Throughout history, pendants have made clear statements about the person they adorn. Eastern emperors wore elaborate pendants dripping with rubies to declare their royal status, while nuns display crosses to show devotion to their religion. The common denominator from nun to emperor has been the durable, sturdy chains holding the chosen pendant.
Metal Matters
Choosing the correct chain requires not only consideration of the pendant's weight, but also a regard for the chain's thickness, length and flexibility. Since chain styles are available in all metals, you'll also want to factor the style of your pendant into your choice. Platinum is the heaviest and most expensive, while titanium is the lightest but strongest. Stainless steel is both the least shiny and least expensive.
Strong and Sturdy
Wheat, box and rope chains are thin and durable at every length and thickness and are the first recommended to wear with pendants. Wheat chains -- considered the most durable -- are made of four strands of intertwined twisted and untwisted oval links that create an intricate, textured design. Box chains are sturdy, interconnected square links formed into open cubes. They reflect light well to highlight colorful pendants. Rope chains are the heaviest of the durable chains and are ideal for weighty pendants. As the name suggests, rope chains are made by weaving together multiple rows of metal links into twisted strands of spiraled chains.