9ct Yellow Gold Diamond-Cut Paperclip Chain 3.74mm 50cm

A paperclip chain built from elongated rectangular links with rounded ends, here diamond-cut so that the flat faces are machine-faceted to a mirror finish along their length.

This piece is 9ct yellow gold, 3.74 mm across the nominal width and 50 cm long — solid throughout, not hollow-filled. The faceting picks up light down the long sides of each link, which gives an otherwise plain architectural chain a considerable amount of flash. The open links take a charm directly.

Will this suit me?

• Where it sits: At 50 cm it sits just below the collarbone and clears a crew neckline, giving a pendant room to hang free of fabric. It is also the usual starting length for men.
• How it looks: At 3.74 mm this is a statement gauge. It reads clearly as a chain in its own right. Long, open links with diamond-cut faces look bold and bright for their weight.
• With a pendant: Usually worn on its own. It will carry a large pendant, provided the bail is wide enough to pass over the chain's end ring. The long open links will also take a charm with its own clasp, directly on any link.
• Everyday wear: 9ct is the harder alloy and stands up well to daily wear. 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: Metal: 18ct yellow gold. Matching bracelet: 19 cm.

Specification

• Metal: 9ct yellow gold (375)
• Style: Diamond-cut paperclip chain
• Construction: Solid section
• Nominal width: 3.74 mm
• Nominal length: 50 cm (500 mm)
• Finish: Diamond-cut and polished
• Worn as: Necklace or pendant chain

9ct yellow gold is 375 parts per thousand fine gold. The higher alloy content makes it hard and more scratch-resistant than 18ct, which is why it's always been the popular choice for everyday wear.

Servicing. Simple long links make alteration straightforward; the cut faces should be re-polished after any join.