18ct White Gold Box Chain 0.8mm 40cm

A box chain is formed from square-section links that close into a continuous row of cubes. The squared profile gives four flat faces along the chain, so light is returned in clean lines rather than scattered.

This piece is 18ct white gold, 0.8 mm across the nominal width and 40 cm long, weighing approximately 2.34 g — solid throughout, not hollow-filled, rhodium plated. The articulation is tight and the drape is deliberately low, which keeps a pendant hanging dead centre instead of drifting. It is the usual choice where a pendant needs to sit still.

Will this suit me?

• Where it sits: At 40 cm it sits high, at the base of the throat, just above the collarbone. It is the shortest standard length and works best alone or as the top layer. On a larger neck it fits closely, so if it's for a man, 50 cm is the usual starting point.
• How it looks: At 0.8 mm this is a fine chain: a thin, bright line that reads as delicate on its own and lets a small pendant take the attention. It weighs about 2.3 g. The square links give a sleek, smooth line that catches the light evenly.
• With a pendant: Suits a light pendant or charm, such as a small solitaire. For anything heavier, a chain of 1.3 mm or more is the safer match. A pendant slides freely along the smooth, square links.
• Everyday wear: 18ct is softer than 9ct and richer in colour; it wears well day to day with a little care. The bright white finish is rhodium plating, which wears with daily contact and can be renewed by a jeweller. It is solid throughout, so a jeweller can repair or shorten it. Fine chains are the most delicate kind: take it off to sleep, swim and train, and store it hanging or laid flat to avoid knots.
• Finding your length: Measure a chain you already own from end to end, clasp included, or run a piece of string around your neck to where you'd like it to sit. Our sizing guide has more help.
• Other options: Lengths: 45 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm. Metals: 18ct yellow gold, 9ct white gold, 9ct yellow gold. Widths: 0.52 mm, 0.6 mm.

Specification

• Metal: 18ct white gold (750)
• Style: Box chain
• Construction: Solid section
• Nominal width: 0.8 mm
• Nominal length: 40 cm (400 mm)
• Approximate weight: 2.34 g
• Plating: Rhodium plated
• Finish: Polished
• Worn as: Necklace or pendant chain

18ct white gold is 750 parts per thousand fine gold in a white alloy, finished with rhodium plating. The plating is a wearing surface and is renewable; beneath it the alloy carries a faint warm cast, which is normal for white gold.

Servicing. The closed box profile is straightforward to solder, though the join must be cleaned back flush to keep the square line unbroken.

Weights are supplier figures and are approximate; small variation between individual pieces is normal in chain manufacture.