Rope Chain 18K Gold Plated (1.5mm)

Rope Chain 18K Gold Plated (1.5mm) as the Finest Plated Chain in the Range

The finest plated chain we make: a twisted rope link of 1.5mm over a core of solid 925 sterling silver, with 18K gold plating at 2.5 microns. On a chain this narrow, the base decides everything. If anything wears through the gold layer, what appears here is silver, not a base metal that turns your skin green.

Product details

• Base material: solid 925 sterling silver

• Finish: 18K gold, 2.5 microns

• Width: 1.5mm

• Lengths: 50, 55 and 60 cm

• Clasp: lobster clasp

• Delivered in a Carpe Ice jewelry box

Why the Base Matters Most on a Fine Chain

The narrower the chain, the less surface there is to hide wear, and the sooner you see what sits underneath. On a chain plated over brass or copper that becomes a visible color difference over time. Here there is silver underneath, which means the chain keeps looking right and a jeweler can have it re-plated on a sound base. That last part only pays off on a precious metal core; re-plating a base metal chain is money wasted.

What 2.5 Microns Means

Micron is the thickness of the gold layer. What the jewelry trade calls gold plated often starts around 0.5 micron, and this layer is five times as thick. It is not a promise about a number of years, because how long a layer lasts depends entirely on how you wear it. What it does mean is that there is more gold on it than on standard plating, and you notice that where the friction is worst: on a rope those are the raised edges of the spiral, because they rub along clothing and collars. Take the chain off before the pool, the shower and sport, because there is a layer on it; the silver-colored steel chains have no layer and can stay on. Apply fragrance and deodorant before you put it on, and store it dry.

50, 55 or 60 cm

At 1.5mm, length decides whether the chain is seen at all. At 50 cm (20 in) it largely disappears behind a collar and you are left with a fine line that only shows up close, which is fine if that is the intention. At 55 cm (22 in) it falls just below the collarbone, and at 60 cm (24 in) it hangs free, where a pendant has room. If you layer with a broader chain, leave at least 10 cm difference.

What 1.5mm Is For

This width is a pendant chain and a layering chain, not a statement on its own. It passes through almost any pendant bail, including small ones, and sits quietly under a broader chain. If you want the chain itself to be noticed, choose the 2.8mm or the 3.8mm. Hang something heavy on it and 1.5mm is too fine: it pulls the line out of shape and strains the clasp.

Care

Lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth are enough. Do not use silver polish, abrasives or an ultrasonic bath: those are meant for solid metal and attack a finish instead. Always dry the chain thoroughly before storing it.