I need to buy a good gold chain but know nada about jewelry.

[Catshrink]

I need a 24" gold chain to wear my mom's wedding band on. But I don't know a thing about quality, etc. I like box chains. I looked on ebay but got a bit confused about grams and mm width. Should I buy one on ebay or bite the bullet and go to a real jeweler? About how much will one cost me?

[lolly]

1. Lotsa factors

I wouldn't buy one from ebay--you don't really know what you're getting.

To be honest (I know this will make me look bad) I would recommend QVC--yeah, I know, the cheesy tv permanent infomercial people.

But--you will know what you're getting--jewelry is their THING. And they will be there tomorrow if you decide to return it--they're good about that too.

And you'll have better selection, really, than anyplace else. You can just search for gold chains, 24", box link, and you'll probably pull up a bunch. Then you can choose how thick you want it. That, too, will depend on how big the wedding band is--you don't want to overpower it, but you don't want it looking too thin if the ring is big.

Their prices run about 20.00/gram. Give it a try (www.qvc.com)

(And, no, by the way, I don't work for them or own stock. Did buy a bunch of junk I didn't need from them during a bout of depression, but I still say they're good in the jewelry dept.)

[Catshrink]

2. Thanks for the recommendation...

I will check them out.

[SoCalDem]

3. If you can afford it, get 18K

the color is richer, and it "feels" nicer..

I used to be a gold connoisseur (until mine all got stolen :(.) and I loved my 18K.. even had some 24K..but it's very soft..

Stay away from 10K.. looks cheap..

I am partial to rose & green gold, bit I am sure your Mom's ring is yellow :)

Watch for a good sale at a reputable department store.. Gold is about 100% and then some mark-up, so if you get a 70% sale , you are paying pretty much what it's worth..

Look for a lobster claw... NEVER GET A SPRING RING clasp..

You could also have a real jeweler remove the clasp altogether on a 24".. make it a continuous chain.. That way you don't have to worry about the clasp breaking :)

edit to add.. look for solid..not hollow link.. It should feel "heavy" for the mass :)

[bubblesby2002]

4. I second everything that SoCalDem says

My aunt sold gold for a long time and I've got some nice chains. But my fave is the 18K, it seems to be warmer or something.

[Catshrink]

5. Thanks for the advice, SoCal...

One thing about buying it from a store is that I can see it first. Since I'm not really sure what I want, that might be the best thing to do. I've tried wearing mom's ring on my finger, but I really don't like wearing rings. Can't tell you why, but I just don't like them. I want to keep my mom with me.

[SoCalDem]

6. One more thing..

I know that you said you liked box chains, but they have a "edge" to them and will eventually scratch the ring.. I would suggest a nice flat curb link..It's not fancy looking, but they are durable and lay nicely.. They also do not "grab" your hair :)

lots pictured here



http://images.google.com/images?q=curb+link+chains&ie=ISO-8859-1&hl=en

[Bertha Venation]

7. Wish I could send you to my sister's guy. / Take your time!

She has a jeweler friend/FB who didn't have what she needed, but he sent her to someone he trusted who did. It was a fabulous box chain bracelet for my 40th birthday last year, a gift from both my sisters.

Don't go eBay. Ask around for jeweler recommendations and get someone trusted and reliable. Take your time. I know your mom's ring is precious; you'll have it for a very long time. Find something PERFECT to wear it on.