Gold Chain Styles We Carry
Choosing a gold chain starts with the link style, and we carry every major one. The Cuban link is our best seller—flat, interlocking links that lay flush against the skin and catch light from every angle. It's the chain most people picture when they think gold chain, and it works equally well on men and women depending on the width. Figaro chains alternate between short and long links in a repeating pattern that has been an Italian jewelry staple for generations—it has a rhythm to it that sets it apart from other styles.
Rope chains twist two or more strands of gold into a dimensional, textured design that really comes alive in the light. Franco chains are built with V-shaped links that interlock on all four sides, making them one of the strongest chain constructions we carry—if durability is a priority, this is your chain. Box chains have square links that create a smooth, geometric profile—clean, modern, and excellent for hanging a pendant. Curb chains are the everyday classic: uniform, flat links that drape naturally. Herringbone chains lay flat like a ribbon of gold for a sleek, eye-catching look. And Mariner chains feature oval links with a bar through the center, a nautical-inspired design with real visual character. Browse our full selection of men's gold chains for heavier weights, or explore all chain styles to compare link patterns side by side.
Choosing the Right Gold Chain
Width sets the entire tone of the chain. At 1–2 mm, you get a delicate look that works well layered or tucked under a collar—popular for women's chains and as a pendant carrier. At 3–5 mm, the chain has real presence without being bold, which is the sweet spot for everyday unisex wear. Once you hit 6 mm and above, you're making a statement—these are the widths most popular in men's jewelry. We always tell customers: the chain looks different in person than on a screen, so if you can, try a few widths before deciding.
Length determines where the chain sits. An 18-inch chain falls right at the collarbone and is our most popular length for women. 20 inches sits just below the collarbone and is the go-to for men's everyday wear. 22–24 inches gives you room for a pendant or a relaxed drape, and 26–30 inches creates a layered look over clothing. Solid vs. hollow is the other big decision. Solid chains are gold all the way through—heavier, stronger, and built to last for decades. Hollow chains have the same outer appearance but are lighter and more affordable; the trade-off is they can dent or kink if they take an impact. For a chain you plan to wear daily, we recommend solid construction every time. Visit our chain guide for detailed help with width, length, and link style.
Gold Type and Color
14K gold is what we sell the most of, and for good reason. At 58.3% pure gold, it hits the sweet spot between rich color and real-world durability. The alloy content makes it resistant to scratching and bending, which matters for a piece of jewelry that sits around your neck every day. 18K gold steps up to 75% pure gold—the color is noticeably deeper and more saturated, especially in yellow gold. It's a bit softer than 14K, so we typically recommend it for customers who want the richest gold tone and are willing to treat the chain with a little extra care.
Yellow gold is the classic—warm, traditional, and unmistakable. It's the most popular color we sell and it pairs with everything. White gold gives you a cool, silvery tone that looks similar to platinum at a more accessible price point. It's finished with rhodium plating for extra brightness, which needs a refresh every 12 to 18 months with regular wear. Rose gold has a warm pink hue that has become increasingly popular, especially for women's chains and layered looks. Two-tone chains combine yellow and white gold links for a distinctive look that bridges both worlds. Explore our 14K two-tone chains to see the options, and visit our gold guide to learn more about karats, colors, and what makes the most sense for how you plan to wear the chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What width gold chain should I choose?
It depends on the look you're going for and who's wearing it. For women, 1–3 mm is the most popular range—delicate enough to layer or wear with a small pendant, but still visible on its own. For men, 4–6 mm is the everyday sweet spot—noticeable without being over the top. At 7 mm and above, you're in statement territory. One thing we always tell customers: width and length work together. A 2 mm chain at 24 inches can look stringy, while a 6 mm chain at 18 inches can feel a bit stubby. Match the proportions and the whole thing comes together. If you're not sure, start in the middle of the range and go from there.
What is the best chain length for everyday wear?
For most women, 18 inches is the sweet spot—it sits right at the collarbone and works with almost any neckline. For most men, 20 inches is the everyday standard. If you plan to add a pendant, add 2 inches to your preferred bare-chain length so the pendant has room to hang properly. For layering, you want at least 2 inches of separation between chains so they don't tangle. A quick trick: grab a piece of string, cut it to the length you're considering, and hold it around your neck in front of a mirror. It takes the guesswork out of it.
Should I get a solid or hollow gold chain?
If your budget allows, go solid. A solid gold chain is gold all the way through—it's heavier, significantly stronger, and will last you decades of daily wear without losing its shape. It also holds its resale value better because there's more gold in it. Hollow chains are lighter and cost less for the same width, which makes them attractive if you want a bigger look at a lower price. The trade-off is durability—hollow links can dent, crush, or kink if they catch on something or take a hard bump. They're also harder to repair. For a chain you plan to wear every day, solid is always our recommendation.
Can I hang a pendant on any gold chain?
Most chain styles work with pendants, but some are better suited than others. Box chains and cable chains are the traditional pendant carriers—the links are strong, the profile is clean, and the pendant slides freely. Curb and figaro chains also work well with pendants. Rope chains can hold a pendant, but the textured surface can sometimes catch on the bail. Herringbone chains are generally not recommended for pendants because the flat, ribbon-like construction can kink under the weight of a heavier piece. The most important thing is matching the chain width to the pendant weight—a delicate 1 mm chain can't support a heavy cross, and a thick 5 mm chain overwhelms a small solitaire. We're happy to help you match the right chain to any pendant.
How do I take care of my gold chain?
Gold is a low-maintenance metal, which is one of the reasons people love it. For regular cleaning, soak the chain in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently work into the links—especially tight link styles like rope and Franco where body oil builds up. Rinse under running water, dry with a soft cloth, and you're done. Do this every couple of weeks if you wear the chain daily. Take it off before swimming—chlorine in pools and hot tubs attacks the alloy metals in gold over time. Remove it before the gym, heavy yard work, or anything that involves chemicals. Store it flat or hanging, not balled up in a drawer where it can tangle and kink. Bring it to a jeweler once a year for a professional cleaning and clasp inspection.