Silver chains are a favorite accessory for many. They are more popular than gold ones, as they have a lower cost and are available to everyone. You can wear them as you like: just like that or with a pendant, a cross. Today, this jewelry can be found in any jewelry store. Both men and women wear them. Even children are bought thin chains to hang the first cross. Manufacturers make them for every taste and color: classic weaving silver chains, and flat, and fancy with a complex pattern.
Creation
A chain is an adornment of interconnected links, rings, disks, usually made of metal. In ancient times, chains were probably used as a life-changing new technology - as a stronger and more practical alternative to rope. Smaller ones were needed for simple tasks, like pulling a bucket of water from a well.
But all this was long before the advent of chains in jewelry. Chain links can be made by hand, but most modern designs are made by machines. Chains, necklaces are the most popular, but you can find this technology inbracelets, and earrings. Over time, people create more and more interesting weaves and combinations. Here are the most famous styles of silver chains. All these types of weaving are used in decorations both on the neck and on the arm.
Classic chains
"Chopard". One of the most popular classic chain styles, in which the weave is created from interlocking oval links that are uniform in size. They are pretty easy to make and look great with dainty pendants.
Carapace weaving. The chain consists of special curved links that interlock even when in a horizontal position. They can all be the same size or decrease towards the center. This is the most popular street style chain.
"Rollo". Such a chain consists of interconnected round links. This style is similar to "chopard", but the weaving is a little more complicated, as the links can alternate in size.
"Figaro". The figaro chain is a modified version of the curb weaving, where interlaced flat links vary in size. It usually forms a pattern of three small links alternating with a larger one. The name figaro is of Italian origin. The Italian chain makers were inspired by the famous opera and play, with Figaro as the protagonist.
Anchor chain. Named for its resemblance to a real anchor chain, it consists of oval links flattened down the center. Links can interlock as in weaving"chopard", or tighter.
Textured chains
"Popcorn". This style is a light, tubular chain with raised, bead-like links. Reminds me of a popcorn garland.
"Singapore". A chain whose links are twisted or looped together in a pattern that makes it look like rope. This is probably the most popular textured chain style.
Byzantine chain. This chain is a decorative design that creates intricate textures. The pattern used is very interesting and unusual.
"Spikelet". This chain is formed from oval twisted links woven together in one direction. The result is a textured chain with a semi-rigid structure. As the name suggests, the links are like the tops of wheat stalks.
"Perlina". The chain consists of spherical links connected by small transitions between them. This creates the look of a very thin beaded necklace. The name is given from the word pearl - a pearl. The jewelry looks very delicate and elegant, so women's silver chains are often of similar weaving.
Cross chain. It is made up of criss-crossed metal links, each passing over the next to form a swirling look. Looks very textured and shiny. Sometimes with the help of such weaving they create silver and gold chains.
Smooth chains
"Omega". This name in Greek means great. This shiny chain is made up of flat links crimped together. The semi-rigid structure gives the piece a unique look, perfect to wear alone or paired with a pendant.
"Square". The chain consists of square links fastened on all four sides. They are so arranged to create a smooth, four-sided shape. Usually men's silver chains are created in this way.
"Snake". A chain made up of wavy plates tightly tied together, resulting in a sleek, delicate, zigzag pattern.
"Herringbone". It is a flat and non-rigid chain, created from pressed V-shaped links arranged in different directions.
"Bismarck". It is a twisted chain knitted in a pattern that combines the look of "Rollo" and "Singapore". Flat, but consisting of many intricately interlaced rings, the links create a bizarre pattern. Usually, silver chains are created around the neck of a male style in this way. This is one of the most popular and expensive weaves.
Why does silver darken?
A silver chain can easily lose its look. It will turn grayish black due to the reaction to hydrogen sulfide in the air. Once upon a time, people who did not yet associate darkening with science believed that darkened metal was a sign of damage. Then they performed special cleansing ceremonies. But now we know that silver, which has reacted with hydrogen sulfide in the air, oxidizes andturning black.
The longer a person wears jewelry, the more often it oxidizes, darkens, and makes you wonder how to clean the silver chain. In addition, this contributes to the sweat secreted by the skin. It is not recommended to wear a silver chain or rings if you plan to visit a bathhouse, swimming pool, sauna, gym, an important event where you can get worried and sweating will increase. Also, the change in color can be affected by an increase in the level of certain hormones in women, illness or stress.
How to clean a silver chain safely and safely at home?
Traditional silver polishes contain strong solvents that can cause kidney and liver disease, birth defects, nervous system problems and cancer (according to scientific studies). What are the safest means to use to clean the chain and restore its luster and beauty without endangering he alth?
Items you will need:
- aluminum foil;
- s alt;
- baking soda;
- half a cup of boiling water;
- half a glass of vinegar;
- soft toothbrush;
- dishwashing liquid;
- soft towel or microfiber cloth.
Cleansing process
Now we will tell you in order how to clean a silver chain at home.
- Spread aluminum foil in the bottom of a shallow glass bowl.
- Place decorations.
- Add twotablespoons of s alt and the same amount of baking soda so that the products are completely covered with them.
- Mix boiling water and vinegar and pour into a bowl.
- Make sure the decoration is in contact with the aluminum foil. The s alt and aluminum will react and act like a magnet to remove the blackness from the silver.
- Soak the chain in the mixture for five to ten minutes, depending on how heavily soiled it is. Scrub stains gently with a damp, soft toothbrush.
- Add one cup of hot water and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to another glass dish. Transfer the silver from the s alt solution to the soapy water. Let it soak in for three minutes and then rinse with clean water. Wipe the silver chain with a dry soft towel or microfiber cloth.
Tips and Warnings
- To minimize tarnishing of your silver, store it in a low humidity environment.
- Don't store silver near low-grade cardboard as it can cause tarnishing.
- Before cleaning the silver chain, remove the pendants that contain semi-precious and precious stones to avoid damaging them.
- Do not use blackness remover on aged (oxidized) silver as the aged finish may come off.
