We will tell you about popular weaving techniques, basic materials and types of jewelry clasps. All this is important when creating a stylish jewelry set. The type of braiding reflects the style and preferences of the owner of the chain. The choice of metal affects the budget. Finally, the length of the chain sets the mood of the whole bow, and also affects its balance. There are many subtleties involved in choosing such a piece of jewelry!
BASIC TYPES OF WEAVING
Braiding is a technique for creating jewelry by connecting links in sequence. Masters form chains, bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry by combining individual components. Techniques vary in degree of complexity. The finer the work, the higher the cost of the chain, but such pricing is absolutely fair. More complex weaving requires more time, effort and experience.
Anchor weaves
“Anchor” is one of the most famous types of weaving. It is a classic technique for creating a chain when the links are placed perpendicular to each other. Its main properties are simplicity and stability. On the basis of the anchor technique, many types of braiding appeared.
“Brill” (or “Rollo”) – a simple technique. Oval-shaped links are fastened together one by one. They can also be round or slightly flattened along their length.
“Chopard” is an anchor-type weave, but with round links. It owes its name to the Chopard watch and jewelry house – it was its jewelers who popularized this type of braiding. The links look like doughnut rings, which gives the chain a special elegance.
“Korda” – a more complex type of “brill”. Such chains resemble twisted wavy harnesses. This visual effect is associated with the soldering of several links through a repetitive number of elements. The resulting volumetric pattern makes the jewelry unique. “Korda” organically fit into any style and will become a textured accent in the image.
“Figaro” is an interesting type where elements of different sizes alternate in a given sequence. Usually three round links alternate with one oblong one.
“Curtain” (or “Giotto”) – a method of weaving, in which the chain is collected from thin links of large diameter. Jewelry with such twisting is quite self-sufficient – there is definitely no need for an additional accent pendant, which will overload the bow. The links can be single, double or triple.
“Singapore” is an interesting type of weaving with a spiral structure. Its secret feature is that chains made in this technique shimmer and sparkle in the sun. The links are strongly curved, and this instantly draws attention to itself.
“Garibaldi” – a technique based on the pairing of two links on the inside and outside. This technique gives the impression of a connection so strong that no force can break it. The technique is named after the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi and his beloved.
Shell weave
“Shell” is a classic universal type of weaving that is appreciated by both men and women. The links in the “shell” are ground on both sides and fixed in a single plane. This makes the product reliable and durable. Such weaving of the chain can be single, double or triple. When rhombic-shaped links are used, the weave is called “rhombus”.
“Double rhombus” is perhaps the best known of the shell shapes. Each link is an equilateral geometric shape. The specific linkage provides a strong attachment.
“Snake” (or “snake”) – a common weave, which looks like a cord. It differs from the classic shell technique by compacting the elements, which gives the chain a smooth look and similarity to snake scales. The precious snake will have no problem withstanding the pendant.
“Bismarck” – more of a masculine type of weaving, which is characterized by a tight adjoining of all elements. It represents a series of complex links, consisting of multidirectional elements of several sizes. There are double, triple and quadruple “Bismarck”. In the latter version, the chain looks particularly impressive.
“Byzantium” is a three-dimensional weave of twisted links of the same type. “Byzantium” is used in the creation of massive bracelets and chains for festive events.
“Perlina” – fantasy weaving, where alternating elements in the form of cylinders or balls. This creates the impression of miniature pearls. The name comes from the Italian word “perlina”, which means “ball”. “Perlina” is suitable for delicate girls. If you love Marie Antoinette style, pink peonies, romantic drama “The Age of Innocence” and strawberry ice cream, this chain will definitely suit you.
“Nonna” is an openwork weave for women. In it, small links are enclosed in large ones and connected in a pattern. The weave belongs to the high-strength shell weave, but it looks unexpectedly delicate and refined. The name comes from “maglia della nonna”, which means “grandmother’s weave”. “Nonna” together with the pendant becomes the most feminine piece of jewelry.
“Love” is a light, airy weave. Its non-standard coupling creates a mysterious volumetric pattern. Each link of such a chain has ends wrapped inside, resembling the shape of a heart – hence the romantic name. “Love” gives the image of romanticism and will look great in a set with textured pusetas.
“Snail” is a unique weave. Each of its links is made in such a way that a snail is formed inside! More precisely – the illusion of its twisted shell. It looks creative, which especially pleases fans of daring jewelry design, and will become your easy way to make small talk, because everyone will ask about it.
WHAT CHAINS TO WEAR WITH PENDANTS
If you like to wear a chain with a pendant or pendant, pay attention not only to the weave, but also to the thickness of the chain. For small, elegant pendants, a thin 40-45 cm long chain of “anchor” or “snake” weave is suitable – such chains will easily fit into the pendant’s pendant eyelet. For larger ones, it is better to choose a chain length of 50-60 cm. The larger the pendant, the stronger and thicker the chain should be to prevent wear and tear of the product.
Fine and openwork weaves are well combined with elegant diamonds, creating a bright but minimalistic tandem. But chains with a wide voluminous weave look self-sufficient, and an additional pendant can weigh down the image.