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Gold Chains

16-Inch Sterling Silver 1.25mm Square Wheat Chain with Lobster Lock

$183
Chain Length: 16-inch

Frequently Asked Questions

All You Need to Know About Sterling Silver Chains

Which silver chain styles are strongest?

Durable Silver Chains

Curb chains and figaro chains handle wear well—their flat links resist kinking. Box chains are sturdy in heavier weights. Avoid delicate chains like herringbone or snake for everyday wear—they're prone to kinking and hard to repair.

  • Curb: Flat links, very strong
  • Figaro: Classic pattern, holds up
  • Box: Squared links, modern
  • Rope: Durable in heavier weights
How thick should a silver chain be?

Chain Thickness

For pendants, match thickness to weight—light pendants on 1-2mm, heavier pieces need 2-3mm. Chains worn alone should be thick enough to notice. On women, 1-2mm is subtle, 3-4mm is noticeable. On men, 4-6mm is common for standalone chains.

  • 1-2mm: Delicate, for light pendants
  • 2-3mm: Versatile middle ground
  • 4-5mm: Bold, visible on its own
  • 6mm+: Statement piece
How do I prevent silver chain tarnish?

Tarnish Prevention

Store in anti-tarnish bags or with silica packets. Keep away from rubber (it speeds tarnish). Remove before applying lotions, perfume, or hairspray. Actually wearing your chain helps—oils from skin create a protective barrier.

  • Use anti-tarnish storage
  • Remove before cosmetics
  • Keep away from rubber
  • Regular wear helps prevent tarnish
What length chain should I get?

Chain Lengths

16" sits at the collarbone—choker style. 18" is the most popular women's length, hitting below the collarbone. 20" falls at the top of the chest. Men typically wear 20-24". Add 2" to your usual length if wearing with a pendant.

  • 16": Choker length
  • 18": Most popular, below collarbone
  • 20-22": Upper chest
  • 24"+: Below chest, often for men
Can I fix a broken silver chain?

Chain Repairs

Most silver chains can be repaired by a jeweler. Simple breaks in curb or cable chains are easy fixes. Herringbone and snake chains are harder—sometimes impossible—to repair invisibly. The clasp is often the weak point and cheap to replace.

  • Most breaks are repairable
  • Jewelers can solder links
  • Clasps are easy to replace
  • Some chain types repair better

Buyer's Guide

14K Gold Chains Buying Guide

14K gold hits the sweet spot between durability and value. It's the most popular gold purity in the US for good reason. Here's what to know when shopping for 14K chains.

Why 14K Gold?

14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold mixed with other metals for strength. This matters because pure gold is soft—too soft for everyday jewelry.

Durability: Resists scratches and dents better than 18K or 24K.
Value: Costs less than higher karats while still being real gold.
Longevity: Holds up to daily wear without excessive damage.
Hypoallergenic options: Can be alloyed without nickel for sensitive skin.

For chains you'll wear regularly, 14K is often the smartest choice.

Chain Styles

Cable: Interlocking oval links. Classic, works with pendants.

Rope: Twisted links create a textured surface. Catches light beautifully.

Box: Square links create a sleek, modern look. Very strong.

Figaro: Pattern of short links then one long link. Italian origin, distinctive look.

Cuban/Curb: Flattened, interlocking links. Bold appearance, very durable.

Franco: V-shaped links interlock smoothly. Strong, lies flat.

Wheat/Spiga: Twisted oval links create a woven look. Flexible and comfortable.

Thickness and Weight

Chain thickness (measured in mm) affects look, durability, and price:

1-2mm: Delicate, best for pendants or layering. Handle with care.
2.5-3.5mm: Medium weight, versatile. Can be worn alone or with pendants.
4-6mm: Substantial presence. Better for wearing alone.
7mm+: Bold statement pieces. Heavy, expensive.

Solid chains are more durable than hollow chains. Hollow chains feel lighter but can dent or kink if mishandled.

Length Guide

16": Sits at base of neck (choker style). Best for smaller frames.
18": Most popular length. Falls at collarbone.
20": Falls a few inches below collarbone.
22-24": Falls mid-chest. Popular for men or longer looks.
30"+: Statement lengths. Can be doubled.

Consider your neck size, build, and how you plan to wear the chain (with or without a pendant, tucked under a shirt, etc.).

Color Variations

Yellow gold: Classic gold color. The alloy mix creates traditional warm tones.

White gold: Mixed with white metals (like palladium) and rhodium plated. Platinum look at gold prices.

Rose gold: Copper in the alloy creates pink tones. Romantic, trending style.

All three contain the same gold content—the color comes from the other 41.7% of metals in the alloy.

What to Check Before Buying

Stamp/Hallmark: Look for "14K," "585," or "14KT" stamped on the clasp.

Clasp quality: The clasp is often the weak point. Lobster claws are secure; spring rings less so.

Weight: Heavier usually means more gold content. Compare weights when shopping.

Construction: Solid vs. hollow construction affects durability and price.

Return policy: Buy from sellers who allow returns. Chains need to be seen and felt to judge.