A carved shell in which the upper layers have been cut away so that the carved figure
contrasts against the darker inner layers of the shell--see our selection in
Cameo Pendants. The shell "Cassis Rufa",
known as
Carnelian, is found off East Africa and
has a reddish-brown interior. "Cassis Madagascariensis", which has a darker
brown interior, is found in the Bahamas. Cameos are also made from other materials,
such as
Agate,
Jade and
Ivory.
We stock 14K and 10K solid gold chain in a variety of popular styles.
Chain may be worn by itself, or with a pendant or slide. For typical length
uses, see table under
Chain Length below. We stock the most popular
chain styles in our
bracelet,
necklace and
pendant
chain sections, but if you do not see the style you are looking for, give
us a call and we will be happy to try to locate it for you. Check the table below
for a representative image of the most popular types of chain. Keep in mind
that each type of chain exists in many styles, metal finishes, widths and weights--the
images below are magnified and representative of only one style. For more
terms, see list below table.
Solid Cable
San Marco
Hollow chain: In larger width chains, to reduce
cost and weight, either each link or the inside of the chain (such as in a woven
or mesh style) is hollow.
Solid chain: Indicates that the chain links or interior are not hollow.
The term does not refer to the metal purity--all ViridianGold.com chains are
"solid gold" or "solid platinum", which indicates that no metal is used except
the gold or platinum. Solid Omega chain is flattened round omega
chain, yielding a "half-moon" cross-section.
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Chain length/width:
Chain can be specified
in various lengths for use as bracelets or necklaces. Chain width is typically
0.75-2mm for a pendant chain, and wider for use alone as a necklace or bracelet
(click on illustration below to see size comparison). When used as a necklace, the
chain length determines where on the neck or chest that the pendant, or lowest point
of the necklace, will fall. Consult the chart for chain length terminology.
See the next paragraph to determine the "fall" of a necklace based on neck size.
6 in. |
child's bracelet length |
7-7.5 in. |
average bracelet length |
8 in. |
large bracelet length |
9-10 in. |
anklet length |
12-13 in |
"collar" necklace |
14-16 in. |
"choker" necklace |
17-19 in. |
"princess" necklace (most popular) |
20-24 in. |
"matinee" necklace |
28-34 in. |
"opera" necklace |
45 in & up |
"rope", often looped twice |
To estimate the "fall" of a necklace (how far below the base of the neck the
necklace drapes), subtract the neck size from the necklace length and divide the
result by two. For example, for a 12" neck and an 18" necklace: 18"
minus 12" equals 6", then dividing 6" by 2 gives 3". Therefore, the lower
part of the 18" necklace would fall about three inches below the center of a 14"
neck. The weight of a pendant attached at that point will pull the fall a little
lower.
Clasps:
For necklaces and bracelets, a very
important part of the construction is the type of clasp that is used to secure the
jewelry to your person. Security is the key here--a clasp should not become
loose and allow the jewelry to come unattached!
Bracelets and anklets should utilize more secure
clasps since they experience more movement than necklaces, and are more prone to
catching on objects. Some common clasps:
|
Barrel, with safety latch: High security |
|
Barrel, bayonet type: Medium security, can loosen with movement. |
|
Barrel, screw type: Medium security, can unscrew because of movement. |
|
Box type, with safety latch: High security. |
|
Fold over clasp: Medium security--latch wears over time. |
|
G-Lock clasp: A pendant bail that is also a clasp for easy attachment. |
|
Hook type. Medium security, hook can open with use. |
|
Lobster claw. High security. |
|
Spring ring. High security |
|
Toggle: High security. |
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Go to next page: Diamond Jewelry: Sources,
Clarity, Color
Authored by:
William C. (Bill) Long