How to Choose the Right Hand-Wrapped Chain

Hand-wrapped chain that is adorned with gemstone beads can be used for making anything from necklaces to earrings, bracelets to anklets, and rosaries to belts. The types of gemstones available and the shapes and sizes of them are myriad.

Do you want an amethyst necklace made from hand-wrapped chain? Or would you prefer faceted denim blue opal or shimmering white moonstone? Whatever gemstone you favor, the chances are the gemstone you’re looking for is being sold by the foot on hand-wrapped chain. But, simply deciding what gemstone you desire is not the end of the decisions you’ll have to make. You’ll still need to decide on the metal used to make your hand-wrapped chain.

Common Metals Used in Jewelry Making

The type of metal used to make any jewelry is a critical choice when designing your creation. The metal you choose can impact the appearance, durability, and cost of the piece. In order to make an informed choice as to which metal used in hand-wrapped chain is best for you, we’ve put together a guide to help you understand the metals commonly used with gemstones in hand-wrapped chain.

Hand-wrapped chain is made using a variety of chain, although not nearly as large a selection as there is of gemstones decorating the chains. Most of the jewelry made today tends to use only a handful of metals. That is especially apparent in hand-wrapped chain selections.

Noble Metals vs. Base Metals

When these terms are applied to metals, it is a reference to the chemistry of the metal. The base metals are fairly abundant and will corrode or oxidize relatively easily. Included in the category of base metals are nickel, copper, iron, and titanium.

Noble metals are rare, have a high surface luster, and are resistant to corroding. Examples of noble metals include gold, platinum, and silver. Understandably, jewelry made of the noble metals is more expensive.

Gold

No other substance on Earth is as popular in jewelry-making as gold. It is the easiest of the metals to work, and its softness is based on its purity. Pure gold is usually too soft to use in jewelry, so it will be mixed with alloy metals such as zinc or copper.

In addition, gold is sometimes used as a form of plating over other metals. Sterling silver which has been covered with a gold plating is known as gold vermeil. Metal that is labeled as gold filled undergoes a process that bonds the gold to a base metal alloy—usually brass or nickel. The amount of gold used in metals labeled gold filled must be at least 5 percent of the total weight. All exterior portions of the piece must be solid gold.

Silver

Silver has been used in jewelry almost as long as gold. Like gold, silver is a soft metal and can be easily damaged. For this reason, it is common to mix it with other metals when it is used in jewelry. This increases the jewelry’s durability. Most silver today is mixed with copper, and the level of purity indicates the amount of pure silver in the metal.

Sterling silver, for example, will contain a minimum of 92.5 percent pure silver. There should be a stamp somewhere on the jewelry item that indicates the amount of purity the sterling silver has. When silver is mixed with copper, it will tarnish. In spite of this property, sterling silver is considered desirable in bracelets, rings, and necklaces. It is a good metal for hand-wrapped chain because of its strength.

Silver plate places a thin layer of fine silver over a base metal. It is generally considered to be a cost-effective alternative to more expensive forms of solid silver jewelry. Silver plate tends to be thin and not as durable as gold plate. It can wear off fairly easily, with its appearance degrading quickly.

Stainless Steel

As style trends and changing tastes of popular culture have shifted toward a more industrial look, stainless steel has grown in popularity as a metal for jewelry-making. It has been used in everything from necklaces to earrings. It is a favorite for both men and women.

Other Common Metals

Copper is a metal with a stylish reddish gold color when new. As it ages and wears, it can form a patina into a warm brown or a green color. Copper is a popular metal for use with hand-wrapped jewelry of all types, including hand-wrapped chain.

Brass is another copper and zinc alloy that is used in hand-wrapped chain and other forms of custom jewelry.