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Gold chains come in a variety of colors, link styles, and gold types. All these properties combined affect the overall strength of the chain itself. While some are made exceptionally durable and long-lasting, others are more delicate and easy to break.
If you’re looking for a strong gold chain that will last for years even if worn daily, then you should pay attention to its chain link design, gold thickness, karat weight, and the overall quality of the materials. Our experience says Cuban link and Curb are the two strongest gold chain designs.
In this article, we take a closer look at the factors that determine the strength of a gold chain while sharing some of the strongest gold chain types you should consider purchasing.
What Determines the Strength of a Gold Chain?
To find a durable gold chain that doesn’t break, you should first gain a better understanding of what makes chains strong.
Factors like gold purity, build quality, and gauge size are the three main basics to judge the strength of a gold chain.
Basically, the strongest gold chain for a necklace is made of 14 or 18K gold, featuring a smooth interlocking with zero friction, and has a decent weight balance.
Now, let us tell you what you need to understand to determine the longevity or strength of a gold chain.
Interlocking Design
Interlocking chain design features links that interlock with each other when laid flat on the neck.
An interlocking structure prevents individual chain links from twisting and minimizes the chances of the chain breaking easily.
Besides, the interlocking design reduces friction between the links, making the chain durable enough to withstand the weight of an added pendant.
All things considered, gold chains with interlocked links are renowned for their simplicity, strength, and versatility.
Gauge Size
Gauge size or the thickness of a gold chain is yet another important factor that affects its strength.
Generally speaking, thicker chains are more durable and can easily withstand daily wear and tear when compared to chains with thinner links.
However, a thicker gauge doesn’t necessarily make the gold chain stronger than its thinner alternative as the chain link and gold type can also make a huge difference.
Quality of Materials
When searching for a long-lasting gold chain, you shouldn’t forget to check the quality of the materials used when making the piece. Before you purchase anything, ask these questions:
- Is the chain made of solid gold or is it gold-plated?
- What’s the gold karat weight?
- How well is the chain assembled?
Additionally, the quality of clasps or gemstones incorporated in the chain design is just as important as the quality of the gold chain itself. A sturdy fastener along with high-quality embellishments can make the gold chain even more durable.
Lower Karat
Gold karat weight highly influences the durability. While higher karat means higher purity, pure gold is quite soft, making it less resistant to daily wear. On the other hand, lower-karat gold has a lower purity but is much stronger.
For example, 10K gold and 14K gold are the strongest gold types that offer improved durability when compared to 18K or 24k gold. This is because 10K or 14K gold is made of a higher percentage of alloyed metals, providing improved strength, durability, and resistance.
Strongest Gold Chain Types
In jewelry, chain links play a vital role in shaping the overall style of a chain. In fact, these tiny pieces also have a significant impact on the strength of gold chains.
If you’re looking for the strongest type of gold chain, here are a few options to consider:
Cuban Link Chains
Key Aspects
- Suitable with any styling options
- One of the strongest necklace types
- Good for any age
Renowned for their classic aesthetic and durability, Cuban link chains are one of the strongest gold chain types in the jewelry world. These chains feature thick interlocked links that lay flat on the neck, giving you a luxurious appearance.
Whether you want to wear your chain as a stand-alone piece or pair it with a personalized pendant, choosing a Cuban link chain is the right option.
So, if you’ve decided to get one for yourself or as a gift, here are some of the most gorgeous Cuban link chains from Icecartel’s gold chain collection.
8MM Cuban Link Chain 14K Yellow Gold
This Cuban link chain is made of 925 sterling silver and has a thick 14K gold coating. It’s available in white, yellow, rose, and black gold, making it easier to choose the right option for you. D-color VVS moissanite diamonds give the clasp an eye-catching sparkle. It’s ideal for daily wear as well as special occasions.
20MM Baguette Moissanite Miami Cuban Link Chain 14K Gold
This is Icecartel’s exclusive Cuban chain that features 20mm links with baguette moissanite diamonds. Made of 925 sterling silver and plated with 14K gold, the chain is available in white, yellow, and rose gold colors. Designed to last, the gold chain makes a gorgeous statement piece for any occasion.
Figaro Chains
Key Aspects
- Good for regular wear
- Doesn’t require regular maintenance
Figaro chains have a unique pattern of flattened and elongated links that alternate with each other. The combination of the two creates a perfect balance between classic elegance and contemporary uniqueness.
Figaro chains are considered to be strong enough to resist pulling. Therefore, this type of gold chain is often recommended for younger individuals who are less likely to take proper care of their jewelry pieces.
Curb Chains
Key Aspects
- Elegant and uniform design
- Suitable for both men and women
For those seeking a strong and classic design, choosing a curb chain is the way to go. The uniformly sized interlocked chain links create a sleek look and timeless appeal. It is also the most durable gold chain design for women.
Curb chains are not only extremely durable but also feature the widest variety of widths. Additionally, this type of gold chain is a perfect option for wearing heavier pendants.
Box Chains
Key Aspects
- Perfect for exotic styling
- Good for layering with multiple chains
Made up of square-shaped links, box chains offer a refined sturdiness and elegant design. As they showcase a perfect blend of sophisticated and unique styles, these chains are suitable for both casual wear and formal events.
Box chains are extremely durable and long-lasting, all thanks to the seamlessly connected square links that lay flat on the neck. They can be used as stand-alone pieces, layered with other chains, or combined with smaller-sized pendants for a more personalized look.
Rope Chains
Key Aspects
- Timeless and unique design
- Resistant to tangling
Popular for their classic yet intricate design, rope chains feature twisted or braided wire pieces that create a rope-like pattern. That being said, stress is evenly distributed along the entire length of the chain and you don’t have to worry about the links breaking when the chain is pulled.
While a rope chain can be worn as a stand-alone statement piece, you can add a personalized touch by using a pendant or layering it with other precious necklaces.
Cable Chains
Key Aspects
- Compatible with any type of styling
- Better with pendants
Cable chains are recognized for their oval- or round-shaped links woven together to form a continuous interlocked pattern, adding improved strength and durability. They are quite resistant to pulling and can easily hold larger pendants.
Cable chains provide a perfect combination of simplicity and elegance, allowing you to create a classic look when worn daily or on special occasions.
Tennis Chains
Key Aspects
- Perfect jewelry to attend special events
- Can also be considered a luxury fashion item
Although tennis chains are not as strong as the chain types mentioned above, they still offer decent strength and flexibility. Consisting of diamonds or other gemstones connected by a thin metal chain, tennis chains are characterized by a sparkly design with a touch of elegance.
If you want to elevate your style to the next level, explore these gold chains from Icecartel’s tennis chain collection.
3MM Moissanite Tennis Chain 14K Gold
This tennis chain with 3mm moissanite stones is made of sterling silver and coated with a thick layer of 14K gold plating. Available in white, yellow, and rose gold, the tennis chain is an ideal option for anyone who prefers a classic style and simplistic design. For a more elaborate look, you can layer the tennis chain with other Icecartel’s necklaces.
13MM Moissanite Clustered Baguette Tennis Chain 14K Gold
If you’re more into clustered chains, this Icecartel tennis chain iced out with 13mm round- and baguette-cut moissanite diamonds might be for you. You can choose a two-tone, white, yellow, or rose gold chain with a 2.36-carat weight of diamonds per inch. The tennis chain with a spectacular luster will stand out and make a statement piece at any formal event.
Summary
Gold chains are simple yet versatile accessories that can elevate any look. However, not every single gold chain is made the same. Some are made exceptionally strong, whereas others just look gorgeous but offer little to no durability.
Therefore, knowing the factors that affect the strength of a gold chain is crucial for finding a piece that will last. These include chain link design, gauge thickness, the quality of materials, and gold karat weight.
Besides, there are quite a few different gold chain types to choose from. The strongest options are Cuban, Figaro, curb, box, rope, cable, and tennis chains.
Whether you’re looking for a gold chain for casual wear or you want to get something more impressive for special occasions, Icecartel’s gold chain collection offers durable chains with gorgeous moissanite diamonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the heaviest type of gold chain?
While Cuban link chains are considered to be one of the heaviest options on the market, this may not always be true. The weight of a gold chain depends on a number of factors, including its length, overall design, thickness, gold carat weight, type of embellishments, and more.
Which chain link is the strongest?
All chain links that form an interlocked pattern are stronger and more durable than other chain types. When individual links interlock, a flat surface is formed and the friction is minimized, making the chain relatively stronger.
What is the strongest type of gold?
Gold is a soft metal, but when combined with other metal alloys, it forms a strong and durable material. That being said, 10K or 14K gold are the strongest types of gold as they have the highest percentage of other metal alloys. However, you should keep in mind that 10K or 14K gold is also less water-resistant than higher-carat gold types.
