14k solid gold chain for pearl pendant

[Isabelle35]

I'm curently shopping for a nice 14k solid yellow gold chain, 16 inches, box or snake (not sure wich yet) and about 1mm wide. This is to hang various pendants but mostly a tahitian pendant that will be made with this pearl (see below) It's about 12mm x 14mm. So I need something versatile and i'm looking for good value vs price. I have noticed the snake chains are generaly more expensive because of the weight. Any ideas on were I can find this at a very interesting/affordable price? Thanks in advance to you very resoursful PG'ers!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Snake chains kink easily and this can permanently ruin them. Consider instead a wheat chain-- these are very strong and flexible.

BTW don't buy a hollow chain! They are weak and can deform, and if they break they cannot be mended.

 

[Isabelle35]

Thanks for your advice Pearl Dream. Well noted. Yes, i'm aware that snake chains can easely kink, but I really like the sleek look. Any idea where I can shop? Thanks

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I haven't shopped for a gold chain since looking for one for my daughter last year. I'm not sure what to recommend; we bought hers from a B&M store because we were trying to match the color of the yellow gold chain to the color of the gold pendant she wanted to wear it with. It's surprising how tricky that can be-- not all yellow gold is the same color. You may get a better price online but will it match the bail of your pearl? Maybe, maybe not. Might be good to set the pearl first and then take it with you to match the color of the chain.

 

[Isabelle35]

Thanks Pearl Dreams. Good point about color of the gold.

 

[lilliefuzzysocks]

There are different types of snake chains. Some are ridged and only bend to a U shape. When heavy items are on hung on them they kink. The other type are much more flexible and will bend to a V and don't kink. Shop in person at a jewelry store and you will find the type you want.

I do use ebay for my chains more than using a jewelry store.

 

[GemGeek]

I bought a few square snake chains on eBay for good prices, but it was a long time ago. Love the look, but be very careful!

Don't go near a baby when wearing any kind of dainty jewelry. Never underestimate their strength. I've had earrings ripped from my ears and necklaces broken right off my neck.

 

[mausketeer]

I have found Etsy to be a real bargain the last few years for vintage gold chains. Sometimes they go for just over the scrap value of the gold content (and most sellers tell you how much they weigh). I think 14k is around $25 a gram at the moment, so you should be able to get a nice chain for around $100. Of course, not everyone likes buying someone else's old jewelry (lucky for me!).

Here is a calculator I use to determine the price I want to pay (depending on how much work was involved in making it. I think chains are usually machine made, right? Less work to make = less value. If it's very unusual or unique, worth more)

http://www.goldcalc.com

Etsy website https://www.etsy.com/ca/search/vint...er=most_relevant&view_type=gallery&ship_to=ZZ

Jodie

 

[Isabelle35]

Thank you Jodie, GemGeek and lilllifuzzysocks. I will go and check eBay and Etsy then. If other suggestions come to mind PG'ers, it would be apreciated. Thanks

 

[lisa c]

Thanks for the link Jodie, good ideas!

 

[jacob]

Hello everyone,

I know I might be at the correct spot but I wanted a genuine suggestion. I wanted to buy a necklace for my wife, what things I should keep in mind while buying or if anyone has any reference, please do tell me and if possible a diamond pendant necklace will be appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

[pattye]

Hi Jacob,

Welcome, we focus on pearls here, and most women LOVE pearls, but if you are set on a diamond pendant you probably will want to check out the Pricescope.com forum as they deal more with diamonds and gemstones.

That said, Santa's many helpers here on Pearl-Guide are ready and waiting to aid you in choosing amazing pearls to dazzle your wife!

 

[jacob]

Hi Pattye,

Thank you for the advice, I might head to that forum for some good suggestion. I might wanna come back and get some aid regarding pearls when I need to get one, but for the time being I need to find a diamond pendant. Anyways, thanks again for the help. I appreciate that.

 

[Katbran]

And remember that 'gold filled' is not gold..it's plated gold.