A snake chain is made of tightly joined plates that butt against each other to form a smooth round cord with no visible gaps. The surface is continuous, so the chain slides cleanly under a collar.
10K white gold is 41.7% pure gold alloyed with white metals such as nickel, zinc and palladium, then finished with rhodium for a bright, cool white. The rhodium is a surface finish over solid gold.
About 10K White Gold snake chains
Because the segments sit flush there is almost no play between them, which is what makes a snake chain feel solid in the hand and reflect light as a single curved surface. Like a herringbone it does not like sharp kinks.
Questions about 10K White Gold snake chains
Will a snake chain hold a pendant?
Yes, with one caveat: the chain is smooth and round, so a pendant slides freely along it and settles wherever gravity puts it. Choose a bail that is not so tight that it scrapes the surface.
Why does a snake chain feel stiffer than a cable chain?
There is very little gap between its segments. That is what makes the surface continuous, and it is also what makes the chain hold a curve rather than hang loosely.
Is there solid gold under the rhodium finish?
Yes. The rhodium is a thin white finish applied over solid 10K white gold for brightness, and the gold beneath it is stamped 10K. A jeweller can renew the finish if it dulls after years of wear.
What length chain should I choose?
On most adults a 16-inch chain sits at the base of the neck, 18 inches falls just below the collarbone, 20 inches reaches the top of the chest, and 22 to 24 inches sits over a shirt or sweater. If you are hanging a pendant, add about two inches to where you want the pendant itself to sit.
How do I look after a 10K gold snake chain?
Wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing to lift skin oils, keep it away from chlorine and household cleaners, and store it flat or loosely coiled rather than folded.
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