Platinum chain for pendant - options?

[echelon6]

What would you guys consider is the ''best overall'' chain for a pendant?

1) the normal chain (not sure what this is called, if it has a specific name)
2) snake chain
3) box chain
4) others (please suggest, as I am not knowledgeable on all chain types)

My main consideration is durability (e.g. will it kink / break when worn during sleep? will it easily snap if accidently yanked?)

Also, in terms of pendant style, (I want a martini 3-prong) should I let the pendant slide, or attach it to the chain? If sliding, would friction between the chain and pendant cause problems over the years? (keep in mind this is platinum).

Last question: what clasps are available? Which is the overall best? I am totally uninformed in this area, so I appreciate your help


Thanks in advance.

 

[tyty333]

Cant really help you with all those different chain types but I have a diamond pendant on a "regular" someone small chain
(14k gold) that I have been wearing 24/7 for about 12 years. No problems except I have noticed that I think it has stretched a little.
My pendant seems to hang a little lower than it use to.

 

[stone-cold11]

Really depends, alloy properties, and craftsmanship. The standard chain is the cable I think. I think from your list, snake is the most expensive, least flexible, least likely to kink and snap, and most difficult to repair once it wears down and break.

There is also the wheat, rope, box chain to throw more into the mix. The feel and look is also different between different types so best to try them out?

For clasps, I know of the spring clasps and the lobster claw claps. Prefer the lobster claw type, easier to handle.

 

[elle_chris]

I would never consider snake chain again. Have one and my hair gets caught in it all the time. Painful.

Other than that, it depends. Do you want the diamond to look like it's floating on your neck? In that case, I'd do a stationary martini pendant on a very thin box chain.
If you want the whole piece to look substanial, I'd do a heavier wheat chain but also with a stationary pendant. This time I'd bezel it or make it a 4 prong.

As far as durability, I have a very thin platinum box chain. I've pulled, yanked, slept and showered in it. Had it for 3 1/2 years now and no problems.

eta: I also prefer lobster clasps as it's easier to take on and off.

 

[Sundial]

I think the standard cable chain has a more "invisible" look when worn but I haven''t found them to be quite as durable as some of the others. Box chains are very durable and have a nice shimmery appearance. I also really like wheat chains which are substantial but still subtle. You can get them in different thicknesses. As someone said you really need to see the different types of chains that are available. As for the clasps I also prefer the lobster claw for easier fastening. My problem with stationary pendants is that they end up somewhere on the side of your neck so I prefer mine to slide.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Do you want the chain to be delicate or have a more substantial look?

 

[bgray]

have you considered a wire?

 

[bgray]

http://jewelry.about.com/od/jewelrycomponents/ig/Jewelry-Chains/

 

[echelon6]

Thanks all for the info

Date: 1/3/2010 12:46:48 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
Do you want the chain to be delicate or have a more substantial look?

Definitely after a more delicate look

So if I were to get the entire piece from BGD, how ''delicate'' looking is their standard cable chain? (assuming I''m right to say the ''normal chain'' is the cable chain)

Thanks again

 

[gemgirl]

My favorite chain is the Spiga link or wheat link. Even at small mm sizes, they wear very well. None of mine have ever broken and I''ve had some for more than fifteen years.