Are you looking for a piece of jewelry that’s easy to wear and looks great? Most men have few choices and gold chains may be the perfect jewelry to own. However, not all of these beautiful chains are the same and it’s good to know some things about them before you shop. Here are some tips to help you save money and get what you really want.
Karats
You can find a chain with 10K, 14K, and 18K gold. These are the most common types, but what does this really mean? Pure gold is beautiful but very soft. In fact, it’s too soft to be used for most kinds of jewelry, so they mix it with other metals (alloys). This increases the hardness of the soft metal, so it’s more durable and less resistant to scratching and other types of damage. 10K has the highest amount of alloys mixed with the precious metal. As the number increases, the ratio of gold to alloy also increases, so 14K has more and 18K even more gold.
Because 18K has the most gold, you’d think it would be the best choice for gold chains. Even though 18K is more expensive than 10K and 14K, it has so much gold that it may be too soft for everyday wear. In fact, 14K is usually the best choice because it contains a lot of gold while still being tough enough for wearing all the time.
Kinking Issues
Snake and herringbone gold chains are known to kink sometimes, and this can cause problems with clothing. For best results, choose 14K gold chains like the Miami Cuban link, Figaro, or Franco. They are very popular styles, and you can choose yellow, rose, or white gold for your chain. Where you shop is also important. It’s best to go to a trusted jeweler that has years of experience in the business.