Baptism Chains

Choosing a baptism chain to match the medal

A baptism chain is chosen based on three practical criteria: the material, the length and the weight of the medal it will hold. A chain that’s too thin for a heavy medal puts strain on the clasp and eventually breaks; a chain that’s too long slips and hangs awkwardly on a baby. Curb link styles remain the most common choice, in a delicate version for a girl or a sturdier version for a boy, though other link styles suit different needs.

18-carat gold, 9-carat gold or silver: which material for a baptism chain

18-carat gold contains 75% pure gold, the rest being a copper and silver alloy: this is the 750 thousandths standard, the one that stands the test of time best and pairs naturally with a medal that is itself 18-carat gold. 9-carat gold, or 375 thousandths, contains only 37.5% pure gold; it’s the legal minimum to be called “gold,” and a chain of this grade deforms more quickly under the pull of a heavy medal. Between the two, 925 sterling silver offers decent durability for a more modest budget, provided you accept regular upkeep: silver tarnishes on contact with air and perspiration, gold does not.

What chain thickness for the weight of the medal

A fine 1.2 to 1.5 mm chain is enough for a child wearing a light medal 14 to 16 mm in diameter: it stays discreet and doesn’t weigh on a baby’s neck. For a larger medal, 18 to 22 mm, or one intended for an adult, a thickness of 1.8 to 2 mm keeps the links from buckling under the weight. The rule to remember: the chain’s weight should be at least equal to that of the medal, never the other way around.

Baptism chain for a girl or boy: what length to choose

For a girl’s baptism chain, the standard range runs from 40 to 45 cm: 40 cm will sit as a close-fitting necklace in adulthood, while 45 cm leaves more room to grow. For a boy’s baptism chain, plan on 45 cm for an infant, a length that will last until adolescence but won’t suit an adult man’s neck, where 50 cm becomes necessary. In both cases, extra links can be added to a chain later on: the baptism jewelry then follows its owner from childhood into adulthood, without ever needing to be replaced.

Curb, figaro or flat link: choosing the style for the occasion

• Curb link: round and even, it holds the weight of a medal well and resists twisting, making it the default choice for a baptism.
• Flat link: flat and smooth, more discreet against the skin, well suited to a light medal worn every day.
• Figaro link: alternating long and short links, more visually elaborate, for those seeking a look less classic than a curb chain.

The Omega necklace, an alternative to the link chain

The Omega necklace differs from a link chain through its semi-rigid structure, made of flat bands soldered side by side. This style suits a framed medal particularly well, such as a Virgin Mary in mother-of-pearl set in gold, whose weight and shape pair better with a rigid mount than a flexible chain. It’s a less common choice than the curb chain, reserved for medals with a distinctive silhouette.