Byzantine Chain Gold Stainless Steel (6mm)

Byzantine Chain Gold Stainless Steel (6mm) With Open Loops and Real Depth

The byzantine link builds up wider and fuller than most weaves: the loops sit loosely enough for shadow to fall between the links. In gold that works harder than in steel tone, because a warm colour next to deep shadow gives more contrast than a cool one does. The base is stainless steel with a gold-tone finish applied in five layers of PVD.

Product details

• Material: stainless steel with a 5x PVD gold-tone finish

• Width: 6mm

• Lengths: 50, 55 and 60 cm

• Clasp: lobster clasp

• Delivered in a Carpe Ice jewellery box

Byzantine or King's Link?

Two different weaves, even though the names get used interchangeably. The byzantine link builds wide and full and therefore has depth; the king's link is tighter and more even and reads from a distance as one closed strand. In gold that difference counts double: the byzantine catches light in layers, the king's link as a single continuous line. If you want the calmer pattern, look at the gold king's chain in 5mm.

Five Layers of PVD, Not Standard Gold Plating

PVD stands for physical vapour deposition. The gold colour is bonded to the steel at molecular level inside a vacuum chamber rather than laid on galvanically, at Carpe Ice in five layers. That makes the finish noticeably harder and more scratch-resistant than a standard plated layer, the same technique watch brands use for gold-tone cases. On this weave that matters more than on any other chain we make: a byzantine link has more protruding loops than any other pattern in the range, and every loop is a high point that rubs along your collar or a belt. It is not solid gold, so take the chain off before the pool, the shower and sport, and store it dry.

50, 55 or 60 cm

On this weave, length is about how much of the pattern you actually see. At 50 cm the chain sits high and most of it disappears behind a collar, so you notice the thickness but not the construction. At 55 cm it falls just below the collarbone, and at 60 cm it hangs free on the chest where the loops catch light over their full length. If you want the weave to do the work, choose 60.

How It Wears

At 6mm with this volume the chain claims attention, so wear it on its own or at most beside something clearly finer. The weave is supple and follows the neck instead of standing stiff. We would not recommend a pendant here: the loops are too thick for most bails, and the chain is emphatic enough by itself.

Care

Take the chain off before the pool, the shower and the gym, and put it on once fragrance or aftershave has dried. The silver-tone version is bare steel with no layer and can stay on; this gold-tone one has a PVD layer, so that one comes off. On this weave dirt sits deeper between the loops than on almost any other link, and that is exactly what takes the depth out of the pattern; lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft toothbrush will lift it out. Dry it thoroughly afterwards with a soft cloth.

Styling

Keep your other jewellery in the same gold tone, because gold beside silver reads as unintended rather than deliberate. If you want a set, the byzantine bracelet in the same width and finish is the obvious addition. If you wear a watch, match the colour of the case to it.