Choose the symbol and the size first, then 14K or 18K, the diamonds and the chain
Size comes first. A star near an inch tall was the size bought most, light enough for a fine chain worn every day. Choose 14K if it will stay on day and night, and pick yellow, white or rose where the listing offers them. Most stars and chai pieces here come as the pendant alone, so plan the chain with it. Every diamond piece names natural or lab-grown on its listing.
Star of David or chai: Star of David meaning, chai necklace, Magen David
Pick the symbol that speaks for you. The Star of David, the Magen David in Hebrew, is the six-pointed star of two triangles, worn for Jewish faith and family. Chai means life in Hebrew. Its letters add up to 18, the reason gifts often come in eighteens. Stars fill more than half the case. They were two in three pieces bought. Two 14K pieces say only Jewish pendant, so check the photo. Two more pair a star with a hamsa, and the hamsa pendants guide tells the hand's story.
Size and weight: small Star of David necklace, large Star of David pendant, how heavy
Buy by inches and grams, since size words change between listings. The middle piece stands an inch tall and about 0.7 inch wide. Under three quarters of an inch is a mini, and most minis are 18K. Nearly all of them weigh under 2.5 grams. From an inch and a half up, a star shows over a shirt, and the heaviest pass 25 grams. Chai pieces run heavier than stars, about twice the grams in the middle. Most pieces bought weighed under 6 grams.
14K or 18K: 14k gold Star of David, 18k gold chai, white or rose gold, .925 silver
Take 14K for a star you wear daily. It is harder than 18K. About two in three pieces bought were 14K. Three parts in four of 18K are pure gold. That richer yellow comes on a softer star, and it shows scratches sooner. Here 18K makes up a third of the case and most of the minis. Yellow, white and rose are offered on most listings. Two chai pieces are .925 silver, one a set on its chain.
Diamonds: diamond Star of David pendant, natural or lab-grown, black diamond chai
About six pieces in ten carry diamonds, and every one names its origin. Twenty-nine read natural. Two chai pieces read lab-grown. Seven carry diamonds with no diamond in the title, so read the stone line. The 18K diamond pieces print VS clarity and F to G color. The newest 14K pieces print H to I and SI. Diamond pieces were half of what sold. They brought in about two thirds of the sales. Ask how the black diamond chai got its color, since most black diamonds are treated.
The chain: Star of David necklace with chain, which chain for a chai pendant
Most pieces come alone, so you choose the chain. Nine titles say set or necklace, and four of those name their chain. Three let you pick from 18 to 24 inches. The five newest necklaces name no length, so ask first. A light star sits on a fine chain of 1 to 2 mm. A chai past 10 grams wants a sturdier rope or Franco. No listing prints its bail opening, so send your chain's width to the live chat, or call or text 212-872-9692 from 10 AM ET.
Questions we get in the store
Does a Star of David necklace come with a chain?
Most come as the pendant alone, and the chain is yours to pick. The nine titled set or necklace come with one, and three of those let you choose the length. Where a necklace prints no length, ask the live chat before you order.
What size Star of David pendant should I get?
Start near an inch tall, the size bought most in the year. A mini, under three quarters of an inch, sits close and quiet. Past an inch and a half, every piece here weighs 12 grams or more and shows over a shirt.
Should a Star of David be 14K or 18K gold?
Take 14K for a piece worn every day, since it is harder and was the gold of about two in three bought. 18K carries more gold, so it looks richer and yellower, and here it makes up most of the minis.
More questions we get
What does chai mean on a necklace?
Chai is the Hebrew word for life, written in two letters whose numbers add up to 18. That is why gifts are often given in eighteens. The chai pieces here run heavier than the stars, near 9 grams in the middle.
Are the diamonds natural or lab-grown?
Nearly all are natural, 29 of the 31 diamond pieces, and each listing names which. The two lab-grown are chai pieces, titled so, and both are diamond. For the black diamond chai, ask the live chat whether its color is natural or treated.
Is a Star of David necklace for men or women?
Both wear it. Most pieces here are marked for men, about half as many for women, and some for both. The pendants past an inch and a half are marked for men, and most minis and the newest necklaces for women.
What chain should a Star of David or chai pendant hang on?
A fine 1 to 2 mm chain for a light star, and a rope or Franco for a chai past 10 grams. Every star here that names its chain hangs on one that fine. Ask the live chat whether your chain fits the bail.
Can I return a Star of David or chai pendant?
Yes, inside fourteen days from delivery, if unworn and unaltered. Clear it with customer service at service@traxnyc.com or 212-391-3832, then send it on the store's label. Restocking takes five percent, and the return shipping also comes off the refund. A chain cut shorter is final (refund policy).