18ct White Gold Diamond-Cut Curb Chain 5.46mm 45cm

A curb chain is made by twisting each link ninety degrees and compressing it so that it lies flush against its neighbour. The faces are then diamond-cut — machine-faceted back to a bright mirror surface — which is what gives the chain its flash along the length.

This piece is 18ct white gold, 5.46 mm across the nominal width and 45 cm long, weighing approximately 49.24 g — solid throughout, not hollow-filled, rhodium plated. Because the links interlock face to face rather than edge to edge, a curb chain feels denser and more solid in the hand than an open-link chain of the same nominal width, and it lies flat against the skin.

Will this suit me?

• Where it sits: At 45 cm it sits on the collarbone: the most common length for a pendant and a safe choice for a gift. On a larger neck it sits closer to the throat, so if it's for a man, 50 cm is the usual starting point.
• How it looks: At 5.46 mm this is a heavy, bold gauge, unisex in character and made to be worn alone. It weighs about 49.2 g. The links lie flat against the skin, and the diamond-cut faces add brightness.
• With a pendant: Designed to be worn without a pendant; most bails will not pass over a chain this size.
• 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.
• 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: 50 cm, 60 cm. Metals: 18ct yellow gold, 9ct white gold, 9ct yellow gold. Widths: 1.4 mm, 2.16 mm, 2.8 mm.

Specification

• Metal: 18ct white gold (750)
• Style: Diamond-cut curb chain
• Construction: Solid section
• Nominal width: 5.46 mm
• Nominal length: 45 cm (450 mm)
• Approximate weight: 49.24 g
• Plating: Rhodium plated
• Finish: Diamond-cut and 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. Solid curb links take a solder join well; the faceted faces should be re-cut or re-polished after any repair so the join does not read as a dull spot.

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