Gold Necklace Styles
Cable chain necklaces are the everyday workhorse—simple, uniform oval links that lay flat and work on their own or with a pendant. They're the chain most people picture when they think of a gold necklace. Rope chains twist multiple strands together for a textured, dimensional look that catches light beautifully and feels substantial around the neck. Box chains use square links that create a smooth, geometric profile—they're strong for their size and our top recommendation for hanging pendants.
Figaro necklaces alternate short and long links in a classic pattern that's been a gold jewelry staple for generations. Cuban link necklaces feature bold, interlocking links that sit flat and make a statement—they're the most popular chain style in men's and unisex jewelry right now. Herringbone necklaces lay completely flat against the skin like a liquid ribbon of gold. Snake chains have a smooth, round profile with no visible links, creating a sleek, modern look. And Singapore chains twist and catch light in a way that gives them more sparkle than their simple construction would suggest. Browse our gold chains collection for even more styles, or pair your necklace with gold earrings for a coordinated set.
Choosing the Right Gold Necklace
Gold purity affects color, durability, and price. 14K gold is our bestseller for necklaces—it has a rich gold color, it's durable enough for daily wear, and it holds its value well. 10K gold is the most affordable and hardest gold alloy, making it great for necklaces that'll get a lot of wear. 18K gold has a deeper, more saturated yellow tone that looks noticeably richer, but it's softer and scratches more easily. For necklaces, 14K gives most people the best combination of beauty and practicality.
Length changes the entire look. A 16-inch choker sits tight at the base of the throat—bold and polished. An 18-inch princess length hits just below the collarbone and is the most versatile length for women. A 20-inch matinee falls just above the chest and works with higher necklines. 22 to 24 inches is the standard men's range, and 30 inches and longer creates a dramatic layering piece. Width matters just as much: 1–2 mm is delicate and feminine, 3–5 mm is visible without being heavy, and 6 mm-plus makes a real statement.
Gold Necklaces by Color
Yellow gold necklaces are the timeless classic. The warm tone catches light beautifully, never needs replating, and looks good on every skin tone. Yellow gold has been the standard in gold jewelry for thousands of years and it's still our most-requested color. White gold necklaces offer a cooler, more modern look. The rhodium plating gives white gold a bright, silvery finish that pairs well with diamonds and contemporary wardrobes. It needs replating every year or two depending on wear, but the service is quick and inexpensive.
Rose gold necklaces have surged in popularity over the last several years. The warm pink tone is distinctive, flatters a wide range of skin tones, and adds a romantic, modern feel that yellow and white don't quite achieve. To learn more about gold purity and alloys, visit our guide to gold. Add a gold pendant to personalize any chain. Two-tone and tri-color necklaces combine multiple gold colors in alternating links or woven patterns. They're the most versatile option because they match any other gold jewelry you own regardless of color. We see a lot of customers buying tri-color necklaces specifically because they don't want to worry about coordinating metals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular gold necklace length?
For women, 18 inches is the most popular by a wide margin. It sits just below the collarbone, works with virtually every neckline, and looks balanced on most body types. For men, 20 to 22 inches is the sweet spot—it sits at or just below the collar of a shirt. If you plan to layer necklaces, vary your lengths by at least 2 inches between pieces so they don't bunch up. We always recommend trying on different lengths before buying because body proportion affects where a chain sits more than the number suggests.
Is 10K, 14K, or 18K gold best for a necklace?
14K is the best all-around choice for most people. It's got rich color, good durability, and solid value. 10K is ideal if you want the most affordable solid gold option or if you're hard on your jewelry—it's the toughest gold alloy. 18K is the right pick if you prioritize that deep, rich gold color and you're willing to be a little more careful with it. We sell the most 14K necklaces by far because it hits the sweet spot of looking beautiful and holding up to real life. There's no wrong answer here—it's about matching the karat to how you live.
Should I buy a solid or hollow gold necklace?
Both have their place. Solid gold necklaces are heavier, more durable, and hold their value better. They can be repaired by a jeweler if a link gets damaged. Hollow gold necklaces are lighter and more affordable, which matters a lot in thicker chains—a solid 8 mm Cuban link would be very heavy and expensive, so hollow construction makes those bold styles accessible. For thinner chains (3 mm and under), we always recommend solid because the durability difference is significant and the price gap is smaller. For thick statement chains where weight would be uncomfortable, hollow is a perfectly valid choice.
How do I prevent a gold necklace from tangling?
Tangling is the number one complaint we hear about necklaces, and it's almost always a storage issue. Store each necklace separately—hang them on individual hooks, lay them flat in a jewelry box with compartments, or put each one in its own small zip-lock bag. When traveling, thread each chain through a drinking straw and clasp it—the straw keeps it straight and tangle-free. Certain chain types tangle more than others: snake and herringbone chains kink easily, while box and cable chains resist tangling. If a chain does tangle, lay it flat on a hard surface and use two straight pins to gently work the knot apart. Never pull.
How do I clean a gold necklace?
Warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Soak the necklace for 15 to 20 minutes to loosen oils and product buildup, then gently work the links with a soft toothbrush. Pay special attention to the clasp area where grime accumulates. Rinse under running water and pat dry with a soft cloth. For white gold, stick to this method and avoid abrasive polishes that can strip the rhodium. For yellow and rose gold, you can use a gold polishing cloth for extra shine. Clean your necklace every couple of weeks if you wear it daily—the difference between a clean gold chain and a dirty one is night and day. Gold that looks dull is almost always just dirty, not damaged.