Comments on: What Chain Styles and Lengths Are Most Popular for Pendants?

By: KAREN WATSON

KAREN WATSON — Sun, 17 May 2020 17:03:48 +0000

In reply to Laura Carder. I like the stainless steel chains best also. I had a chunky stainless steel chain that my customer has worn 24/7 for about 3 years now, and it still looks great.

By: Barbara McIntyre

Barbara McIntyre — Sat, 16 May 2020 12:53:08 +0000

In reply to Jeanne. Have you tried Rio Grande? I have seen what you are talking about, but can't remember where. I also recently saw the small rubber/vinyl washer that you can buy to put in a bead to make the slider. You might want to search on UTube to see if there is a tutorial. Most of the instructors will give a place to locate supplies if they are unusual. Hope this helps.

By: Trish Lochnicht

Trish Lochnicht — Thu, 14 May 2020 20:23:39 +0000

I offer a free black cord (satin) with lobster claw, and I have some silver chains for purchase, but it seems that no matter what I might chose someone always wants to change it.

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Thu, 14 May 2020 20:08:50 +0000

I wire wrap semi precious stones/cabs of assorted values so I use all varieties of wire as needed for each cab. I have found that sterling silver plate keeps very well when treated like sterling silver which is what I tell my customers when they purchase a piece with sterling plate. Early on I included a chain/necklace with my pendants but it was never the right one the customer, wanted or they asked for a price without the necklace; so now each pendant is sold separately. If a pendant is purchased they may choose any necklace for half price. I offer 3 styles of sterling silver necklaces of varying thicknesses(wave chain – sparkly & thin, pillar beaded, snake -heaviest) at 16″, 20″, 24″, & 28″ & offer a 2″ extender for those who want the in between sizes. Less expensive alternatives are: faux leather, ribbon, silk, nylon, bead chain, sterling plate… in assorted lengths & offer the extender as well. As mentioned earlier, it was quite an investment to begin with (I carry about 3-5 of each in inventory) but now it is rare that I do not have something that appeals to the customer – if they are interested in one.
By the way I have had requests for necklaces with a sliding/ adjustable clasp(?). Does anyone know where I can get these? I’ve tried the traditional go-to places: Fire Mountain, Wire Sculpture, Amazon, eBay… I know I can purchase the pre made necklaces with this slider but I like to make my own necklaces.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 14 May 2020 03:14:41 +0000

Krisha
I have been making jewelry for years and just in the last 3 years have focused on wire wrapping and weaving cabochons. I am offering an 18″ 3 mm satin cord with each. I do have silver chains and hand made copper chains available for an additional cost. My clients love the satin cord and seldom want any other.

By: Laura Carder

Laura Carder — Tue, 12 May 2020 22:57:44 +0000

In reply to Louise. Louise, I highly recommend using stainless steel chains. They will not tarnish, do not contain nickel, and very seldom are people allergic to stainless steel. You can buy pre-made chains or get chain in bulk along with stainless steel findings and make your own whatever length you want.

By: Pamela Haukaas

Pamela Haukaas — Tue, 12 May 2020 21:32:17 +0000

In reply to Louise. I am also a small business selling locally. I went through the same problems with silver plate and cannot afford sterling. I have switched to stainless steel. While not as bright as silver, I have had no complaints. I tell the customer I selected stainless steel because it will not tarnish or rust. The color goes will with my wire wrapped jewelry. I carry mostly 18" and 20" but have a few 24" and 30" to switch out if requested.

By: Sherry D.

Sherry D. — Tue, 12 May 2020 15:27:41 +0000

First, don’t use plated silver or gold anything, it all wears off even earrings. Go with silver or gold filled- it has more precious metal on it and if properly cared for can last years. I’ve seen Victorian gold filled jewelry keep well. Another good alternative is rhodium plated, it’s bright silver white and rarely tarnishes. It will wear off but it can be re-plated at a jeweler’s shop for a nominal fee. They use rhodium plating for white gold to give it a bright white color. I like stainless steel; doesn’t tarnish, it’s affordable and it’s easy to find in different styles, sizes and gauge.
If you are using hooks or clasps for your ends, I add 2 inches of large jump rings at the end to make it adjustable.

By: Judie

Judie — Tue, 12 May 2020 13:17:13 +0000

Chain – Quality of chain is a problem for me also. I cannot afford fine silver or gold filled for my necklaces. I need advice on what to look for in chain description. Maybe even places to purchase top quality reasonably priced chain.

By: Jane Jennngs

Jane Jennngs — Tue, 12 May 2020 12:58:24 +0000

Never use silver plated anything. The coating does not last, no matter how careful you are with it. Silver filled is a good alternative, but of course sterling is best. Or go the other way to base metal, if that’s your price point. Good luck!

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 17:55:05 +0000

Hi Louise,

You may find that your pendants sell well even without chains or cords.

See this post here at JMJ: Pendants – Sell With a Chain or Separately? before you make your chain decisions.

By: Louise

Louise — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 11:12:07 +0000

Hi
I am just starting out in making cabochon pendants. I plan to sell very small quantities locally, at low cost, so cannot afford to use silver chains. I need to decide between silver-plated or metal chains (nickel-free). The same thing goes for the pendant trays: silver-plated or metal? I then need to find a good supplier – there are hundreds on the net of course. I am a bit overwhelmed but very keen to get started! Would anyone be kind enough to give me some advice on this? Thanks!

By: Rose

Rose — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:01:50 +0000

@Christa, I like the advice you gave, broken down as you have it. This is very helpful for me. Thanks!

Rose B

By: Christa

Christa — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 18:59:12 +0000

I sell all my pendants separately and have chains in sterling silver and 14K gold-fiiled for my customers to choose from. My chains come in lengths from 16″, 18″ , 20″, 24″ and 36″ and I offer various thicknesses from fine to chunky. This way the customer has the choice of chain to go with the pendant.

By: Natsuko Hanks

Natsuko Hanks — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 13:52:12 +0000

Hi:) pendants I make are usually dainty so I like fine cable chain to go with them. I think popular conventional length are 16″ and 18″ so I make my chain in the middle length, 17″. then offer custom length upon request.

By: Cindy C

Cindy C — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 13:51:38 +0000

I know I struggle with this and have for years. Always trying different lengths, styles and product. If you can afford it while silver is down, buy silver chains in bulk. They should be a gauge equal to but not overpowering of your pendant. For instance, your stamped jewelry is probably smaller than a wire wrapped pendant and the chain should be appropriate weight and gauge. Silver plate is always so iffy. Depends on where you buy it and from whom. Silver plate usually doesn’t last very long but should never rust in a short period of time! Buy the best you can afford. Try leather, satin or ribbon and see how it looks with your jewelry. I have several options for my customers. Most pendants come with a low end faux leather cord with base metal clasp or silver plated chain. For an upgraded price, they can trade for real leather and sterling clasp or sterling silver chain. I keep the sterling packaged to keep from tarnishing and only display one or two so they can see, feel and try it on.

One more suggestion, look for a distributor of silver filled chains. It is a little less expensive than sterling silver and lasts with proper care.
Cindy C

By: Random

Random — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 10:43:47 +0000

For my pendant line I offer 16, 18, 22 and 24 in chains, but from past experience I’ve found that 14 is a good size for children, very thin women tend to wear 16, most women prefer size 18, but having 22 and 24 gives many women options, I also put a 3 in extender on my chains just because I like versatility and someone who buys an 18 will be able to extend to 21 if the outfit calls for a longer chain.

By: Glaudius

Glaudius — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 22:11:53 +0000

I have the same issue but right now, I am using leather cords, so I can cut it to the desired length and then add the clasps. IMO, the ideal solution is to offer all the standard sizes (12, 16, 18, 20, 24 and 30″) and let the shopper chose. It can be quite an investment though.