The Best Gold Chain - 2021
Why Trust The DWYM Score?
DWYM is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more.
Our Picks For The Top Gold Chains
Chunky Men's ChainWith a width of 6 to 14 mm, this chain is perfect for the man who wants that thick chain necklace look.
Durable DesignThis necklace is built to last, with a layer of 18-karat gold over .925 sterling silver.
Versatile OptionThis 14-karat gold chain is available in two lengths and has a design that makes it a good fit for both dressy and casual attire.
Thicker ChainSlightly thicker than other gold chains, this necklace is just the right diameter for everyday wear.
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.
The Best Gold Chains
ChainsPro Chunky Gold Chain
You choose both your length and diameter with this necklace, which comes in widths from 6 to 14mm and lengths from 18 to 30 inches. The material is 316L stainless steel, coated in either 18-karat real gold or black metal plated. It comes with both a jewelry pouch and a gift box for easy gifting
Features
Specifications
Bling For Your Buck Thin Gold Box Chain
This 18-karat gold-plated necklace has a box chain design and sturdy construction to last through around-the-clock wear. It's available in a wide range of lengths, from 15 to 40 inches. The necklace is .925 sterling silver coated in a layer of 18-karat gold.
Features
Specifications
ARGENTO REALE 14K Gold Chain
You can choose between a 20-inch and 24-inch length with this 14-karat gold chain. The thin build makes it perfect for adding a pendant if you prefer. The lightweight design means you'll be able to wear it comfortably throughout the day and night.
Features
Specifications
MiaBella Diamond Cut Gold Chain
If you're looking for a thicker 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.
Features
Specifications
Aobei Pearl Paperclip Gold Chain Choker
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.
Features
Specifications
Our Gold Chain 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.
DWYM Fun Fact
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.
The Gold Chain Tips and Advice
- 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.
Related Categories
About The Author
Stephanie Faris is a novelist and professional writer. She's also a wife and stepmom who lives in the Nashville, Tennessee, area. She has a passion for fashion and has been able to used that passion to write content for a variety of sites. She also writes books for young children, including the Piper Morgan series of chapter books published by Simon & Schuster's Aladdin imprint.