Necklaces ranging from delicate plain chains to thick necklaces are in everyone’s collection. Some people also have a huge variety which may include diamond cut chains or rhodium polished figaro chains. We have seen numerous types of statement thick chain pieces rule the runways recently. The simple to-see vibe has surely roused new interest among people. But do we really want to buy more of new heavy necklaces to achieve the look? Well, we all have invested in numerous chains of different makes and metals over time. It is not always possible to replace them with the most trendy ones.
Multiple regular chains and necklaces that we own, can be layered together to give the look of thicker necklaces. Selecting the ones that complement each other and layering them together is a great way to make them look fuller. You may make the look more interesting by working with necklaces of different thickness and length. An added advantage of using necklaces of different thickness is that they won’t tangle as much. Furthermore, necklaces made from different metals that compliment each other can be worn together. e.g., white gold can be worn with rose gold for an elegant look. Wearing different colors gives a chic and casual look.
You may want to remediate your thin chain necklaces into a thicker one and enjoy the elevation it will give to your look. Well, keep reading to find out more on this. First, let’s find out what chains are stronger and more durable.
Are thicker necklace chains better?
Yes, thicker chains are better than thinner chains in the area of strength, durability. They also make for a trendy alternative to heavy necklaces or chains with big pendants. In the summers, when we can’t bear even a single extra layer of clothing on our skin, thick chain necklaces come to the fashion rescue. The best part is, you can wear them every day and they will withstand the test of time. A sensibly thick chain necklace will make your style more grounded and will bear the extra weight of a pendant. Enhance your femininity or channel your inner 90s punk, as this amazingly adaptable staple is cool, plain, and trendy.
Let’s check out the benefits that thicker necklace chains bring,
- Easy to fix
Thicker necklace chains can be surprisingly easier to fix. More often than not, a thick necklace chain will be of interlocking link pattern, that can be fixed at home without taking them to a professional. However, it is not advised to do that if your chain is made out of platinum or other soft metals.
- Durability
Thicker chains have a chance to last longer than the average chain because of the heaviness of their metal, and so they don’t break easily.
- Suitable for pendant
It is easier for a thick necklace chain to hold a heavy necklace and not break.
- Variety
Thicker necklace chains come in varieties, from street style to an elegant look. However, some people succumb to the stigma associated with thicker necklace chains and think they are pricier than thin, elegant ones. But that is simply not true for all cases.
Are thicker necklace chains stronger?
Yes, normally, thicker the chain, the stronger it is. The exact strength depends on the material of the chain and the design as well. For example, a box or snake chain is fragile, yet it tends to be tougher to withstand turning and twisting in case it is made up of thicker links.
These are the deciding factors of the strength of a thick necklace.
- Metal
Metal is the imperative element to make your chain strong. Stainless steel, platinum or pure gold chains are the strongest chains you can find.
Gold plated chains or hollow and semi-hollow chains are not strong enough for you. Sterling silver is also a good choice, but it is not as strong as the metals mentioned before.
- Links
The strongest chains are made out of individual, interlocking soldered links. These links can be repaired easily because you can take one separate link out without rendering the whole necklace useless. Furthermore, they don’t have a bending point. They can be bent, twisted or turned without sustaining any damage whatsoever. These types of chains are curb chains, cable chains, anchor chains, box chains, and Figaro chains.
- Thickness
Naturally, thick chains will be more durable. These chains are prone to have larger links which are less prone to damage.
Also, if you want your necklace to hold a large pendant, you obviously can’t rely on a thick chain. Make sure your necklace thickness is proportionate to the size and weight of your pendant.
Let us now understand different types of chain links.
Different chain links
To make it simpler, we’ve ranked chains based on how strong they are found to be.
- Curb chain
This chain comprises soldered links and is ordinarily thick and heavy, so it’s unlikely for them to break. In case you’re searching for a gold chain that will endure for the long haul, a Curb chain is a classic choice. Thicker sorts look intense and manly, so they are even more appealing for men. That does not mean that they are only suitable for men, you can find amazing pieces for women as well. Curb chains look staggering with pendants, but on the other hand, it’s a statement piece in itself.
Source: Shutterstock
- Figaro chain
This chain is solid and normally accompanies thick, soldered links. With its uniqueness and solidness, you can’t go wrong with a Figaro gold chain. Being one of the thicker chains, it’ll hold up after being yanked on, and it’s very easy to fix if a link is broken. Truth be told, it is a modified adaptation of the Curb chain, where its connections are bent, so they lie flat. This chain is sufficiently solid to be worn with a pendant—however, its alluring rehashing design makes it stand out alone.
- Anchor or mariner chain
Anchor chains are made up of interlocking oval links with an upward bar across the middle, which holds them back from tangling or bending. They are incredibly tough and ideal for charms or pendants. Its links are thick concerning their size, making it an extraordinary choice, assuming you need a necklace that will endure forever. Generally, these chains have a level appearance, yet the latest varieties can be found in rounded, puffed styles.
Mariner’s Chain image by: 1sDIBS
- Wheat chain
It is composed of four-strand twisted oval links, making it strong at practically any thickness. In case you’re searching for a lightweight gold chain that never crimps, the wheat chain is ideally suited for you. Its woven or twisted appearance makes it perfect as an independent chain. However, its multiple links give it the ability to hold heavier pendants as well.
Photo by Annabelle Worrall on Unsplash
- Cable chain
This chain is composed of links and doesn’t have a bending point. Cable chains hold up through everyday wear—you can turn them, overlay them, or bunch them. It’s one of the strongest chains and a suitable choice for accessories with charms or pendants.
You can get cable chains in any width or thickness. It would be better to keep away from ones that are excessively thin and petite, particularly for higher gold karats as the metal tends to be softer. Cable chains will not effectively break and don’t need soldering to be fixed.
- Box chain
Box chains with thicker links are sturdy and hold a pendant very well. Gold box chains come in an assortment of widths, however, select at least 1.5mm wide that works best, and avoid excessively thin ones. These chains are square links that radiate an intelligent sparkle; however, modern box chains, similar to those included above, can have round links.
Are thicker necklace chains more durable?
Yes, normally, thicker chains are more durable than their thinner counterparts with the same composition. However, the durability varies based on a lot of factors.
- Link Strength: The strongest chain necklace is made up of interlocking links that do not have a bending point, so they won’t get twisted or folded, which could cause a link to break. These chains have independently soldered links that are more resistant to tugs or pulls since the links are closed and don’t have gaps. Chain makers use modern technology to create stronger and thick chain necklaces than handmade chains. Solid gold links are more durable than hollow gold links in the making of thick chains. You especially want to avoid a hollow gold link necklace if you’re planning on wearing a pendant.
- Metal: Chains made of softer metals are stronger if the carat is lower. E.g., an 18 karat gold chain will be stronger than a 22 karat gold chain. Stronger the metal, higher is the durability of the chain.
- Type of link: As we just discussed above, different links have different strengths. E.g. a cable chain will be stronger than a ball chain.
- Soldering: The thickness at the soldering joint and the type of solder contributes impacts the strength, and subsequently the durability of the chain. The kind of metal and its resistance to rust or being oxidized are also contributing factors.
- Pendant weight: The weight of the pendant also impacts the durability of your chain. The thickness should be in accordance with the weight of the pendant. For heavier pendants, go for thicker chains. If the pendant is light, a 1.5-2 mm chain should be good enough.
The necklace can be strong and thick, but its durability depends on you too. Here are some tips to make your chain last longer.
- Storage: Don’t store your chains with harder gems like diamonds. They can scratch the surface of your chain, making it look less shiny. Also, try not to fold them before storing them, as they can break or dent. Use separate boxes to store thick chains, and if you don’t have that provision string them through a drinking straw.
- Purpose: Choose the right chains for the right occasion. If you want your chain to stand out or hold a big pendant, only then wear your thickest chain; otherwise, avoid using them. Don’t overuse a specific chain.
- Regular cleaning: If dust collects in the joints of your chain, it is more than enough to tarnish them. Use soft cotton clothes, warm water, and preferably homemade soap to clean them. And do it regularly. At least once a month. This process of cleaning will work for stainless steel, gold, or platinum chains very well.
How thick should a necklace chain be?
For a clean, minimal look, a 2-3 mm chain is suggested. This thickness is an ideal width for a pendant. If you want your chain to hold a 6 mm pendant, you can’t wear a chain that is 0.5 mm thick, as it will ruin the necklace. Instead, opt for a 0.9 mm for aesthetic purposes. The thickness of the chain should serve the purpose of holding the pendant and, at the same time, look good.
Having said that, the word “thickness” is relative and may mean different for different people. For somebody who needs their chain to stand out, yet doesn’t need anything too insane, a 4-7mm chain is incredible. These will be useful for ordinary wear, either all alone or in blend with another piece.
The measure of most popular chain necklaces goes from 0.9mm – 1.7mm, so except if you have an especially huge pendant to oblige, you may pick something in this size range. A 0.9mm – 1mm range is recommended as a decent beginning stage for most lightweight pendants.
- For men: When picking your chain, remember that men, for the most part, incline toward more extensive widths, for example, 3mm and higher. Styles like Figaro and Curb are popular top picks.
- For women: When it comes to widths and styles, ladies’ decisions are more different. As a thumb rule, the normal chain width for ladies is around 1mm, and the most famous styles are cable, rope, and wheat chains.
| Type of chain | Average Thickness | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Curb chain | 8mm | Thick, heavy, extremely durable. |
| Figaro chain | 6.5mm | Fancy, gender-neutral, made of flat links. |
| Anchor chain | 6mm | Smooth and comfortable for the skin. Gives a luxurious look. |
| Wheat chain | 4-5mm | Made of four strands of twisted oval links. |
| Cable chain | 3.2mm | Looks great with the circular or oval links. Strong and durable |
| Box chain | 2-4mm | A popular choice among men, statement look. |
How do you fix a thin necklace chain?
A chain can come in a variety of types, including, snake, box, ball, curb, and ropes. Thin chains like a snake chain or a ball chain can break easily. But fortunately, they can be fixed at home. Although if you haven’t done this before, you should probably take them to a professional.
- Heat
Snake chains can be fixed with the right amount of heat. The links of thin chains are usually very intricate and not individual, so to fix one broken link, you may have to compromise the integrity of the entire chain. Use professional tools to bend or join the heated metal in its previous shape.
- Soldering
Soldering can fix most kinds of damage in a thin chain. But you can’t and shouldn’t do it yourself if you’re not a professional.
- Weaving
Most of the time, the jeweler has to weave the broken chains of a thin necklace after repairing the broken link or piece. It makes sure that the repaired part of the chain is not distinguishable from the rest of the chain.
Please note that wheat chains, Singapore chains, and Herringbone chains are very prone to damage and not easily repairable.
Apart from this, chains that are hollow, that have damage in their intricate designs, if the metal is strange, or plated, cannot be fixed and are harder to repair.
Is 1mm too thin?
No, the thickness of 1mm is perfectly fine for small pendants. It is also suitable for wearing as a chain. However, it certainly is thin to hold a large pendant. It is also thin to be a statement necklace on its own.
Having said that, both women and thin men can go for this thickness. We must also know that the right thickness of a chain depends on a lot of factors. These include:
- The metal the chain is made of
- The types of links
- The weight of the pendant if you are going to wear one with it
While 1mm chains can support small pendants, they may not be strong to hold medium to large sized ones. However, if you choose less than 1mm, simply remember that thin chains are less solid, even if it has a refined look. The heavier the pendant, the thicker the chain you’ll require to wear it. On the off chance that your pendant is a powerful emblem, don’t select a 1mm chain-go up in width to make up for its weight. In order to understand how thick your chain should be in proportion to the pendant, check out our detailed article here.
How do you make a chain necklace thicker?
It is easier to buy a thick necklace chain, but if you want to make them thicker on your own, there are ways you need to follow.
- You can heat and join two thin chains together to make a thicker chain. This can be a really good way to use an irreparably damaged chain or a very short chain.
- Threading two chains together is also an option, but you need to see a professional for that.
- Flattening the links of a chain will also make them appear thicker. But again, go to a professional for this.
Layering
Layered thin chain necklaces give a similar oomph as a statement thick chained necklace yet with a lighter, more easygoing energy. Be that as it may, in contrast to a statement necklace, it’s not one and done. Which means you can’t simply toss the jewelry on and go. Most focus is going to be on the shortest one. The layered look appears to be easier; however, it requires more work to make it look right.
- You should begin with 2-4 necklaces. More than that can begin to look untidy and get all messed up.
- Then, layer the various lengths. The key is to have small gaps between all the chains and to have equivalent measures of room between the gaps– so the space is filled. You may also use special
- Blend and match chain styles. Layer the fragile necklaces with thick chains. The juxtaposition keeps it intriguing.
- Pick one point of convergence- a coin or pendant neckband is a decent spot to begin. Then, at that point, add a choker or huge link chain.
- To infuse some fun, start with metal pieces, similar to a gold chain, and include some hued dots or pearls for a fly of shading and interest.
- The necklace with a heavy pendant should be the longest one.
To give your set of thin chains an illusion of thick chain necklaces, you can wear them differently. All you need to do is:
- For longer chains: Wear your chains like you wear a hair tie, by giving it 2 to 3 rounds. Also, keep in mind that you need to use longer chains for this DIY hack and make sure you twist your chains softly; don’t bend them too much; otherwise, the links between them might break off.
- For regular chains: Select chains with the right size so that they can be equally spaced. Place equal gaps between each round of chains to give it a clean, tidy look. This way, you can get the looks of quirky thick chain necklaces, just by using your simple thin chain accessories. A spacer can be helpful in keeping all the necklaces in place as it prevents them from tangling.
DIY hack
If you are crafty, some of the pieces you won may be combined to form a thick necklace. You may need things like clasps, jumprings, pliers, metal scissors etc. If you have some of these materials and tools with you and you are good with using them, you can combine some of your necklaces. I found the below video helpful.
The following table covers the variants of chains and their features.
| Variants | Length^ | Benefits | Weight* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curb Chain | 18 to 20 inches | -Durable -Strong -Easily repairable | up to 60 grams |
| Figaro Chains | 18 to 26 inches | -Highly durable -Has soldered links -Strong -Longer than most chains -Suitable for both, layering and making a statement. | up to 60 grams |
| Anchor | 16 to 24 inches | -Intricate design -Long -Suitable for making a statement -Flattened Links -Center bar keeps it from tangling | up to 80 grams |
| Wheat Chain | 16 to 24 inches | -4 strands are woven together to make it -These strands are twisted in the same direction -Doesn’t break easily -Has a delicate appeal -Less flexible | up to 40 grams |
| Cable Chain | 16 to 28 inches | -Uniform interlocking links -Links can be oval or round in shape -Also known as link chain | up to 40 grams |
| Box | 16 to 28 inches | -Easy to fix if damaged -Can hold pendants easily - | up to 40 grams |
| Byzantine Chains | 16 to 20 inches | -Durable -Strong | up to 80 grams |
| Snake Chains | 16 to 20 inches | -Can be both thick or thin -Suitable for layering because it is shorter than most thick chains -Thick ones are easily repairable -Can have round or square cross-sections. | up to 40 grams |
^Necklaces and chains are available in a wide range of lengths. You may also have them custom made for the desired length.
*it is a generic weight range. Weight would depend on a lot of factors like the thickness of the chain, its length and the metal used.
Summing up
Finding an everyday wear, thick chain necklace that isn’t too plain can be an intimidating fashion choice. Whether you choose to wear gold or silver jewelry, a thick chain necklace can call attention to your outfit without being too understated or too extra. No need to buy new thick chain necklaces; you can smartly remediate your old thin chain necklaces to get the same chic and trendy look.
