If you take a closer look at them, you will notice how thin and small the links of such chains can be. So how is this kind of jewelry made? What does it take to get such a stunning result?
What is essential to consider for a quality chain
There are several important factors to consider when making chains. First and foremost is the way the chain is made. Currently, there are three common ways to make gold chains:- Handmade. The craftsman manually draws the metal to the desired length and thickness and then uses jewelry tools to assemble the chain. The first gold chains were created by hand. Even though they were not as thin and neat as they are now, but already in ancient times, goldwork was a typical craft.
- Machine production. About two hundred years ago, technological advances made it possible to automate the production of gold chains and other jewelry partially. Now jewelry machines can create jewelry with little or no intervention from a craftsman.
- Stamping. Unlike the previous two methods, when stamping gold for a chain is initially rolled out into a sheet. From this sheet, the parts for the chains are stamped, which are then joined together. This method of production is considered the lowest quality and the cheapest.
The manufacturing process of chains also depends on the method of production. The most valuable chains are handmade. Professional jewelers can give the links of chains much more intricate forms than the special jewelry equipment.
In manual production, the sequence of operations is approximate as follows:
- 999 gold is measured in the right amount and remelted at temperatures over 1024 degrees Celsius.
- During the remelting process, nickel, silver, and other metals less precious than gold are added. This is necessary to work comfortably with gold. Pure gold (999 proof) is very brittle and soft. Impurities give it elasticity and strength, as well as reducing the cost of the product.
- After melting and cooling, the gold is rolled to the desired length and thickness. Usually, a very thinly rolled gold line is used for chains up to one or even more kilometers long.
- The next step is to create the links of the chain and connect them. Depending on the shape of links conceived by the craftsman and the length of the future chain depends on the time it takes to make one piece of jewelry.
- When the chain is being made, a special strengthening powder is also applied to the chain. If necessary, the craftsman leaves special notches for inlaying, makes engraving, and creates other jewelry design elements.
The process of machine production of gold jewelry chains is similar to handmade work. The only difference is that the process mainly involves machines, not the jeweler's hands.
How is the price of a gold chain formed?
What does the price of gold chains depend on? Chances are when you come to a jewelry store to buy jewelry, you've asked yourself this question.Factors that affect the price of gold chains include:
- The gold grade. It indicates the amount of pure gold in the final product. 585 gold is most often used: it is easy to work with, has good strength and flexibility, and an attractive appearance.
- Type of production: hand or machine-made. Stamped chains are the cheapest.
- The complexity of the design, the type of weaving of the chain, the presence of inlaid with precious stones and other design features.
- Brand. Similar chains from Tiffany and some unnamed brands will have different costs (although the quality may be the same).
Where to buy the best gold chains online?
Are you interested in where to buy handmade gold chains online? Centaurus Workshop is ready to delight you with its products! You can choose a gold chain from our catalog or order a custom design. Our craftsmen work both by photo — we are ready to create a copy of a chain from a famous brand and handmade sketches.In addition, we use only the highest grade gold, and all items receive a lifetime guarantee for cleaning and repair. We also provide free shipping for all customers, and you can order a gold chain online from any country. Delivery will be made by the international postal service in a matter of days.
At Centaurus, we treat each order individually and ask our clients about who they are buying a gold chain for, what it should be, and within what time frame it should be made. We will be happy to create unique jewelry for you too!
