The 14 Best Gold Chain Necklaces of 2023

If you’re looking for a necklace you can put on as soon as you buy it and never take off, a gold chain necklace will do the trick. “I would wear a gold chain necklace everywhere,” Mara Scalise, owner and head designer of her eponymous jewelry label MARA SCALISE tells Byrdie.

One reason that a gold chain necklace will work for a run to the grocery store, a day in the office, and a formal dinner party is the style’s variability—you can personalize it with different pendants, charms, and diamonds, and it comes in various lengths, widths, and materials. There are also various chain styles like rope, beaded, and paper clip. They may have different weights, too—light as a feather to be worn with a tank top and jeans or chunky and bold to balance out your evening dress.

To help us create this gold chain necklace shopping guide, we spoke with Scalise, Rosanne Karmes, founder and head designer of Sydney Evan; George Root, CEO and creative director of Milamore Jewelry; and Adina Eden, founder and head designer of ADINA EDEN. In addition to our market research, we took into account their insights on how to best assess quality, timelessness, and value for money.

Best Overall

Sydney Evan Oval Link Chain

Sydney Evan

View On Sydneyevan.com

With thousands of gold chain necklaces on the market, it took a lot of time and consideration to narrow it down to just one that we believe is a must-have in your collection. But ultimately, it makes sense that this oval gold chain necklace should take our top spot. We love that it has such an extensive length range, from 16 inches to 36 inches, so you can layer it with several other necklaces. “It is a great investment piece and quite timeless,” Karmes says.

Price at time of publish: Starts at $1,090

Materials: 14K gold | Length: 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 inches

Best Budget

MistikJewelry 18k Gold Filled Chain Necklace

Etsy

View On Etsy

If you’re looking to start your jewelry collection but none of the mass market options are resonating with you, perhaps you should look at a small business on Etsy. The marketplace is full of hidden gems with affordable pricing. This one offers an 18K gold-filled chain necklace with thousands of positive reviews on the quality and accessible price point. (It retails for under $30.)

Price at time of publish: $21–$27

Materials: 18K gold-filled | Length: 16 and 18 inches

Best Everyday

Zoe Chicco 14k Tiny Bar and Cable Chain Necklace

Shopbop

View On AmazonView On Shopbop.com

A gold chain necklace is a finishing touch capable of pulling together your outfit. Case in point: Thanks to its easy simplicity, this Zoe Chicco necklace can be styled up or down and worn from gym class to the office and then on a first date, Scalise points out. Plus, the 14K gold isn’t too precious, so you won’t have to worry about wearing it out easily.

Price at time of publish: $250

Materials: 14K gold | Length: 18 inches

Best Pendant

Mejuri Zodiac Pendant Necklace

Mejuri

View On Mejuri.com

Calling all astrology lovers—you’ll love this one. This Mejuri zodiac pendant necklace will elevate your everyday look with its gold vermeil and white sapphire design. “It’s classic enough to wear every day but unique and big enough to make a statement. Perfect for a classic white tee and black cardigan combo,” Scalise suggests. Choose your sign, then add it to the checkout cart.

Price at time of publish: $128

Materials: 18K gold vermeil (18K gold-plating on sterling silver), white sapphires | Length: 16 or 18 inches 

Best with Charms

Kendra Scott Frankie Convertible Gold Crystal Charm Necklace in Multi Mix

Kendra Scott 

View On Kendrascott.comView On Macy’s

Brighten things up with this charm chain necklace from Kendra Scott. It’s perfect for those obsessed with Y2K and camp fashion. One of our favorite aspects is that no two necklaces will be the same; according to the product description, exact patterns and hues will be different due to the company’s manufacturing processes. 

Price at time of publish: $198

Materials: 14K gold-plating over brass | Length: 18 inches with a 3-inch extender

Best Sustainable

Monica Vinader Siren Mini Nugget Fine and Beaded Chain Necklace Set

Monica Vinader 

View On Monicavinader.com

Monica Vinader responsibly manufactured this recycled gold vermeil (gold-plated sterling silver) necklace. With green onyx stone as the focal point, the piece boasts a mix of delicateness and boldness. Add on the suggested Fine Chain Necklace and Fine Beaded Necklace for a layered look.

Price at time of publish: $175

Materials: 100% recycled gold vermeil (18K gold-plated sterling silver), onyx | Length: 18–24 inches

Best Personalized

Oak and Luna Mon Petit Name Necklace 14k Solid Gold

Oak & Luna

View On Oakandluna.com

Within every set of layered necklaces, our experts agree there should be a focal point, like a larger stone or a thicker chain. We suggest taking a more customized approach with this name necklace from Oak and Luna. Treat yourself or gift this piece to your friend or family member with a unique name. There’s also the option to add a round or heart-shaped diamond to the necklace if you’re looking to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece. 

Price at time of publish: $290

Materials: 14K gold | Length: 14, 16, 18 inches

The Best Personalized Jewelry of 2023

Most Versatile

Drae U-link Bundle Gold

Drae

View On Draecollection.com

Celebrities love Canada-based affordable jewelry brand DRAE, and so do we. The brand’s U-Link Bundle is a particularly good value due to its convertible bracelet-to-necklace design. Add or remove chain links according to the look you’re going for.

Price at time of publish: $238 on sale

Materials: 14K gold-plated metal | Length: Up to 17.5 inches

Best Delicate

Milamore Azuki Chain YG

Milamore

View On Milamorejewelry.com

Even though delicate dainty chains offer an elegant and refined look to your decolletage, if not crafted properly, they could become more vulnerable to breakage. So, save yourself the hassle of having to replace yours and consider investing in a high-end piece from the start, like this Azuki Chain from Milamore. It’s handcrafted from 18K recycled gold by artisans in Japan.

Price at time of publish: $1,400

Materials: 18K gold | Length: 45 centimeters

Best Choker

Mara Scalise Box Chain Choker

Mara Scalise

View On Marascalise.com

For something entirely unfussy, opt for this gold chain choker from Mara Scalise. It seeks to balance feminine and masculine energy (a classic men’s gold chain tends to pass the collarbone ever so slightly) so that it will pair fluidly and elegantly with any look.

Price at time of publish: $830

Materials: 14K gold-filled | Length: 17.5 inches

Best with Diamonds

Mateo 14K Yellow Gold & Diamond Mini Circle Pendant Necklace

Saks 5th Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Gold and diamonds for under $500? Yes, please. This 14K yellow gold necklace features a classic circle pendant encrusted with round diamonds. Sure, it’s still a splurge compared to some other picks on this list, but we feel confident that you’ll find yourself reaching for this investment piece pretty consistently, no matter the vibe of the day.

Price at time of publish: $450

Materials: 14K gold, diamonds | Length: 16 inches

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Best Rope

Zoe Chicco 14k Medium Rope Chain Necklace With Dangling Prong Diamond

Zoe Chicco 

View On Zoechicco.com

“Rope chains are one of the oldest chain styles still worn today,” Eden says. “They work with almost any outfit and will never go out of style.” Add some texture to your layered necklaces with this 14K gold rope chain necklace from Zoë Chicco. Especially if your aesthetic leans preppy with a touch of Old English, add this piece to your collection before it’s sold out.

Price at time of publish: $995

Materials: 14K gold | Length: 16 inches

Best Long

Mara Scalise Knotted Paris Chain Necklace

Mara Scalise

View On Marascalise.com

This Mara Scalise piece will help nail the long necklace look on many occasions. And with so many ways to wear it, you’ll never be bored. “I love this chain because there’s endless ways to wear it,” the designer says. “You can knot it, wrap it around like a scarf, create a choker effect, twist it, and customize it in your own unique way to achieve a dainty look or a statement piece.” 

Price at time of publish: $535

Materials: 14K gold-filled | Length: 48.5 inches

Best with Sparkle

Adina Eden Diamond By The Yard Necklace

Adina Eden 

View On Adinaeden.com

Finding a worthy gold chain with sparkle at an affordable price point can be challenging if you don’t know of Adina Eden. This delicate piece is made from gold-plated sterling silver and cubic zirconia and comes in three chain lengths—16, 24, and 32 inches. At $65, it’s a great value; you can feel a bit like you’re getting something luxe without paying a hefty price.

Price at time of publish: $65

Materials: Gold-plated sterling silver, cubic zirconia | Length: 16, 24, 36 inches