The chain is the indispensable complement of the christening medal, and often the godfather's gift. It must be solid, matched to the medal, and wearable for a long time. Here are the four criteria that matter, in the order to consider them.
1. The material: match the chain to the medal
The rule is simple: same material as the medal. An 18-karat yellow gold medal is worn on an 18-karat gold chain, a solid silver medal on a rhodium-plated solid silver chain, a gold-plated medal on a gold-plated chain. Two shades of gold, or two different whites, side by side are noticed at first glance.
9-karat gold (375/1000) is also a good compromise for buying a chain. 9-karat gold is an alloy containing half as much gold (37.5% fine gold) as 18-karat gold: it is therefore better suited to the chain than to the medal, which is meant to be kept for a lifetime. Depending on your budget, an 18-karat gold medal on a 9-karat gold chain is better than the reverse.
Mayaud solid silver is rhodium-plated: the layer of rhodium protects it from oxidation, the chain does not blacken and needs no care. Gold plate is a metal base covered with 750/1000 gold, the most accessible option for a gold-plated medal.
2. The link: cable or curb, the two safe choices
- Cable (forçat): oval rings passed one through the other. The most widespread link, the most discreet, unisex, the one that leaves the medal in the foreground. If in doubt, choose it.
- Round cable: the same principle with perfectly round rings; a little more volume and a more regular design.
- Curb (gourmette): rings twisted then flattened, lying flat on the skin and catching the light. Very strong, timeless, just as classic for a christening.
- Rope and bead: more decorative, readily worn alone or with a light medal, better suited to a communion or adult gift than to a first jewel.
All our cable and curb links suit all our medals.
3. The gauge: the safety criterion
This is the point most often overlooked. A chain that is too fine deforms, tangles and eventually breaks under the weight of the medal.
- 16 mm medal: 1.2 to 1.3 mm gauge at least.
- 18 mm medal (the most common christening size): 1.3 to 1.6 mm.
- 20 mm medal or larger, or daily adult wear: 1.6 to 1.9 mm.
- Heavier pendant, cross or large medal: 2 mm and above.
The gauge and weight of each chain are shown on our product pages, variant by variant.
4. The length: think of the growing child
- 40 cm: a child's length, the medal rests at the base of the neck.
- 45 cm: the good compromise, suits a child and remains wearable as an adult.
- 50 cm and more: adult wear, or a medal worn lower.
For a christening, 40 or 45 cm; if the chain is meant to last, 45 cm. Children's ID bracelets follow the same logic, with an intermediate ring that allows them to be shortened.
Summary table
| Medal | Recommended chain gauge | Length | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 mm, child | 1.2 to 1.3 mm | 40 to 45 cm | Cable, curb, round cable |
| 18 mm, classic christening | 1.3 to 1.6 mm | 40 or 45 cm | Cable, curb, round cable |
| 20 mm or daily adult wear | 1.6 to 1.9 mm | 45 or 50 cm | Cable, curb, round cable |
| Heavy pendant | 1.9 mm and above | 50 cm | Cable, curb, round cable |
In short
For an 18 mm christening medal in 18-karat gold: a cable or curb chain in 18-karat gold (or 9-karat), 1.3 to 1.6 mm gauge, 45 cm. For a silver medal: the same in rhodium-plated solid silver, in 1.5 or 1.6 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Which chain for an 18 mm christening medal?
A cable or curb chain of 1.3 to 1.6 mm gauge, in 40 or 45 cm, in the same material as the medal.
18-karat or 9-karat gold for the chain?
9-karat gold (375/1000) contains half as much fine gold as 18-karat; it is a good compromise for the chain, the medal preferably staying in 18-karat.
Does a silver chain blacken?
No: Mayaud solid silver chains are rhodium-plated, they do not oxidise and need no care.
Which length to choose so that it lasts?
45 cm: wearable by a child and still as an adult.
Further reading
- Who gives the medal, and who gives the chain?
- How to choose a christening medal
- Gold, silver, gold plate or mother-of-pearl: which material to choose?
- 18-karat gold: cable, curb, round cable
- 9-karat gold: cable, curb, round cable
- Solid silver: cable, curb, round cable
- Gold plate: cable, curb, round cable