Silver chains are a favorite accessory for many. They are more popular than gold because they have a lower cost and are accessible 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. Thin chains are bought even for children to hang the first cross. Manufacturers make them for every taste and color: from classic weaving to silver chains, and flat, and fantasy with a complex pattern.
Creature
A chain is an ornament of interconnected links, rings, disks, usually consisting of metal. In ancient times, chains were probably used as life-changing new technologies - as a more robust and practical alternative to rope. Smaller ones were needed for simple tasks, for example, to pull a bucket of water from a well.
But all this was long before the appearance of chains in jewelry. Chain links can be made manually, but most modern designs are made by machines. Chains, necklaces are the most popular, but you can find this technology in bracelets and earrings. Over time, people create more and more interesting weaving and combinations. Here are the most famous styles of silver chains. All these types of weaving are used in jewelry both on the neck and on the arm.
Classic chains
"Shopard." One of the most popular classic chain styles, in which weaving is created from interconnected oval links of uniform size. They are quite easy to make, and they look great with elegant pendants.
Shell-weaving. The chain consists of special curved links that interlock, even when in a horizontal position. They can all be the same size or shrink toward the center. This is the most popular street urban style chain.
Rollo. Such a chain consists of interconnected round links. This style is similar to "shopard", but weaving is a little more complicated, as the links can alternate in size.
"Figaro." The figaro chain is a modified version of the shell-weaving, where the interwoven flat links vary in size. It usually forms a pattern of three small links, alternating with larger ones. The name "Figaro" of Italian origin. Italian chain makers were inspired by the famous opera and play, with Figaro as the main character.
Anchor chain. It is named because of its resemblance to a real anchor chain and consists of oval links flattened in the center. The links can interlock as in the weaving "shopard", or more tightly.
Textured chains
"Popcorn". This style is a light, tubular chain with convex, bead-like links. It resembles a garland of popcorn.
"Singapore". A chain whose links are twisted or looped together into a pattern that makes it look like a rope. This is probably the most popular textured style of chains.
Byzantine chain. This chain is a decorative design that creates complex textures. The drawing used is very interesting and unusual.
Spikelet. This chain is formed of 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 similar to 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 - pearl. The jewelry looks very delicate and elegant, so women's silver chains are often of such weaving.
Cross chain. It consists of cross-linked metal links, each of which passes over the next, forming a twisted look. It looks very textured and shiny. Sometimes with the help of such weaving create silver and gold chains.
Smooth chains
"Omega". This name translated from Greek means great. This shiny chain is formed by flat links crimped together. The semi-rigid structure gives the product a unique look, ideal for wearing as is 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, tetrahedral shape. Usually, men's silver chains are created in this way.
The Snake. A chain consisting of wavy plates tightly connected together, resulting in a smooth look with a thin, zigzag pattern.
"Herringbone". This is a flat and non-rigid chain made of extruded V-links arranged in different directions.
Bismarck It is a twisted chain connected by a pattern that combines the appearance of a “roll” and a “Singapore”. The links, which are flat, but consisting of many complexly interwoven rings, create a bizarre pattern. Usually in this way create silver chains on the neck of a masculine style. This is one of the most popular and expensive weaves.
Why is silver getting dark?
A silver chain can easily lose its appearance. It will turn grayish black due to a reaction to hydrogen sulfide in the air. Once upon a time, people who had not yet associated the darkening with science believed that darkened metal was a sign of impairment. Then they performed special cleansing rites. But now we know that silver, which has reacted with hydrogen sulfide contained in the air, is oxidized and blackens.
The longer a person wears jewelry, the more often it undergoes oxidation, darkens, and makes you think how to clean a silver chain. In addition, sweat secreted by the skin contributes to this. 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 worry and sweating will intensify. Also, an increase in the level of certain hormones in women, illness or stress can affect the color change.
How to clean a silver chain at home efficiently and safely?
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 safe means should be used to clean the chain and restore its shine and beauty without endangering health?
Items you will need:
- aluminium foil;
- salt;
- baking soda;
- half a glass of boiling water;
- half a glass of vinegar;
- soft toothbrush;
- dishwashing liquid;
- soft towel or microfiber cloth.
Purification process
Now we will tell in order how to clean a silver chain at home.
- Spread aluminum foil on the bottom of a shallow glass bowl.
- Put the decorations.
- Add two tablespoons of salt and the same amount of baking soda to completely cover the items.
- Combine boiling water and vinegar and pour into a bowl.
- Make sure the jewelry is in contact with aluminum foil. Salt and aluminum will react and act like a magnet to remove black from silver.
- Hold the chain in the mixture for five to ten minutes, depending on how much it is contaminated. Gently clean the stains with a damp, soft toothbrush.
- Add one cup of hot water and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to another glass dish. Transfer silver from saline to soapy water. Let it soak for three minutes and then rinse with clean water. Wipe the silver chain with a dry, soft towel or microfiber cloth.
Tips & Warnings
- To minimize the darkening of your silver, store it in a low humidity environment.
- Do not store silver near low grade cardboard, as it can cause tarnishing.
- Before cleaning the silver chain, remove the pendants that contain semiprecious and precious stones to avoid damage.
- Do not use black remover on aged (oxidized) silver, as the antique finish may come off.