Some questions on gold filled chains

[audelair]

I would like to buy my wife a gold filled chain for everyday wear and was looking for some advice.

The main requirements are 16", lobster clasp, and approximately 1.5mm thk: wheat chain preferred, but rope or box links are acceptable too.

I did find a box chain at 1mm with the right length and clasp. Would something like that hold up to everyday wear? It is my understanding that gold filled may be stronger than karat-gold jewelry since the base metal is likely stronger? Otherwise, I am having a hard time finding the perfect chain. I found a 2mm double-rope chain but I am afraid that 2mm is too thick. Would a 2mm thick chain look okay with small pendants? I am more inclined to go down to 1mm rather than go up to 2mm, if the 1mm will be durable.

Are there good vendors or online shops that I should check out for a good selection of gold filled chains? Thanks for any advice!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Is there a reason a 10K gold chain would not suffice? I'd much prefer that to a GF product--the color (plating) will eventually wear off.

BTW, I woudl think your local mall would carry GF chains--many shops that sell wonmen's clothing sell these products in their accessory dept; notwithstanding the shops that carry only accessories will have them also. Jewellery shops are not the only choice...

cheers--Sharon

 

[movie zombie]

i agree with the idea of a 9-10k gold chain rather than filled.
overstock has a bunch right now:

http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Wa...ro-Necklace-18-24-inches/5677989/product.html

an internet seach might find some for even less.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

While gold filled has considerably more gold than gold plated (which can be just a few microns thick while gold filled is, usually, 5% or 10% gold), I would still not recommend it for everyday use, specially with a pendant.

First, as canuck-gal said, it may eventually wear down, showing the base metal. If it is worn without a pendant, this is less likely (gold filled, I mean, gold plated does wear with normal wear) but much more likely with a pendant.

The base metal is usually jewelry brass which is not particularly strong (but I don't have the tables near me to compare it with gold) and has a high zinc content. Zinc can cause allergies and sensitivities, which is another reason to avoid it.