A wallet chain is a utilitarian item turned into a fashion statement thanks to punk, rock, metal, grunge, and hip-hop icons flaunting them from the 1970s till the present day. Although these accessories owe their mainstream popularity to fashion-loving musicians, they rose to prominence courtesy of bikers. Motorcycle riders were the first who came up with the idea to fasten a chain to a wallet and then secure it to a belt. They even added a grommet to wallets to make them instantly compatible with chains’ clips and clasps.
To perform its security function, a wallet chain has to be quite stout. For this reason, the majority of models are made of metal. Luckily, steel, silver, and other durable metals are not your only option. Below is an overview of the most common choices, along with their pros and cons, when it comes to a chain for your wallet.
925 Silver Wallet Chains
The most luxurious options are made of noble metals. It’s hard to imagine a chain crafted from gold solely because of its lofty price – the weight of such pieces is hundreds of grams hence the prices of thousands of dollars – but silver is the next best thing. A 925 silver wallet chain provides everything you could possibly require from a wallet accessory. It is strong, aesthetically appealing, and, to some extent, it carries the air of nobility. Silver is super easy to work with and process; therefore, it is available in a slew of shapes, designs, and decorative techniques.
Pros of Silver Wallet Chains:
- Made of precious metal;
- Strong and sturdy;
- Match the overall vibe of biker accessories;
- Available in white (polished), matte black (blackened silver), and shiny black (coating) finishes.
Cons of Silver Wallet Chains
- More expensive than models made of base metals;
- Prone to tarnishing.
Brass Wallet Chains
Brass is a fusion of copper and zinc. The letter explains the alloy’s statement yellow-ish color. That being said, brass doesn’t stay like this forever. Over time, cooper undergoes oxidation and a thin greenish-blue film occurs on the surface of brass products. Many believe that this patina gives brass accessories unique charm and is actually perfect for models that showcase vintage styles.
Brass is marginally harder than sterling silver meaning it can successfully cope with the mission of securing your wallet. It is made of base metals so its price is more affordable than that of silver. Yet it is not as cheap as steel.
Pros of Brass Chains:
- Harder than silver;
- Cheaper than noble metals;
- Yellow hue combined with patina provides a vintage appeal;
- As a ductile metal, brass can take any shape and form;
- Low-maintenance option.
Cons of Brass Chains
- Their color may clash with otherwise silver or steel accessories in a biker fashion arsenal;
- Will develop a patina over time.
Stainless Steel Wallet Chains
If you need a durable, easy to maintain, and inexpensive wallet chain for everyday use, stainless steel has got you covered. Steel is a base metal so its price is much cheaper than sterling silver and even brass. At the same time, it is deprived of shortcomings associated with noble metals. Thanks to such elements as chromium, carbon, and aluminum in its compositions, it doesn’t rust, corrode, or tarnish. It withstands the elements without losing its original shiny finish. It doesn’t require any special care – if it gets dirty, you can simply wash it with water and detergent.
Along with that, stainless steel is harder than silver and brass and it is not brittle. Wallet chains made of this material appear to be sturdier.
Pros of Stainless Steel Wallet Chains:
- Affordable price;
- Their silvery finish conforms to the look of biker accessories;
- Very durable;
- Require low maintenance;
- Won’t corrode.
Cons of Stainless Steel Wallet Chains:
- Have less value than silver and brass counterparts;
- Fancy link designs are less common.
Leather Wallet Chains
If you don’t like excessive weight and jingling accompanying your every step, leather alternatives may be up your alley. They are silent, lightweight, and come in a variety of colors. If you opt for leather, it is possible to have a wallet and chain of exactly the same color. In fact, many wallets are readily available with leather chains featuring a complementary design.
Contrary to their name, these are not really chains. Rather, they are made of stripes of leather braided together. The thickness of these stripes varies so does the width of the resulting products. A thick leather chain is not inferior to metals in terms of sturdiness. Besides, leather models are able to convey strong cowboy vibes.
Pros of Leather Wallet Chains
- Inexpensive;
- Lightweight;
- Available in a range of colors;
- Create a cohesive look with a leather wallet;
Cons of Leather Wallet Chains:
- Sensitive to moisture;
- Require good maintenance;
- Short-lived compared to metal chains.
A wallet chain is an excellent idea if you’re going for a biker look or want to secure your possessions. The material of your chain will affect not only its appearance but your experience. So be wise when you make your choice.
