Pendants and Chain Necklaces

Chain style and length: box, curb or link

Chain type changes look and strength. Box chains have square links and a smooth, sturdy feel. Curb chains use twisted, flattened links that lie flat. Link chains are the general category of loops joined in a row. Length decides where the piece sits: roughly 16 inches at the base of the neck, 18 inches just below the collarbone, and 20 to 24 inches on the chest. Check whether the quoted length includes an extender and which clasp the chain uses.

What the metal field means: silver tone, plated or solid

Metal wording matters. Sterling silver, marked 925, is real silver alloyed for strength. Silver tone means a silver-colored finish on a base metal, usually containing no silver. Rhodium plating is a thin bright coating over silver, and gold plating is a thin layer of gold over another metal, while white and yellow gold are solid alloys. Gem fields list cubic zirconia, pearl, opal, topaz and birthstones, which are different materials with different care needs.

Questions about Pendants and Chain Necklaces

What length of necklace sits where?

Roughly: 14 to 16 inches sits at the base of the neck, 18 inches falls just below the collarbone, and 20 to 24 inches reaches the chest. Pendants usually look best at 16 to 20 inches. Check whether an extender is included in the length.

What is the difference between silver tone and sterling silver?

Sterling silver, marked 925, is an alloy of real silver. Silver tone describes a silver-colored finish on base metal that usually contains no silver, so it can wear or discolor sooner. Check the material field in the listing.

Is cubic zirconia the same as diamond?

No. Cubic zirconia is a lab-made crystal that imitates diamond's sparkle but is softer and heavier for its size. A listing should name the stone as cubic zirconia, so never assume it is a diamond.