Do you have a pendant you’d like to don but are missing a chain to connect it to? Well, a special pendant deserves the best chain.
What is the best chain for a pendant? The best chain for a pendant is strong enough to handle the weight of the pendant. Chains that work well for pendants are cable, curb, mariner, Figaro, wheat, and rope chains.
As easy as that sounds, choosing a chain for a pendant is more than beauty, comfort, and strength. There are many more factors to consider. And the fact that chains come in different links and twists to create a wide variety of style sequences makes the task even harder.
Fortunately, this post is jam-packed with all the information you need on how to choose the best chains for a pendant. So read on to learn all about choosing the best chains for pendants!
What to Look For When Shopping For A Pendant Chain
Before selecting a chain for a pendant, there is a bunch of things to consider to ensure it is the perfect fit. The following factors will help you narrow down things.
Is It a Gift?
Whether you are choosing a chain for yourself or someone else, consider the gender and age. Chains, like clothing, can be masculine, feminine, or unisex in style. Also, certain types of chains are popular with specific age groups.
Metal Type and Quality
Chains can be gold, silver, steel, brass, titanium, iron, chrome, among other metals. Some are pure, solid metals, while others are alloys, filled, or plated.
If you are among the lucky few who can rock any metal without skin flare-ups, then the material shouldn’t be a big deal; unless you are also going after the class, prestige, and sophistication associated with certain choices.
However, anyone with metal allergies must choose extra carefully. You should also beware of metals notorious for turning the skin green or black from oxidation.
Most importantly, there is a need to check the quality of gold and silver chains. In the US, the gold chain is always inscribed with a KT (Karat) and number or 925 for sterling silver. 14KT gold and up is pretty good for the average necklace.
Thickness
How thick do you like your chain? The thickness of the chain is a matter of personal style. Do you want it chunky to make a statement, or prefer delicate, almost not there, kind of chains?
Whichever your preference, it should be able to go over the bail (bale) of the pendant with minimal difficulty.
Also, the thicker a chain, the stronger it is.
Thicker types of chain can be considered more masculine and the finer dainty ones feminine. However, thicker chains are suitable for heavier bigger pendants and lighter chains are well-matched to light or delicate-looking pendants.
Length
The necklace style you are hoping to achieve should dictate the length of the chain you go for. So does the size of the neck, which also affects how far down the pendant sits.
There are long necklaces, medium sizes that rest at the collar bone, chokers, and in-betweens. You can utilize a standard chart size if you are unsure of the different lengths and how they’ll look.
Weight of Pendant
You also have the weight of the pendant to think about before matching it up with a chain. The chain should be able to bear its weight without snapping. That said, the thickness and type of chain (link) determine the strength of the chain.
Type of Chain
Finally, you have to decide on the type of chain, and the variety is so broad, you’ll be spoiled for choice. It is natural to go for what you think is eye catching; who doesn’t want an appealing chain?
Nonetheless, the most beautiful chains are not necessarily the best chains for a pendant. A gorgeous chain may conversely be weak, snag or kink easily. Perhaps it tangles on hair, clothes, and anything it can. Maybe it can’t be fixed at home with simple jewelers tools when it snaps.
Therefore, you need to see beyond the looks before settling for a type of chain.
The type and size of closure affixed to the chain is also significant. Lobster claw clasps are common and fairly easy to open and close.
Small clasps can go through pendant bales without the need to undo the jump rings at the ends if any. On the flip side they are very fidgety when opening and closing the chain, especially for large hands.
Types of Chains That Are Best for Pendants
Each type of chain has its pros and cons. But you won’t have to sacrifice beauty for strength or vice versa. There are amazing options that are both aesthetically pleasing and solid in build to last a lifetime.
Here are some of the classics:
Cable
The cable chain is a traditional type of chain with a classic charm. It is constructed of uniform oval or round links connected one after another. It comes in a variety of widths and is very durable.
Curb
Like the cable chain, curb chains are also made of uniform interlocking links. They have a somewhat flat appearance because each link settles in the grooves of the next link. It is sturdy, ubiquitous, and has several finishing style variants. Thicker curb chains form a significant part of the urban street style.
Mariner
The mariner, also known as the anchor chain, has a powerful nautical vibe to it. It is an assembly of robust oval links that have a bar at the center. It is one of the strongest chains for a pendant that also does not tangle.
Figaro
The design of the Figaro, which has its roots from Italy, is slightly different from other link chains. The chain features three small links and one larger link in a sequence. It is solid, stylish, and great for both men and women.
Wheat
Chains are generally weaker with diminishing width, but the wheat chain is the strongest chain for a pendant at all thickness levels, if the metal is not hollow.
It owes its powerful locking to a four-link construction closely interwoven to resemble a braided rope. The wheat chain is a perfect combination of style and strength.
Rope
Rope chains are far different from link chains and are no doubt a real beauty. The twisted strands pattern is not only mesmerizing, but it is also dazzling when hit by light. It provides multiple facets from which beams of light bounce off the lustrous metal, and that is just stunning.
It is just as strong as it is beautiful. Rope chains can be quite thick, but thinner versions make the best chains for a pendant.
If strength and durability are your top priority, go with any of these chains. Except for the rope chain’s twisted design, the rest are assembled by interlocking links in a sequence.
But what makes them the strongest chains for a pendant is the fact that individual links are soldered, closing the gap or bending point and eliminating any weak spot. You can yank them hard, but they won’t budge.
Other Chains
There are more types of chains, not the strongest for everyday wear or aggressive actions, but still fancy, stylish and quite popular.
One such chain is the box chain. As the name suggests, this chain is made up of links but these are not your typical round or oval links. Box chains have boxed links. Thinner box chains are ideal for pendants.
Snake chains sit high in the elegance charts but a bit low on strength and durability. They have a classy, sleek, and sophisticated appearance but their delicate construction makes them a weak lot. Not to mention repairing them is next to mission impossible. That is no deal breaker though for its fans.
The 7 Best Chains For a Pendant
Now that we’ve equipped you with everything you need to know about choosing chains for a pendant, you likely have an idea of what you want to buy.
To get you closer to making a purchasing decision, we picked the top 7 best chains for a pendant:
| Rank | Product | Material |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Honolulu Jewelry Company Gold Rope Chain | 14K yellow gold |
| 2. | Sac Solid Silver Rope Chain | 925 sterling silver |
| 3. | Italian Fashions Gold Box Chain | 14K yellow, white, or rose gold |
| 4. | Kooljewelry Silver Round Cable Chain | Sterling silver or yellow gold plated over sterling silver |
| 5. | Jewlpire Silver Box Chain | 925 sterling silver electroplated in 18KT gold |
| 6. | Pori Jewelers Silver Snake Chain | 925 sterling silver |
| 7. | FIBO Steel Curb Link Chain | Stainless steel |
Let’s look at each of these chains more closely.
1. Honolulu Jewelry Company 14K Solid Yellow Gold Rope Chain
Authentic gold chains for a pendant are hard to come by. Let alone the original round style rope chain. This product from Honolulu is both and more.
The chain contains real 14KT solid gold with inscriptions on it. It is as beautiful as it is sturdy and well-crafted with fine finishing.
You can opt for a 1mm or 2mm thick chain in different lengths to suit your needs. Despite being fine-weight, it has the strength to hold up well even when paired with a small or medium pendant.
If you are after a sparkly, exquisite, real gold chain for a pendant that is neither ultra-thin nor a “bling-bling” kind of heavy, you need not look any further!
2. Sac Solid Sterling Silver Rope Chain
This sterling silver rope chain from Sac Silver is a true gem. It combines aesthetics and functionality in one rope twist.
Made from the finest 925 sterling silver, it oozes elegance and has a brilliant shine.
Looks aside, this chain has a strong link connection that doesn’t break easily. Every end is soldered to reinforce its sturdy and a quality lobster clasp completes it.
You will also be thrilled by the array of sizes and finishes available to choose from. Although thick, it is surprisingly light and comfortable and pairs well with medium to large pendants.
3. Italian Fashions 14K Solid Gold Box Chain
Box chains are a popular trend and this chain explains why. It is simply gorgeous and will be the envy of many graced around your neck.
And why not? Each chain is 14KT gold. Whether you choose to go with yellow gold, white gold or rose gold, it will be the sparkliest, most stylish accessory paired with a matching pendant.
The thickness and length are really up to you, but there is enough variety for your size preference.
Being a delicate gold chain, it offers a more feminine look and is best suited to light to medium-sized pendants. The lobster claw closure is small enough to go through most regular-sized bales.
4. Kooljewelry Sterling Silver Round Cable Chain (Sterling Silver or Yellow Gold Plated)
This is a pretty, classic little round cable chain. It’s especially perfect for girls and women of all ages who don’t want bulky neckwear.
It is made of a 100% 925 sterling silver construction and plated with either more sterling silver (for that attractive white silvery appeal) or with true yellow gold. So you can choose the look that best matches your pendant (or your clothes).
The chain is just 1.2mm thick. You can choose your desired length between 16-40 inches. You should not have to worry about your skin turning green, black, or whatever color with this nickel-free product.
Its workmanship is pretty smooth, as well. This chain won’t get entangled up in your hair or kink.
It is a beautiful and practical dainty chain to pair up with small to medium weight pendants. The ends of the chain come readily attached with a spring clasp and ring for closure.
5. Jewlpire 925 Sterling Silver Box Chain
Lovers of ultra-slim chains will love Jewlpire’s 925 sterling silver box chain. At a thickness of 0.8mm, it is really thin and super lightweight, you won’t even know it’s there.
Surprisingly, the dainty feminine piece is adequately strong to hold a small pendant while maintaining its beauty and elegance.
You get to pick any length you want between 16 and 24 inches making it perfect for layering different pendants.
The 925 sterling silver core metal is electroplated in 18KT gold for that stunning yellow gold appeal. The shine is neither overpowering nor dull; it has just the right amount of luster to get the eyes’ attention.
And if you are not a gold person, there’s a white silver option. Both have a spring clasp closure and are nickel and lead free. It comes in an outstanding packaging – a little cute gift box, so you can send it straight as a gift to that special woman if not yourself.
6. Pori Jewelers 925 Sterling Silver Snake Chain
Everyone needs a classy refined chain for those special occasions and Pori’s snake chain fits the bill. This chain is 100% sterling silver, lead-free, nickel-free, and hypoallergenic so you can rock it without any fear of discomfort.
The artistry is excellent; it has a smooth texture and glides through bails effortlessly.
No tools are required to take it apart and insert or change pendants. On the opposite end of the lobster claw is a flattened ring that goes through most hole sizes.
The wide assortment of thicknesses (0.85-2.2mm) and lengths (16-30 inches) the chain is available in eliminates the problem of finding the perfect fit. There is definitely a size for light, medium, and heavy pendants.
This bright and shiny chain even comes with an equally beautiful velvet pouch.
7. FIBO STEEL Stainless Steel Curb Link Chain
For a high-quality robust stainless steel chain for a pendant, look no further than this FIBO STEEL product.
It is a sturdy one at 3.5mm with a lobster claw closure. The thickness is just right for the heavier or more masculine pendants. It will really hold up.
Do not let the thickness fool you into thinking its weight will be overbearing on the neck. The chain is smooth and a comfortable weight.
The length and color variety is impressive too. You can pick black, gold, or silver in any length between 16-30 inches.
With a brilliant shine, nice fluidity, and no chances of corrosion, it is one of the best you can get and the only thing missing is your matching pendant to complete the look.
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