In ancient times, all chains were made by hand. First, precious metals were stretched into thin wire. Then she folded into separate rings (links), gathered together, soldered and polished. Currently, chains are made mainly on machines, and by hand much less often. The machine allows you to create completely new elegant configurations.
There are only three basic chain weaving technologies. Anchor, shell weaving and Bismarck connection. All existing bracelets and chains are divided by their weight. A product weighing up to three grams is called thin, and up to 10 grams is called medium. If the weight of the chain exceeds 10 grams, such weaving is called large.
Today, each of them has more than fifty varieties of jewelry connections, based on the principles of building standard weaves. Each of them has a personal name and can be made in both silver and gold. Unfortunately, in oneit is absolutely impossible to consider each in detail in the article, so let's get acquainted with the most popular weaves.
General criteria for creating chains
Regardless of weaving, all chains are divided into hollow and solid. Product varieties include three categories: men's, women's, children's. In addition, each has its own specific patterns. Hollow products combine lightness and volume. The material from which the jewelry is made is hollow from the inside, therefore, with the outer thickness of the rings, the hollow chains are airy and light. In most cases, they are created using complex types of weaving. And they look pretty solid! The main advantage of such chains is their moderate price, determined by the mass of the jewelry itself.
Solid chains are significantly heavier, which also affects the cost. However, they are extremely comfortable for everyday wear. Due to the fact that jewelry is highly resistant to deformation and external influences, it is more durable. If the links still break, the specialist can easily solder and return the product to its original state.
Due to its resemblance to a rope, jewelry created on the basis of twisted weaving technology got its name by analogy - rope, or twisted weaving. Such armored weaving is a fastened curved rings twisted into a spiral. It occurs simultaneously in two main weaves - anchor, shell. Such weaving is classified as a romantic style of jewelry that differsspecial refinement, lightness.
Varieties of anchor weaving
Anchor connection consists in the sequential fastening of all links of the product, which have a perpendicular arrangement to one another. The links consist of not only one, but also two rings. The cost of such a product is relatively low. Due to the fact that all chains are created by stamping, this is the most elementary, unpretentious weaving. In the classic version, each ring is shaped like an oval. When a fixing plate is located inside the links, such weaving is called "sea anchor".
If the anchor weaving has round links, it is called "belzer", or "rollo". The Chopard fashion house played a leading role in advertising this particular type of connection, so the anchor rollo can have a second name - "chopard". Such universal weaving is quite practical, strong. In addition, the finished product can look equally irresistible on both a woman and a man.
Chains weighing more than 10 grams are pretty independent jewelry. Such a product is always remembered and speaks of the catchy image of its owner. Medium and thin chains look great with pendants, crosses, amulets. In addition, bracelets and chains are great for many styles of clothing.
Venetian weaving
Venetian weaving has a significant difference from the classic anchor look. The links of such a product have thin, wide rings. Themshape - in the form of a square or rectangle. The Venetian chain itself can be either double or triple weaving. Everything is due to the number of links woven into a solid block. A delightful strong connection is subject only to a qualified craftsman. It is noteworthy that a special machine was created for its implementation.
Rope cord connection
There is another anchor weaving with the characteristic name "cord". The links of the bracelet enter one another several elements at a time, jumping over 2-3 rings. Thanks to this connection, the product acquires a soft twisted configuration. Bracelets with chains look especially elegant and sublime due to the tight and complex fastening of the links. The chain will look especially airy with small pendants, medallions, crosses.
Varieties of curb weaving
The armored connection is characterized by links polished on both sides, as well as links located in the same plane. When curb weaving is used, a bracelet or chain looks very impressive: it gives them a characteristic brilliance and originality. The technology of making jewelry is similar to chain mail weaving, therefore it is particularly reliable. And the convenience of this product is that it never twists.
Experts believe that this execution technology is one of the most reliable. Armored chain weaving can be either single or double, and even triple. Chains in the classic version are the samecaptivates both women and men. Solid jewelry looks good over clothes. The chains will look especially attractive on a sweater or jumper with a high neck. On open areas of the body, thin and medium products will look incredible. It is to such chains that small pendants and pendants are perfect. Especially as an evening decoration.
Italian Rombo
Some weaves have a characteristic rhombic configuration of links fastened together. A particularly practical and reliable piece of jewelry is a bracelet or chain, which has double armored weaving. This type of connection of links is called a "double rhombus", and in the Italian presentation - "rhombo". This form has received its widest distribution not only among men. Jewelry made in diamond-shaped weaving is suitable for virtually everyone, regardless of age and gender. Such jewelry looks extremely impressive not only with evening dresses, but also with strict classic suits.
Maglia della Nonna
No less interesting is such a kind of shell connection as "nonna". This name is derived from Maglia della Nonna, which in Italian sounds like "grandmother's weaving". Inside the large rounded links there are miniature rings, forming a voluminous intricate pattern. Such a connection is called a "combined shell". Due to a peculiar feature, such armored weavingfound to be strong enough. A chain with such a connection will highlight the irresistibility and grace of its owner. Due to the inherent flexibility of jewelry, it is able to play unusually in the light. Bracelets and chains are perfect for an evening dress. Products will look especially expressive and harmonious with openwork clothes. In addition, jewelry can be worn both over and under clothing.
Figaro
Among the next variety is the curb weaving of a chain, a figaro bracelet. Products are distinguished by a certain inconstancy, like the hero of the comedy Beaumarchais. Such a connection belongs to the category of combined armored weaves. And thanks to the Cartier fashion house, the chains received a second name - "Cartier". The principle of creation is quite simple. The links of one configuration are interleaved with the rings of another in the appointed order. The product looks quite unusual and concise, representing a harmonious combination of multiple links.
Snake Jewelry Lace
Weaving with a round section is called "snake" (Snake), or simply "lace". A piece of jewelry is created by compressing links not only in curb weaving, but also in other classical types. For example, there are products not only with an oval, but also with a flat section. This is a light hollow chain that gives the impression of a real snake with its light graceful zigzag. Among women, jewelry made using this technique is incredibly popular. Especiallyif this jewelry finesse has golden weaving armored. At the same time, they are extremely reliable and graceful. In addition, this configuration looks great both individually and in a headset ensemble.
Solid hearts
Among the jewelry, one more weave stands out. Its name - "lava" - the product received due to its characteristic shape. Its links fastened into openwork weaving resemble hearts in their configuration. This airy decoration is ideal only for women. Chains look great together with elegant pendants, crosses.
Singapore rope weaving
Singapore twist is equally great for items like chains and bracelets. If you wear a gold chain on your hand, then Singaporean weaving will playfully gleam in the sun with every movement. Such a unique combination of rings will always look new and charming. The product is ideal for any type of clothing. In other words, for evening wear and everyday wear.
Solidity of weaving "Bismarck"
In Russia, mainly in the 90s, the presence of a piece of jewelry made using the Bismarck technology expressed the high status of its owner. According to one version, weaving got its name in honor of the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Such a connection of links is also known as a "cardinal", or "kaiser".
Due to the fact that weaving is one of the most difficult, solidand a massive pattern is usually created by hand, which significantly affects the cost of jewelry. Jewelry is made with the help of rings, consisting of several links deployed in different directions. You can find double, triple, and even quadruple weaving. Thanks to this, it is listed as one of the most reliable.
"Bismarck" has many varieties, the most difficult - Byzantine weaving. Due to the presence of individual thickness and size, among all, the "python" link connection can be distinguished. It also has other names. For example, "American", "Italian" or "whim". Uncommon and complex weaving sparkles incredibly well in the sun, so it is extremely popular with the beautiful half of humanity.
Which weave to choose jewelry?
Undoubtedly, the question of choice is absolutely individual for everyone. However, some types of chains are traditionally classified as men's, women's or universal jewelry. Thus, men generally prefer the solid bulky Bismarck weave. The female gender traditionally prefers elegant chain models. For example, a gold chain on the hand, made in the technique of "singapore", "nonna" or "lava", as well as many other modifications, are considered iconic for women. If we talk about universal products, then the most common option is anchor. Chains with dense weaving are most suitable for children. For example,"snake" or jewelry cords made of leather, rubber.
Another important selection criterion is the length of the product. It is recommended for a woman to wear chains up to 50 centimeters, for a man - longer. To make it easier for you to navigate, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with some sizes that can be determined by eye. So, the chain located at the very neck is 40 centimeters. If the lower edge of the decoration reaches the upper level of the neckline - 50 centimeters. At the middle level of the neckline - 60 cm, at the bottom - 70 cm.
However, as with any other rule, there may be individual exceptions. When buying jewelry, be sure to try on the jewelry. And if you are not sure about the compatibility of two products, leave one of them. The delightful Coco Chanel once spoke about this. When choosing jewelry, get rid of the last one you put on.
