Carapace weaving of chains is one of the most popular types of neck jewelry today. This type of knitting is varied, beautiful and practical. Therefore, women of fashion of all generations and tastes carelessly buy up a huge amount of these beautiful accessories to create the most unique ways and looks.
But jewelry stores are not always able to offer their customers something special.
Indeed, often at the exhibition only machine decorations are shown, which are mass-produced, and the fantasy beauty remains in the closet. To correct this nuance, today we will try to tell you about the most beautiful varieties of carapace weaving, how to distinguish them externally, how such chains are worn and what they are combined with.
Where did the armor chain weaving technique come from?
Opinions differ on this issue. Some believe that the "carapace" was invented precisely to create beautiful jewelry, but many are inclined to believe that the art of weaving chains originates in those centuries far from us, when men, independently or on order from a blacksmith, made their own armor, weapons and chain mail that protected their bodies from the sharp blows of the enemy.
Historically, knights and warriors wove metal chain mail. This armor had to be as strong as possible, as well as fit comfortably on the body and not prick. The craftsmen came up with a technology so that the metal rings are interlocked with each other, but not at right angles, like in anchor weaving, but in parallel, for the convenience of wearing chain mail. This weaving came to be called carapace.
Soon this technique was noticed by jewelers and began to make chains for men's jewelry in a similar way. And then such models of shell weaving appeared, which are suitable for both men and women.
The advantages of shell weaving
Reliability... The hitch is practical, the links are located so that they wear out the least (and as you know, gold is easily frayed and bent, since it is a very soft metal, even in 585 assay value). Thanks to the layering of elements on top of each other, the chain will serve you for a long time. And if you properly care for and store it, then the jewelry will remain with you for life.
Among all methods of knitting in terms of strength, carapace weaving takes the second place immediately after "bismarck".
Compatibility... Armor weaving allows you to wear pendants and other jewelry, the main thing is to choose the right products for each other. However, the ultra-modern carapace chains in gold or silver can be worn as a stand-alone piece. It is not necessary to select a pendant or pendant for them. Moreover, since the carapace weaving is most often dense, that is, the chain is obtained in a wide massive shape, the size of the pendant should be appropriate. It is better to choose more massive options that will not get lost against the background of the chain. And if you have tried and found for yourself a chain with links to which a diamond facet has been added, then such a piece of jewelry can be considered a worthy independent unit that will competently emphasize your style and image.
Variety... Carapace weaving is also famous for the fact that there are so many types of knitting of these chains that it is difficult to list. We will consider the most widely applicable ones, which can be easily found in simple jewelry stores or ordered from the nearest jeweler's workshop. But there are also such types that are made exclusively by certain chain breeders, this is already the topic of another story.
Flexibility... The carapace chain of classic weaving does not tend to break: during movement, the links turn in any desired direction. You can leave it on at night, wear it constantly, without feeling discomfort.
Ease manufacturing. Even a novice craftsman can make chains with such weaving. They are found in the assortment of almost all manufacturers - both domestic and foreign.
Manufacturability... The carapace weaving technique is such that it is possible to create a very thin chain weighing less than a gram, and a massive one by 30 ... 50 grams. Each option will look dignified and will delight the wallet of almost any buyer.
What are the chains of armor weaving
There are several main ways of chain braiding:
- classic;
- double, triple;
- parallel;
- "Love";
- "Singapore";
- "Snake";
- "Nonna";
- "Clip";
- "Rhombo";
- cord;
- Figaro.
Classics are very often used as a basic product for religious paraphernalia. Such accessories look good with crosses, amulets, talismans or amulets.
But in addition to the main varieties, there are also fantasy ways of weaving the "shell", which are not so well known to the general mass. Usually, such products are ordered directly to the master with the reservation of all the nuances of weaving. This category includes:
- double and triple rhombus;
- Nonna bismarck;
- "Snake" or tourniquet;
- "Popcorn".
Let's start our review, perhaps, with standard views.
Classic and double armored weave
At its core, classic the method of connecting the elements of the chain is also one of the types of anchor. Namely, the rings of the usual round shape are connected in series one after the other. The difference with the anchor lies precisely in the arrangement of the links: in the armor weaving, the rings are bent and polished in such a way that they are in the same plane. Jewelry looks even, flat, and much shinier than anchor pieces.
What touches pendants, then under a single base "shell" you can pick up almost anything. The main rule is that the pendant does not pull the chain too tightly. You can take products with stones, a variety of non-ferrous metal inserts, jewelry enamel and other delights of technology for creating beauty.
Double carapace weaving of a gold chain or a product made of another precious alloy represents two classic couplings tightly connected to each other. During weaving, the elements are attached not only from top to bottom, but also to the side. The hitch turns out to be massive, looks especially impressive in men's products.
Double and even triple chains are great as independent decorations. For women this type of knitting looks gorgeous in a necklace, which, in addition, can be decorated with a tiny pendant. In general, the appearance of the accessory becomes similar to the ancient Roman or Egyptian product. It goes well with dark evening dresses.
A very wide silver carapace chain will a great gift for a man... The stronger sex loves such accessories, as they look bright, expensive, even a little aggressive.
Parallel armor weave
If in the double version the chain elements overlap and stand very close, then in this knitting the chain is woven in the same way as the classic, but instead of one link, a pair of rings is takenthat fit as closely as possible to each other. This creates an airy, but at the same time rather heavy decoration with wide holes.
These chains are suitable for both women and men. The adornment looks expensive, massive and rich.
Heart and "love"
Someone will say that this type of weaving was designed specifically for lovers... And it is not strange, since outwardly knitting resembles a sequential connection of small hearts. In weaving called "love", each link has a pair of delicate curls, and in knitting, there is only one curl in the heart.
Chains like a heart and "love" are a great gift for your halves on February 14th.
These types of chains are very loved by women... Jewelry looks great with light summer and spring outfits, blouses, dresses with loose hair and a good romantic mood.
Refined Jewelry suitable for young girls with a thin neck... These chains are bought for themselves, given to loved ones and loved ones. The universal size for women's products is 40. A large length is taken if a deep neckline is appropriate in the style. If your loved one has a birthday, the chain is a good gift. Combine jewelry with a pendant - you get an original set.
"Singapore"
It is also a very interesting variety of carapace weaving. Its difference from the classics is that the elements attached to each other at a slight angle, due to which the chain is twisted into a spiral. The size of the curls can be large or small. Weaving is mainly used to create women's jewelry.
"Nonna"
Consists of large and small diamond-shaped links nested at the same time... The rhombs are connected to each other using the same armored technique. The weave is considered one of the strongest because of the overlapping links.
"Nonna" looks great in a woman's wardrobe. Chunky knit can be worn perfectly on its own without pendants or pendants. But thin chains are still recommended to be decorated with small pendants. Men do not strongly encourage nonu, since the chain looks very delicate and soft, but there are also brutal lovers of such charm.
Paperclip, Parisian chain, panther's eye or bird's eye
This type of weaving has a lot of names. The whole series of intricate names is due to the external similarity of this coupling with the eye of a wide variety of animals; it is more often compared to the eye of a panther. There is something tricky feline in the outline of such a chain... Today weaving "Skrepka" is gaining more and more popularity and is a worthy alternative to weaving "Nonna".
Link at "Paper clips" are large enough and patterned... A separate element looks like an oblong ring, in which a small window or "eye" is made, and the connection creates a picture of intricate openwork knitting.
"Rhombo"
Rhombus or "Rhombus" is the same armor chain, the links of which are made of diamond-shaped elements. They are connected at a considerable distance from each other, which is why delicate openwork pattern... Weaving "Rhombo" is used both in women's products and for men's accessories.
Especially elegant "Rhombo" looks in double or triple weaving. Such products weigh a lot, are expensive, but they also look great.
Cord
The work is similar to a product made in anchoring technique, since the components are not in the same plane, but they are not at right angles either. The result is something in between: not a "shell" and not an "anchor". Hitching in progress according to the scheme "three to three" , i.e. inside one link in the center is the connection of the other two links. The shape of a single element is a rhombus. Externally, the product looks like a twisted rope.
Korda looks gorgeous in the form of necklaces and bracelets. Particularly popular are products with huge large links, which are used as accessories for the wrist.
The cord can be supplemented with a small pendant, which will not be visible immediately, but will wink ingratiatingly upon good examination. Today it is in fashion to supplement the cord with pendants in the form of flat figures: coins, angels, animals.
Figaro / Cartier
It is a the most famous subspecies of "shell", which gained fame thanks to the famous jewelry house "Cartier”, Which is said to have created this kind of coupling. For this reason, this type has a second name of the same name "cartier". The essence of the hitch is to use elements of different lengths and shapes. The product is carried out according to several schemes: 5: 1, 4: 1, 3: 1, 2: 1. The numbers indicate a system of alternating components. In other words, there is a connection of 5, 4, 3 or 2 small parts, then one large oval follows, and then the drawing is repeated again.
Figaro looks very modern, stylish and modest... Recently, this type of knitting has become especially popular among women who choose jewelry for the purpose of their daily wear. The advantage here is very simple: Figaro looks expensive, but it costs very modestly, since a large amount of precious alloy is not required to make an accessory.
Fantasy types of armor weaving
Now let's dwell a little on those types of weaving that are not often seen on store shelves.
Double and triple rhombus
Diamond-shaped chains in several rows are a separate topic for conversation. If you have the means, then pay attention to the short necklaces made using this technique. Decorations look very delicate, expensive, solid.
A "rhombus" in gold is suitable for an evening dress under a black little dress. And if you prefer silver, then the decoration should be worn in light colors.
Fantasy types of carapace weaves look great under any outfit.
If you decide to wear a "rhombus" under a wedding dress, then it is better to take a closer look at the chains, which are instructed by cubic zirconia or other white stones. You will look gorgeous at your celebration.
"Popcorn"
This is a variant of a hollow round carapace weaving with a swollen surface, like a real "Popcorn". The name is quite consistent with the appearance. Structurally, the chain is similar to a thread, which consists of small bubbles.
Product looks very simple, but at the same time, quite designer-style. However, when buying, keep in mind that Popcorn is a hollow piece of jewelry that tears quickly, so you should wear it very carefully.
"Nonna" bismarck ""
This type of weaving cannot be attributed not to armor and not to "Bismarck" knitting, but not the essence. Outwardly, the chain is just like a whole piece of art... So that you understand, in the classical nonna, the inner "shell", as it were, closes, the outer one, all the links lie in the same plane and are ordinary rings. In "nonne bismarck" the basis is the standard knitting "bismarck", and outside the already familiar "carapace" is woven.
Such beauty can be found in stores, but mostly you will not find the product on the counter.
"Snake" or harness
"Snake" is lightweight hollow chain, most often round, less often - oval or square section. Where the name came from is most likely clear. Indeed, the chain looks almost like a real snake, in English it is snake. The principle of forming a single surface of the chain is again taken from the classic "shell", which is why this weaving is also called a round "shell". A simple and popular name: a cord or jewelry cord, since "Snake" is most often not used as an independent adornment, but is paired with pendants.
How and with what to wear gold or silver caramel chains
Large armor weaving more suitable for older age groupswho want their financial well-being to be appreciated.
Men it is better to choose a massive model of medium length. Short chains of 40 centimeters will fit tightly around your neck.
Women you can also choose medium-sized models, and take a smaller chain thickness than that of men.
Rђ RІRѕS, small armor products "Love" or "nonna" will look great on a delicate young girl's neck with a pleasant light pendant, minimally decorated with diamonds. How do you like the idea?
The main difference between armored and anchor weaving in the fact that in the first type of knitting, the elements of the chain are located in one plane, and in the second - perpendicular to each other.
Rules for the care of a gold chain of armor weaving
If you want your jewelry to last longer, then do not forget about proper care. There are only three humble tips here:
- Careful use... A careful attitude to things will help to extend the service life.
- Proper storage... Set aside a special place for your jewelry, it must be dry, clean and preferably without direct sunlight.
- Cleaning... Precious metals must be periodically cleaned from contamination. This must be done using a special tool that will be selected for you in a jewelry store.
So, now you have become real professionals in the field of weaving armor chains. We hope that our article will help you find your favorite type of knitting, which you can wear every day without any problems. And if you are choosing a gift, then it is better to take a closer look at the standard reliable types of couplings. Such jewelry will be worn for a long time for more than one year.
