Sterling silver Pendants are some of the most ideal jewelry pieces to wear. Their primary purpose is to give your neckline a balanced look. For your pendant to achieve the look you desire, it requires a chain. While it may seem obvious, choosing a chain for a pendant is not always straightforward. There are numerous factors to consider to ensure you get the perfect chain to complement your signature piece, your sterling silver pendant.
There is a lot in the market when it comes to jewelry chains. This can make the process of picking overwhelming, even for the most skilled buyer. Sterling silver Pendants come in different shapes and types, ranging from lockets to crosses and precious stones to infinity signs. Regardless of the kind of pendant you want to turn into a neck jewelry piece, this guide will ensure you pick the perfect chain for pendants.
Factors to consider when choosing chains
The weight of the pendant
This is the most important factor to consider. The weigh of the sterling silver pendant will determine the type of chain you buy. Ideally, the chain should be strong enough to carry the pendant without the risk of breaking. A wider and heavier chain gauge has the ability to handle a heavy pendant and usually comes with a strong clasp to handle the pendant’s weight. On the other hand, a lightweight and small pendant looks best when placed on a very fine chain. Chains for lightweight pendants are made with bolt ring clasp, which is perfect for handling the pendant.
In terms of aesthetics, it is essential to ensure that the sterling silver pendant looks proportional and balanced with the type of chain you choose. For instance, it would seem odd to place a 2mm snake chain on a 6mm round sterling silver pendant. Finding balance is the key to having a well-matched pendant and chain.
The size of the chain hole in the pendant
When choosing a chain or your pendant, you need to find one that will freely fit the pendant chain hole and leave enough room for the pendant to move freely. You can carry the pendant to the chain store and test different chains to ensure you get the perfect fit. If ever in doubt, always ask the chain seller as they have the experience in matching chain and pendants.
The length of the chain
The length of a chain mostly depends on the preference of the wearer. Even so, there are certain factors to consider. Generally, very large pendants are best suited for long chains and short ones too, as long as they are strong enough to handle the weight of the pendant. On the other hand, lightweight pendants and small pendants are better suited with short chains as they are likely to get lost if the chain is too long. If you choose a chain as a gift, consider the preferred style and age of the recipient to be able to make the best choice on their behalf.
Generally, 16’’ to 18’’ length pieces are ideal for small pendants and people with small body frames. Longer chains measuring between 18’’ to 22’’ are perfect for heavy pendants and people with large body frames. Chains longer than 22’’ are usually only ideal for extra-large pendants, and can be work by the young and old.
The style
Snake, curb, trace, and belcher chains are the most popular styles in the market. Most individuals prefer these types of chains and can go with a wide range of pendants. If you are unsure of the style to go for, always pick from these choices.
The gauge is also an important consideration to make. Most popular chains have a gauge ranging from 0.9mm to 1.7mm. These gauge ranges can handle most chain weights and are thus the best choice. The best range is between 0.9mm and 1mm for lightweight pendants.
With these pointers, you will be able to choose the best chain for your silver pendant, regardless of the size.