are not interested in cut, and even though he tries to explain it to them, he can't always get through to them that cut is the most important factor for brilliance and scintillation. I think @Wink and @John Pollard will be very happy to hear how impressed David and Amy both were.

I brought in the two chains I had, the one I recently picked up (6.5 mm Rolo), and the very first one I bought and almost returned, but it was SUCH a good deal, and SO beautiful, I had to keep it. Here they are with the pendants.





Sadly, and as predicted here, the Rolo didn't work. It's too distracting and too thick (not too wide) for the pendants. When you put them together, you really can see that the chain competes with the pendants and there is no flow. And my other chain really doesn't work at all, but I was already wearing it so I thought I'd just throw it in for fun and comparison.

Amy and I went upstairs to Gold Link and we looked at a lot of chains. I found one that pulled the whole project together. The funny thing is, the chain is not something I would normally be attracted to, but everything I liked just looked VERY overdone with the pendants. I realized I needed something simple and elegant that could stand on its own, but not overpower the magnificence of the pendants. We looked at variations of this chain from 2 - 6 mm. Amy liked the 6 mm for both balance and weight, and I agreed. This is a hand-made chain by Gold Link itself and will take a couple of weeks to complete. The chain in the picture is in 14k, but I ordered it in 18k and it will weigh 49g, making the necklace just shy of 90g. (Yes, I like it heavy.)

After seeing all of the pieces together, I have to agree with those of you who suggested the pendant be on a bale. I also agree with those of you who suggested a longer chain. I ordered it in 24" so it has a built in extender. You guys were right, I think that's going to look a lot better and give me the versatility I want. Here are some pictures with just two of the small pendants. What do you all think? I hope I did well!!









The only thing left to consider is what to do on the backside. I failed to take a picture of the back of the pendants, but it's just plain. Any suggested we could do some engraving on the back. At first I didn't think it necessary, but the more I think about it, the more I think I don't want the backs to be so plain. What do you think?

Simply stunning @SandyinAnaheim Love everything about this. As for the back I don't know. Do what you feel would make you happiest. Engraving of some sort? Did you ask David or Amy their thoughts? Anyway just love this and so thrilled for you how it is all coming together perfectly. Gorgeous!

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

Simply stunning @SandyinAnaheim Love everything about this. As for the back I don't know. Do what you feel would make you happiest. Engraving of some sort? Did you ask David or Amy their thoughts? Anyway just love this and so thrilled for you how it is all coming together perfectly. Gorgeous!

Thank you @missy! Amy is the one who suggested it, and the more I think about it, the more I like the idea. The back is super plain and feels, I don't know, unfinished?

I came home yesterday and posted immediately since I thought so many other people wanted to see pictures and the chain, and then crickets. Except for you! Thank you for your excitement and support. I really appreciate your kindness.

 

[TheBlingleys]

It is beautiful. What an original idea. Those CBI/HPD's are amazing. Can't wait to see modeling shots. I agree with Amy about the engraving. I have an engraved band with the pattern of my wedding lei from DK. Do you have any ideas for the engraving?

 

[suzanne2]

It's amazing! Wow! I'm so excited for you! The chain works beautifully and the weight will feel so comforting on your neck. I just love it! Do you have any pics with the rest of the medallions? I agree on the bale on the bezel, mainly because that's how I pictured it in my head. But to show how wrong I was, I also pictured the pendants DBTY style...
It's hard to imagine anything on the backs without seeing a picture. Millgrain maybe?
How did the weight feel in your hands? I'm so excited for you. This is a lovely idea. The chain looks smooth and lush. I'm all over the place here, sorry, but it's been a long journey for you and I'm super pleased on how you took your idea and made it work. I honestly can't wait for the finished piece.

 

[Miss Marple]

Speechless. It's amazing.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

It is beautiful. What an original idea. Those CBI/HPD's are amazing. Can't wait to see modeling shots. I agree with Amy about the engraving. I have an engraved band with the pattern of my wedding lei from DK. Do you have any ideas for the engraving?

@TheBlingleys Thank you! Amy suggested to copy the scrolls on the front, in engraving on the back, I guess like a mirror pattern? I don't have any ideas as I had not even contemplated the concept. Amy is taking the pieces to her master engraver for his evaluation. I have a long work day today, but will likely research some engraving tonight. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please share! Thank you.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

It's amazing! Wow! I'm so excited for you! The chain works beautifully and the weight will feel so comforting on your neck. I just love it! Do you have any pics with the rest of the medallions? I agree on the bale on the bezel, mainly because that's how I pictured it in my head. But to show how wrong I was, I also pictured the pendants DBTY style...
It's hard to imagine anything on the backs without seeing a picture. Millgrain maybe?
How did the weight feel in your hands? I'm so excited for you. This is a lovely idea. The chain looks smooth and lush. I'm all over the place here, sorry, but it's been a long journey for you and I'm super pleased on how you took your idea and made it work. I honestly can't wait for the finished piece.

Thank you so much @suzanne2! Yes, it has been a long confusing journey.

I don't have any pics with all the medallions and the new chain, as Amy and I just took the main one and two small ones to visualize the effect. I'll be going back on my next day off, May 7th. The chain will be done and then we will decide on a bale and where the pendants will be attached, and how. I'll take pictures again then. I will likely be adding 2-4 more medallions as stones become available, so I think ease of removal will be a consideration, and distribution of the medallions will eventually change a little.

The weight of the pieces feels WONDERFUL! The central pendant weight nearly an ounce on its own. I love that. I don't know why, but heavy pieces feel very luxurious to me.

I can't wait for the finished piece either! I know there are a lot of PSers that enjoy this process, but I find it stomach-churning and I lose sleep over the details. I know, first world problems....I'm so lucky that this is my big stressor ATM. Wish it were always this good.

 

[TheBlingleys]

@SandyinAnaheim I love the idea of copying the scrolls . I wouldn't add any engraving that would compete with design...if that makes since. Plus you could wear it on the engraved side if you are so inclined. Also what if you wanted to find a way to use the smaller charms in a bracelet. The engraving would make it fluid. Hopefully, one day I can see it in IRL. I have projects I use DK for as well. Not meaning it in a weird stalker way (lol).

 

[KristinTech]

What a development, @SandyinAnaheim ! I bet you were super proud to be the owner of those CBIs... I would have been strutting like a peacock!

I agree about the back of the main pendant. I would want *something* on the backside ... hmmm, I will think about it! You don’t want anything to irritate your chest, though, if it rests against your skin...

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

@SandyinAnaheim I love the idea of copying the scrolls . I wouldn't add any engraving that would compete with design...if that makes since. Plus you could wear it on the engraved side if you are so inclined. Also what if you wanted to find a way to use the smaller charms in a bracelet. The engraving would make it fluid. Hopefully, one day I can see it in IRL. I have projects I use DK for as well. Not meaning it in a weird stalker way (lol).

Interestingly, we had originally planned to add some millegraining to the front of the pendant, but I found it totally unnecessary after seeing it. I like its decorative elements as they are. Yes, you did make sense, there will be nothing on the front to compete with the design, it's just that parts of the back are just a plain shiny surface, it looks unfinished. So something decorative on the back would make it look like the back wasn't just forgotten.

Your idea of charms on a bracelet has already been discussed with @Wink, as well as earrings to match. The problem is sourcing CBIs in the color and size I want, they just aren't aren't available with any frequency. @John Pollard told me that CBI actually barely breaks even on these small stones as they require the same amount of labor and polishing as the large stones. It looks like having a set is a long-term project. The good part is the design aspect is already completed and I won't have to go through that again.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think you made a great choice on the chain! I couldn't see the rolo working with the filigree type pendant designs, but it was absolutely great that you were able to take the pendants to the chain store and match exactly the right one! This will definitely be a beautiful statement necklace! I look forward to seeing it finished!

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

What a development, @SandyinAnaheim ! I bet you were super proud to be the owner of those CBIs... I would have been strutting like a peacock!

I agree about the back of the main pendant. I would want *something* on the backside ... hmmm, I will think about it! You don’t want anything to irritate your chest, though, if it rests against your skin...

Thank you @KristinTech, I WAS thrilled at how they looked, and even more so by Amy and DK's comments. I actually didn't believe them and told them "you say that to everyone about their stones, you're just saying that to be nice" and Amy said no, they don't say that to everyone, and that these CBIs are real performers. I was very pleasantly surprised. There's a backstory here from the first time I visited them and one of DK's friends, a well-respected diamond cutter, was there, but don't want to bore everyone with yet another long-winded post.

I think @mrs-b's observation on polish in her current AVR thread is on the money here. I asked for the insides of these pendants to be highly polished and I really do think it makes a big difference in light reflection all around the stones....not that these CBIs NEED any help....

This is a Victorian pendant with a plain back, just so you can see what I mean. I think it is customary to leave backs undone. I have multiple large silver semi-precious pendants with unfinished backs. But it looks lazy to me to have nothing back there, and think *something* on the backside will make it look more like a complete custom piece, with attention to every detail.

 

[mrs-b]

@SandyinAnaheim -

Wow! Love it!

Re the back, I am currently having charm made for a gold bracelet - all diamonds on the front, all engraving on the back. I'm using a Florentine pattern. But, with yours, I'm thinking some kind of Byzantine pattern? Either way, engraving of some kind. It's a pity you can't find a pattern that might incorporate some 2/3 or 1 pt diamonds; something that costs you almost nothing, but just to give it a bit of a wow factor if it flips for some reason.