The snake chain, the most supple of all necklaces
Necklaces are classic pieces of jewelry. Snake chains come in a particularly wide variety of styles. They are characterized by their exceptionally smooth and soft flow. Thanks to their high-quality craftsmanship, these necklaces are always eye-catching. They pair beautifully with pendants, but they also make a striking statement on their own.
Different qualities of snake chains
Different qualities of snake chains
Snake chains in rhodium-plated quality
Rhodium plating is an electroplating process using the platinum group metal rhodium. Such a coating over a snake chain is both mechanically and chemically very robust and relatively abrasion-resistant.
Silver chains are rhodium-plated to prevent tarnishing. While silver cannot rust, it does oxidize and, over time, especially if it is not worn and not protected from air and oxygen, will turn black due to this oxidation.
Rhodium plating has become a very expensive process, as rhodium is currently (10/2020) the most valuable precious metal in the world.
The difference between a real and a fake snake chain
Snake chains are offered in different qualities. A basic distinction is made between genuine and imitation snake chains.
A genuine snake chain is hollow inside, making it an extremely supple silver chain that can wrap tightly around the neck. It consists of individual links that slide into one another, forming a tube-like structure. The individual links are connected to each other internally. The closer the links fit together, the less prone the snake chain is to hair getting caught in it.
At Drachensilber, we offer genuine snake chains with excellent wearing properties.
The imitation snake chain is a hammered silver chain; it is solid inside and not very flexible. For the same length and thickness, imitation snake chains weigh slightly more.
The manufacturing costs for a genuine snake chain are significantly higher due to the greater effort involved in its production. However, the material value is lower because less precious metal is required. Nevertheless, a genuine snake chain is the higher-quality silver chain.
