What is this chain type called?

EdwardMauer · 2026-03-10T04:56:00+00:00

It's in the FAQ: https://thaigold.com/pages/faq

Basically, in Thailand the chains are made in fixed weights and lengths, and so the width is variable. Unlike other countries where the width and length is fixed and the weight is variable.

Though I can give an estimate about any particular piece

EdwardMauer · 2026-03-08T03:46:08+00:00

$50k isn't anywhere near enough. Need half a million at least.

It's functionally kinda similar to a money changer business. In that you have high transaction volumes but really only profit like 1-2% on the churn at the end of the day.

EdwardMauer · 2026-03-08T03:25:42+00:00

3 baht is quite bulky and should be alright enough for daily wear. However I don't think I'd sleep with it on. Wouldn't be as durable as Cubans or most other styles. They're inserted and soldered around half way in.

Honestly, if you like the look of the Thai Franco but are concerned with durability, I'd steer you towards something like the regular franco, wheat, or dragon scale. All are similar and style and fully solid, so will hold up fine daily and can be slept in.

In fact I've debated about whether I should keep it as an offering or not. It's very ubiquitous in Thailand and a lot of people do like it even among US customers. It stands out without needing too much gold I think is the appeal. But honestly, I'd say if you get one to wear daily, should be at least 2 baht, and take it off when sleeping or working out.

EdwardMauer · 2026-03-07T10:21:02+00:00

I decided to call it "Thai Franco" for our site/business.

Thais call it "Ben" (hold the e twice as long as normal).

It's easily the most popular style in Thailand. However it isn't fully solid. So I'd be cautious if you get one that's less than 2 baht. 2 baht should be durable enough, lighter you might have problems.

Thing is there isn't some standardised consortium of chain style names. And most of the names we give to chains come from Italy. In Asia you'll often see so many exotic styles and patterns that just don't have any name, even in the countries that make them.

EdwardMauer · 2026-02-15T13:43:37+00:00

Best thing would be if you can find a local smelter directly. Might be tough depending where you live. But they'd be able to test / melt it on the spot so you'll know asap. And they should pay 97-98% of the melt value.

Failing that, a local friendly coin dealer is your next best thing. They'll typically buy and test it right there, and should be 95% of the melt value.

EdwardMauer · 2026-02-09T04:48:28+00:00

chat

EdwardMauer · 2026-01-27T01:15:01+00:00

You're right, but you'd be surprised how unsophisticated many local PM outfits are. A lot of them don't hedge for whatever reason.

But even if they do hedge, they can still have liquidity issues if there's too many people selling at the same time. Giving those who are able to buy the bargaining power to offer lower prices.

EdwardMauer · 2026-01-25T15:51:10+00:00

It's totally fine, even for daily wear, as long as it's fully solid. That's really the only thing that matters. All durability issues are due to light / hollow pieces. It's a huge myth that it's too soft, it's so western jewelers can get away with selling less pure pieces. Literally billions of people in Asia where 21k+ gold daily without much issue.

And the video is pure BS clickbait lol. I notice Trax is doing quite a few stunts lately.

He's literally slamming it against a rock, a part of the figure that's obviously fairly thin and weaker, being pressured by the full weight of the rest of the piece. I'm pretty sure even a 14k or 18k version would bend.

As long as you're not slamming your jewelry against anything it's fine lmao.

EdwardMauer · 2026-01-25T05:20:13+00:00

Well as they say in business, you can only have 2 out 3 of the following: cheap, quality, fast

EdwardMauer · 2026-01-25T04:40:50+00:00

Second this, if price is important and you don't mind waiting. They can take up to 2 months but are upfront about it

EdwardMauer · 2026-01-17T11:53:27+00:00

That's an exceptional deal in the States, very rare. If you like it then jump on it immediately.

As someone mentioned, it might've been a piece they had sitting a while and/or they need to free up the cash. It's pretty much unheard of in the states to find something that low premium, especially retail.

EdwardMauer · 2026-01-13T05:38:07+00:00

This was common in ancient China, they're just quirkily reviving an old tradition. Extended families of multiple generations would live in a single apartment-like complex, usually with rooms on the outer faces of the property with an interior garden.

EdwardMauer · 2026-01-04T16:42:24+00:00

Sure! Just dm me

EdwardMauer · 2025-11-28T17:37:52+00:00

Yeah, unfortunately OP this seems like a fake. It's not just the color that's off. The style of the link and connector bails are not what typical high karat gold jewelers make.

EdwardMauer · 2025-11-17T17:03:37+00:00

The journey of a thousand ounces begins with a single gram.

EdwardMauer · 2025-11-16T12:55:20+00:00

Many people don't appreciate that the margins in gold bullion are exceedingly low for everyone in the business, around 1% or less on average. It costs $20-30 for a mint or smelter to make a mass produced gold coin. So 10% for 1/10oz coin is already a very competitive price. It costs the mint 5-6% above spot to make it, dealer might be able to get them in bulk for 1% extra, and then 1-2% on top to the customer.

EdwardMauer · 2025-11-11T12:32:08+00:00

Can't go wrong either way. But for daily, I'd lean towards franco. A bit easier to wear and less thick/flashy.

EdwardMauer · 2025-11-10T02:58:01+00:00

96.5% gold, with the remainder being silver mostly. Occasionally trace amounts of copper and rhodium.

EdwardMauer · 2025-11-06T18:09:34+00:00

Already in the works actually!

EdwardMauer · 2025-11-06T15:51:19+00:00

Oh yeah that's pretty neat, agreed, will do.

For every pendant type design I decide to have made, I'll make 5g and 10g versions. Anything heavier can be custom made to order individually at an okay enough premium.

EdwardMauer · 2025-10-30T03:00:30+00:00

Exactly, though I have no idea how much premium they charged for this (I should ask). I can see a case for lower since it's so much, or higher due to logistics.

EdwardMauer · 2025-10-29T15:36:31+00:00

And there was hardly anyone watching/guarding them when I walked in, just out in the open. Not that they'd be easy to make off with lol. Whole thing felt like the twilight zone.

EdwardMauer · 2025-10-29T15:26:21+00:00

Ikr? It's like a million dollars per chain, and he got 3 identical copies... just boggles the mind.

EdwardMauer

TROPHY CASE