April 18 2007
by Damien Zielinski

Chains can be used to dramatically suspend gems, stones, jewellery beads, and all manner of precious materials. Chains are also of strong aesthetic value in their own right, and can be crucially instrumental in defining the visual feel of a bracelet or necklace. Link patterns are a critical determining factor in a chain, and the jewelry designer is certainly in no shortage of styles to choose from: square, round, oval, diamond, rolo, satellite, figure-eight, heart-shaped, and snake-style chain link styles are all waiting to be experimented with in any combination.

Chain material should also be of consideration. Sterling silver is the well-known classic chain, and provides a sophistocated look even on a tight budget. Rhodium plated sterling chain has an even more brilliant appeal and the added benefit of Rhodium's immensely durable physical integrity. Gold vermeil chain achieves a different kind of refinement without the soft consistency and high price of pure gold, and gold-filled chains offer the radiant visual effect of high purity with no risk of tarnish over time.

Click here to browse chains at Stones and Findings