Wanted to share a quick review of a custom piece I recently picked up from a factory. I was looking for a heavy everyday chain that perfectly captures the visual heft and geometry of the David Yurman box chain but didn’t want the luxury mark up, so I went directly to a factory and decided to make my own piece.

• Price/Value: 10/10   
Going directly to the workshop meant paying wholesale rates for 18K gold. Compared to paying over $19k at a luxury boutique after sales tax, this route was a complete no-brainer.

• Craftsmanship & Finish: 10/10  
The links are incredibly dense and perfectly squared off. It features bright Rhodium plating over the 18K white gold, giving it a mirror luster in direct sunlight. Because it’s solid-cast all the way through, it has a deep, heavy metallic thud when dropped and sits totally flush on the neck while being extremely flexible.

• Accuracy & Specs: 9.5/10  
Width sits at 4.2mm, and length is 20 inches. Total weight came out to 68.6 grams for this piece. The exact weight will vary so you need to wait till the piece is finished to know the exact weight. 

Most high-end online marketplace options for "4mm" chains are hollowed out inside to save metal, usually maxing out at around \~45 grams. This solid build packs an extra 23+ grams of gold compared to standard retail listings. This chain is comparable to the heavy neck presence of a retail 5mm. 

I was able to pick it up around 175 per gram which was a really good considering how much work goes into the chain.

I was not satisfied with hollow chains that dented easily or felt hollow under a heavy pendant, going the solid cast route was the best option. The chain is extremely durable and heavy. 

My main reason going this route was price per gram, and since it was sourced directly at the factory I was able to make it to my exact dimensions. 

New from Factory 18K Solid WG Box Chain (4.2mm / 20in / 68.6g) - DY Style