Choosing Chain Metal

• Strong jewelry chains can be made from a variety of metals. For the strongest, most secure chain for your pendant, choose gold in a color that complements your pendant. White gold will match a silver, platinum, or white gold pendant, and will complement many stone or gemstone pendants beautifully. Choose a gold chain of at least 14 karats, for a combination of strength and long-lasting shine. Silver is typically less expensive, but the metal can tarnish and become discolored.
  
  

Choosing Chain Link Style

• The links of your chain must be strong, as well as aesthetically pleasing in combination with your pendant. Box link, wheat chain and curb chain are simple types of chain link that are both flexible and strong without bulk that may overpower your pendant. Chains with link styles that are less flexible are also less strong, especially when it comes to items you hope to wear frequently. Your pendant may stress the inflexible links, and despite the sturdy appearance of serpentine, rope or herringbone chains, these are not the strongest options for most pendants. For a more delicate, feminine look that does not sacrifice strength, a figaro chain is an excellent option, but may not work with a heavier, stone pendant.
  
  

Choosing a Clasp

• The clasp or closure of a pendant chain is a frequent point of weakness, and the style must be chosen with great care. The clasp must be well made enough to withstand frequent opening and closing, but is must be easy to work with as well. Most moderately priced chains will have a spring-loaded ring and hoop closure. These can be made quite small and some are difficult to work with. The hoop and ring must be solid and connected to the chain with no visible cracks or openings. A larger, somewhat easier to work with clasp is called the lobster clasp. The box clasp has a tongue that slides into a box and clicks closed, then opens again when the box is squeezed. A higher-end, well-made box clasp with a thin safety chain included is considered the most secure style of clasp, and a smart choice for a particularly valuable pendant. The clasp to look out for is the magnetic variety, which are very easy to close and open but often fall off during use, especially when paired with a charm or pendant.
  
  

Buying Tips

• To find the strongest chain to wear with a favorite pendant, bring it along to a jeweler. Look carefully for a color match or complement, and compromise where price and style make it necessary. Some pendants will look lovely with a contrasting metal chain, others will not. The length of the chain you buy for a particular pendant will depend on the size of the pendant and personal style. A large, flat pendant may work best resting at the throat on a short chain, or hanging low onto the front of the chest. When choosing a longer chain, watch out for chains that kink easily due to link style or craftsmanship. Undoing kinks in a chain can cause breakage at the links, negating the strength of the metal or clasp style.