In archaeological museums around the world you can always find stands with household items from the times of Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Next to everyday utensils, the very first jewelry dating back to these times is also shown. The products are made of different metals, not always precious, but even then, during the times of these ancient civilizations, the chains had rather complex weaving forms. Let’s imagine for a moment: no modern technologies for mining, melting and processing metals, minimal understanding of chemistry, but even such rough, not at all ideal chains, bracelets, pendants, belts invariably attract attention and surprise. Jewelry making was already well developed then, before the time of the great achievements of Alexander the Great.
| Photo from the Istanbul Archaeological Museum | |
It is impossible to say with maximum historical accuracy what appeared first: the weaving method for jewelry or for military uniforms, and what served as the beginning for the development of the jewelry industry on a global scale. But thanks to the developments of the past, today, at a time when technology makes it possible to create more and more new ways of weaving and fixing metals, jewelry looks just as amazing, but because of its beauty, grace and elegance.
Weaving "rhombus"
A type of armor weaving in which diamond-shaped links intersect one into another. Depending on the number of links intersecting each other, single, double and triple diamonds can be distinguished. This is perhaps the most universal weaving that looks great, regardless of the age and gender of the person.
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How to choose the length
To choose the length of the accessory, you need to take into account the man’s build and his wishes. The key rule to follow when choosing a model is this: the longer the chain, the thinner it should be. The minimum length is 45-50 cm. The thickness should be at least 2-3 mm.
To determine the size, you need to take into account such features:
- Short chains are suitable for men who love business style. This is also a great option for athletes. The length of such products reaches 45-55 cm. They fit perfectly around the neck, located in the collarbone area.
- The average length of the product is approximately 60 cm. Similar accessories can be worn on top of a T-shirt.
- Long chains over 65 cm are suitable for representatives of creative professions. Also, such products are an excellent option for large men. Smaller diameter models look disproportionate on them.
Weaving "nonna"
Contrary to popular belief, the name of the chain weaving has nothing to do with the name Nonna, but comes from the French phrase “grandmother’s weaving,” which sounds like “maglia della nonna.” With this type of weaving, the chain consists of small links enclosed within large ones. This type of decoration can be chosen as an elegant evening option.
Twisted chains
Cordovaya (cord):
Singaporean:
Snowball:
Forzatino Dopio:
Figaro . Weaving chains are distinguished by a combination of links of different shapes and sizes with a repeating pattern.
Crocia: (Venetian variant):
Love (hearts):
"Snake" or jewelry cord
Weaving with a round cross-section. This bracelet is hollow in the middle and, thanks to the light zigzag effect, really resembles a snake. “Snakes” come in very different lengths and thicknesses, which allows you to choose an option for both women and men.
However, they still deserved more attention from the fair sex. Often such chains, especially thicker ones, are used as a full replacement for necklaces. By the way, the latter also come in different lengths, and their type and purpose depend on this characteristic. Chokers, collars, matinees - you can learn more about all types of necklaces in this article.
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Features of the material
Silver products are suitable for practical and rational men of all ages. Many representatives of the stronger sex believe that girls should wear gold, but silver is their metal. Silver products do not require special care and are suitable for almost any style and any clothing .
Those who love gold, but do not want to spend money on something too expensive, can purchase a gold-plated chain. For high-quality gold plating, 925 sterling silver is an excellent base. Externally, such products are no different from real gold ones. But they require more careful care, as the gilding can peel off. You can wear pure silver every day and not be afraid that something will happen to it.
Bismarck weave
Just like “perlina”, “Bismarck” weaving is not included in any group, and yet it is very common. This is a series of complex links, which themselves consist of smaller multidirectional links.
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By the way, often simply choosing a nice chain weave is not enough. After all, decoration can be of different thicknesses and different lengths. And here a lot still depends on which one will suit you personally to your appearance in order to emphasize it as beneficially as possible. Read our article about choosing a necklace and chain to match your appearance!
"Cardinal"
This type of weaving was invented back in the Middle Ages.
Even then it was valued for its reliability and strength. The tensile strength of the finished product truly deserves all praise. Thanks to this, the cardinal chain is the optimal choice for an athlete or a person accustomed to an active life. Jewelry in this style is equally suitable for both men and women of large build. The product looks equally luxurious and appropriate on both sexes.
However, the “Cardinal” also has a significant drawback - the small links fill up with dirt quite quickly. For this reason, the owner will have to clean it regularly.
Byzantine or royal weaving
The “little brother” of the Bismarck weave. Another name is “fox tail”. It is used for massive bracelets and chains. Byzantine weaving consists of links of the same type, sequentially connected into patterns.
Of course, knowing what this or that chain weaving is called is useful both for self-education and from a practical point of view. So, you can always contact a jeweler and make a custom-made chain of exactly the length and thickness that you need. The same goes for earrings: if you want to choose a beautiful pair that will be comfortable to wear, find out what types of locks there are and what they are called.
Story
Such chains became very popular thanks to the famous jewelry house Cartier, which used this twisting pattern when creating its jewelry collections.
That is why this type of weaving later became known as Cartier weaving. Since the 19th century, the jewelry house has been producing gold items: rings, bracelets, chains, etc. Thanks to the popularity of this brand of the jewelry dynasty, such jewelry has become known and loved by many connoisseurs of jewelry masterpieces. Cartier weave chains look impressive at any length, as can be seen in the photo below. Women's chains go well with pendants and pendants of various shapes.
Which chain is suitable for a man and a woman?
It is worth noting that there are typically female and typically male types of weaving. Thus, men are recommended to pay attention to the “bismarck”, wide armor weave and “diamond”. And for women, Venetian weaving, “lava” and “nonna” chains are suitable. At the same time, a chain made using the “python” technique – a type of male “Bismarck” – will also look great on a woman.
As for the length of the chain, for a woman a universal option would be a chain of 45-50 cm; for men, in most cases, chains of 55-60 cm will be more convenient. Although, of course, everyone should choose the option that will be as comfortable as possible and will suit the chosen image and fashion style. For example, you can find out what jewelry etiquette allows you to wear in the office in our article.
Product Description
In fact, the technique goes by several names, including:
• "Pharaoh"; • "Bismarck"; • "Cardinal"; • "Kaiser".
In fact, all of the listed names are in use, but the first is used more often. The history of its origin is connected with archaeological excavations in Egypt. When archaeologists managed to find the sarcophagus with Tutankhamun’s mummy and open it, they found a necklace made in a similar style around his neck. Immediately after this, this type of weaving went to the masses and became widely used by archaeologists around the world.
Jewelry made in this way gives its owner a certain touch of grandeur and chic. This solution is perfect for self-confident men. In addition, “Pharaoh” is often chosen as a decoration for women. The chains are light and airy, they will perfectly emphasize her tenderness and beauty.
“Pharaoh” belongs to the category of classic openwork weaves that can be used both for everyday wear and for going to any event. It has a very light and delicate appearance, but this is an extremely deceiving impression. We have already mentioned that the connection is very strong, but the difficulty of doing the work is great, precisely because of its high complexity. This type of chains and bracelets can serve its owner for more than 50 years.
This method of weaving gold chains and bracelets is also distinguished by its amazing abrasion resistance. It does not need to be sent for restoration for a long time. Connoisseurs adore this technique not only because it looks airy, but also because it is visually very voluminous. The products can be used as independent jewelry or worn as a set with pendants.
When and with what to wear? Should I hang the pendant?
Firstly, the cost of the suit (or other clothing) must be commensurate with the cost of the product. That is, thick gold chains are best worn in the evening, with a suit, and medium-thick silver chains are suitable for sports. Secondly, bright gold looks stunning with things of rich colors, and silver and steel fit into a black and white look. Bronze and copper are best reserved for informal meetings. Third, remember the “one metal rule.” Wear silver with silver, and gold with gold.
Men's pendants are a trend in recent seasons. And if previously the only thing that was permissible to hang on your chain was a cross or a small icon, now the vastness of men’s pendants opens up before you. Zodiac pendants, pendants symbolizing strength and courage... when buying them, remember that they will pull the chain a little. Therefore, the chain for the pendant should be 5-7 cm longer than usual. And the pendant itself should be twice as light as the chain.
