The Most Sturdy Gold Chains: A Guide to Lasting StyleJuly 3, 2024
Gold chains have been a symbol of style and luxury for centuries. They not only elevate any outfit but also serve as timeless investments that can be passed down through generations. However, when it comes to choosing a gold chain, durability is key. In this blog post, we will explore the characteristics of the most sturdy gold chain, ensuring your investment stands the test of time.
The Importance of Sturdiness
When buying a gold chain, it’s essential to consider its durability. A sturdy gold chain not only withstands daily wear and tear but also maintains its brilliance for years to come. Whether you’re wearing it casually or for special occasions, a durable gold chain provides peace of mind, knowing that your investment is built to last.
But what exactly makes a chain “sturdy”? Even when you search for a Cuban Link Chain, you will see there are various options for karats, weight, length, and style. Although all real gold chains are durable, some of these factors actually affect their overall durability.
10K vs 14K Chains
The “K” here refers to the karat - in other words, the purity of gold. 10K typically contains 41.7% pure gold hardened with metal alloys made of silver, nickel, and iron, and 14K contains 58.3% pure gold mixed with silver, copper, and palladium alloy metals.
Because gold is a soft metal, it’s prone to scratching and bending, that’s why other metals are used in making gold jewelry to make it harder and more durable. So 24K, which is 100% pure gold, is not ideal for jewelry as it’s not as durable as 10K and 14K gold.
So a higher purity of gold doesn’t actually make the chain more durable. Interestingly, a 10K gold chain is more durable than a 14K gold chain, because of the other metals used in its making.
Solid Chain vs Hollow Chain
A very important factor to consider is whether the gold chain is solid or hollow. Hollow chains have hollow centers and solid chains have solid metal throughout their links. Since hollow chains are hollow inside, less gold is used, making them lighter compared to solid chains which are heavier and more valuable. But this also affects their durability as solid chains are more durable due to the higher amount of gold used.
For example, take a look at our Rope Chain 10K - Hollow and Rope Chain 10K - Solid. Let’s consider both chains in 3.5 mm in width and 24” in length. The hollow chain contains 7.20 grams of gold, whereas the solid chain contains 25.68 grams of gold. That’s quite a difference! So in considering durability, while higher karats don’t indicate more durability, higher grams do.
The Link Style
Despite all gold chains being stylish, some are more durable because of their link style. Round interlocked links or twisted oval links are much more durable compared to styles like the Bead Chain or Herringbone Chain, which are not only more prone to breakage, but also more challenging to repair since they must be soldered with an extra amount of metal.
If you want to know more about the different chain styles, take a look at our blog on “What Types of Chains are There?”, which although isn’t a comprehensive list, will give you an idea about the main chain types.
The Width
The thickness of the gold chain also determines its durability. Thicker chains are sturdier and more durable compared to thinner chains that may break more easily. Thickness between 6-12mm offers a good amount of strength to the chain and also showcases its intricate design, while chains below 2mm may break more easily.
Soldering
Soldering refers to the process where a gold alloy (“solder”) is heated to its melting point. Then, this solder is used to form a bond between two pieces of gold. So a thinner gold chain with small links means the soldering thickness will also be minimal. Strong soldering supports the chain from breaking due to bend or twist. More extensive or thicker links will usually be soldered with extra gold to strengthen the links to stay together.
Bayam’s Most Durable Gold Chains
The Cuban Link Chain is known for its strength and durability. It is a bold design featuring thick interlocking links, and is guaranteed to offer a long-lasting statement of style. If you want long-lasting bling, we also have Diamond Cuban Link Chains!
The Monaco Chain is another chain known for its sturdiness. Monaco Chains are generally thicker than other chains, ranging between 5 mm to 24 mm depending on the style - we even have a 50 mm chain! Thicker chains like this are not only a timeless statement of style but also a timeless investment.
The Rope Chain is another sturdy chain due to its link style. It is a distinctive, sophisticated design that features a braided pattern, allowing it to distribute stress evenly along its length. It is a unique chain that is guaranteed to make a statement and showcase your charisma for years to come.
The Figaro Link Chain features flat links alternating with small, round links, resulting in a distinctive and eye-catching design. This link style combines durability and flexibility, featuring a flat surface that is less likely to break, along with longer links that offer enhanced flexibility. This chain is prized for its durability and versatility, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Enjoy Timeless Sophistication with Bayam
Investing in a sturdy gold chain is not only a testament to your style but also a wise financial decision. By choosing a chain crafted from solid 10K gold, with a weighty feel, and a durable link style, you can enjoy timeless elegance that lasts a lifetime. If you are ready to make a decision, go to Bayam Jewelry and find a sturdy gold chain that will withstand the test of time.
