Gold jewelry has always been in demand – not just as a token of beauty, but also as an investment. The value of gold can only increase over time, and it’s true that as a statement piece, it is in a class of its own. But if you are planning to invest in gold jewelry, particularly a gold necklace, there are different essential factors you should consider, which includes whether the chain is comprised of solid gold, the karat, the links of the chain, and so on. If you want to make an excellent choice, here are some top tips for choosing a gold necklace: what you should really consider.
The chain: is it hollow, plated, or solid?
One of the most vital questions you need to answer when selecting a gold necklace is whether the chain is hollow, plated, or solid. Plated chains are, of course, less expensive than either hollow or solid, but remember that this plating will eventually wear off, and this will expose the metal, so you will need to have it re-plated after some time.
Here’s the thing: if you have the budget for it and are planning to wear your gold necklace on a regular basis, it’s best to go for solid gold. There are also hollow chains, which are lighter than solid gold and less expensive, but these chains also have a potential issue: they can easily get dented or even break, and when this occurs, it will be challenging to have them repaired.
The karat of your gold necklace
Gold necklaces also come in different karats, so here’s another factor to consider: the purer the quality of the gold, the less durable and softer it is. If you are thinking of wearing your gold necklace every day, you may want to stay away from 20-karat or 22-karat pieces because they tend to scratch easily. If you want something hard-wearing and durable, go for either 10-karat or 14-karat pieces as they are harder because they contain a larger percentage of alloys that are non-gold.
But here’s another tip: if you have an allergy to nickel, stay away from low-karat pieces because nickel can be found in good amounts in lower-karat gold. For those who have allergies to this metal, avoid purchasing a 10-karat piece. It’s best to stick to 14 karats or 18 karats.
The link of your gold necklace
Another factor that can easily affect your decision is the kind of link. The link can affect how easily the necklace may ‘kink’ and how easily it may break. For instance, a flat chain (like an omega chain) or a herringbone chain can twist easily, and the snake chain can more easily catch on the clothes you are wearing and then twist and necklaces that become ‘kinked’ are difficult to repair.
You should also decide on the thickness of the links, but this is more about your own preference and whether or not you want to wear your necklace with a pendant. If you are planning to put a pendant or charm on your necklace, make sure the links are thick enough so they can handle the extra weight. Some great choices for links include box chains as well as wheat chains, which are sturdy and flexible at the same time. Other brilliant choices include manner chains, Figaro chains, anchor chains, rope chains, and curb chains. Happy choosing!
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