Is it considered unprofessional or against the grain to mix karats?
For example, a 18K pendant with a 14K chain?
Certainly not as long as you’re clear about what you’re selling. We
mix and match all the time, both to achieve color differences and
sometimes because people would rather pay more for the (18k) pendant
than for the chain. Just make sure the customer knows and
understands the difference.
Daniel R. Spirer, G.G.
Daniel R. Spirer Jewelers, LLC
1780 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
@Daniel_R_Spirer
As long as both are stamped as being what they are, there is nothing
whatever wrong with it - putting a 14kt. pendant on an 18kt. chain.
Most people want things the same color, or nearly, though, and that’s
the trouble. There’s nothing “wrong”, but are people going to buy it?
If you are simply “lazy”, people might thing that - that you just
didn’t bother to get a better match. If you are “creative” - a yellow
pendant on a white chain, then that’s different. But the bottom line
is, no, it’s not exactly wrong, but the marketplace will tell you if
they like it or not.
Hi Elkka,
Is it considered unprofessional or against the grain to mix karats?
Not as far as I’m concerned! I do it all the time, not only with 14k
chains/18kpendants but I mix karats of gold within the pieces I
make. My typical piece is backed in 14k, has 22k bezels, and 14 or
18k design elements.
Beth
Most 14kt chains sold in the U.S. are plated with 18 kt. So most of
the time, when you make a 14 kt pendant, and you supply a chain, the
color is not going to match anyway. There are chain suppiers who
carry unplated chains, but sometimes they say they are not plated,
and when you get them, they are.
Richard Hart
Thanks for the responses. I was afraid I would come off as having a
poor inventory if I didn’t have matching chains for every pendant I
offer.
I had to chuckle at John’s comment about “not being lazy”. In this
case that’s not the issue. It’s just that I found a nice chain co.
with no minimums but they carry few designs in 18k - catch 22 I
guess. I can’t seem to find a company with a nice variety of chains in
that karat with a reasonable minimum.
Beth, how do you hallmark a mixed media piece of that nature?
Is it considered unprofessional or against the grain to mix karats? For example, a 18K pendant with a 14K chain?
Are you selling it or wearing it? if you’re wearing it, use whatever
chain you have that looks best with the pendant. Nobody is going to
inspect the label.
On the other hand, if you are selling it as a unit, you might want
to match the karats.
If you are totally confused, sell the pendant separately and let the
customer choose the chain.
Dee
Most 14kt chains sold in the U.S. are plated with 18 kt.
Are you sure? I’ve never heard this, and it is rare, in my
experience, to get something of higher value (even a thin coating of
18K) and have it denied.
Noel
Elkka,
I can't seem to find a company with a nice variety of chains in that karat with a reasonable minimum.
I order from a company in San Francisco called Herco. They have a
very comprehensive selection of chain styles in 14K, 18K, and
Platinum, and have a small number of 22K… they are also the only
place I know to find Rose gold chain (14 and 18K). They have no
minimum, and will open an account for you if you can supply trade
references.
Matthew Crawford
www.MatthewDesigns.com
Does anyone have suggestions for a reliable supplier of 18K chains in
white and yellow? Specifically bead, cable, figaro and wheat…
Elkka,
Does anyone have suggestions for a reliable supplier of 18K chains in white and yellow? Specifically bead, cable, figaro and wheat...
As I directed our compatriot last yesterday, try Herco in San
Francisco. Huge selection of 14 and 18K in white and yellow, and even
some pink. They are my first choice in chain! If they don’t have it,
chances are you won’t find it. Their web address is:
www.hercojwl.com, and as I stated in my previous response, they
require industry affiliation to establish an account. They are,
perhaps, a little more expensive (a very few percent) than other
suppliers, but I have never had a chain come back to me in 15+ years
for a defect. And if you establish yourself with them, they’ll even
memo chain to you for your inspection/selection. And, no, I don’t get
paid to speak this highly of them!
Matthew Crawford
www.MatthewDesigns.com
Does anyone have suggestions for a reliable supplier of 18K chains in white and yellow? Specifically bead, cable, figaro and wheat...
downeast trading in Middlebury VT sells 18k chains.
Daniel R. Spirer, G.G.
Daniel R. Spirer Jewelers, LLC
1780 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
617-234-4392
@Daniel_R_Spirer