The Best Gold Chain To Add To Any Look
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You won't need to spend time polishing this gold chain, as it's designed to retain its shine with minimal maintenance. The chain is made from stainless steel, so you can count on it being strong and durable. It's also plated with 24-karat gold and sold with a complimentary gift bag.
Most AffordableIf you're searching for the prefect budget-friendly gift, this gold chain is an excellent choice.
This gold chain looks great on men, women and teens. It's constructed from a durable stainless steel and plated with 18-karat gold. You can order it in a variety of widths, ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 millimeters.
Gender Neutral DesignYou'll love the twisted rope design of this gold chain, which features an easy-to-close lobster clasp.
This choker is 18-karat gold plated to provide the benefits of gold without the cost. It measures 16 inches and has a lobster clasp. You'll need to take it off while showering or swimming to prevent tarnishing, but otherwise, it will hold up for all-day wear.
Fun DesignThe design of this gold chain is inspired by linked paperclips.
If you're looking for a thicker gold chain, this necklace is a great choice. It's available in multiple lengths from 16 inches to 30 inches to let you customize your fit. The necklace is made from sterling silver with gold plating.
Thicker ChainSlightly thicker than other gold chains, this necklace is just the right diameter for everyday wear.
Buying Guide
Gold chains have long been a favorite piece of everyday jewelry. The design makes them easy to wear 24 hours a day, no matter what clothing you have on or what you’re doing. But there are plenty of things to consider if you’re in the market for a gold chain.
The first thing to look at is the material used to construct your gold chain. Solid gold is ideal, but it’s also pricey. To keep costs down, many manufacturers will use gold plating, which includes an interior that’s made of a durable material like stainless steel. Another option is a hollow gold chain, but you run a risk of denting or breaking these lighter options.
It’s important to note the role the gold plays in how well your necklace holds up. You typically won’t find 20-karat or 22-karat gold in chains designed to wear every day because purer gold scratches more easily. Instead, look for a chain in 10-karat to 18-karat gold for a necklace you can wear all the time.
Perhaps the biggest factor that sets one gold chain apart from others is the design of the links. A box-chain necklace features square links, but many links are more rounded. You can even find gold chains with links that emulate the design of a series of paperclips linked together.
What to Look For
- Perhaps one of the most important features of any necklace designed for daily wear is comfort. You’ll want one that feels smooth against your skin. This is especially true if you plan to sleep in your necklace.
- If you’ll be wearing your necklace in the shower or while swimming, 14-karat or 18-karat gold is best. But many gold chains are plated, and the plating can wear off over time. You can have the chain replated if that happens.
- Those who suffer from allergies will need to go with a higher karat. The lower the karat, the more nickel is present in the gold, and nickel is typically the culprit when someone has a reaction to gold jewelry.
- You’ll probably notice chains are more rounded than flat, and there’s a good reason for that. Flatter chains are more prone to kinks. They’re also more likely to get caught in your clothing.
- If you’re buying a new necklace, pay particular attention to the clasp. You’ll want one with a secure hold so you don’t risk losing your necklace when you’re out and about. Many gold chains utilize something called a lobster clasp because it doesn’t open easily, even if your necklace gets caught on something.
More to Explore
If you’ve ever owned a piece of vintage gold jewelry, you’ve likely noticed the gold tends to turn darker and develop a more matte-like appearance over the years. This is known as a patina, and some seek out jewelry that has that quality. Still others work hard to polish their gold to keep a patina from setting in.
What causes a patina? Oxidation. Over time, gold starts to lose molecules, causing it to oxidize and change its appearance. But oxidation isn’t the only reason you might see a different color in older pieces. In the time your vintage piece was made, copper might have been mixed in with gold and other metals, which will make a piece of gold look slightly darker and redder than pure gold.
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