Few things have the immediate, undeniable, historic allure of gold jewelry. The metal is synonymous with high status or achievement for a reason—beyond gold’s relative scarcity (there’s an anecdote that all the world’s gold can fit into two Olympic-sized swimming pools) something in us is seemingly hard-wired to be drawn to the luster of it. And while gold rings and gold bracelets are confident bits of bling, the best gold chains for men possess all of their magic, but fly a little more under the radar, glinting out mightily from under your tee or shirt collar.
Very few pieces of non-gold jewelry achieve heirloom status, but gold’s timeless appeal and preciousness means we keep those items around, sometimes for generations. Whether you’re a veteran collector or looking to flex your first, the great news is that today’s gold necklace market is stronger—and more varied—than ever. (Especially when you remember that no matter where it’s listed on a site, jewelry is intrinsically non-gendered, so you can really go wild with your browsing.) To help, I’ve trawled through online storefronts just like gold hunters sift through river basins to narrow it down to the truly best picks, in terms of design and the quality of the gold you’re getting. See you on the podium.
The Best Gold Chains Hit List
In This Shopping Guide
Simple Gold Chains
If you’re new to gold jewelry, or necklaces in general, this is where I’d recommend starting. Simple chains still give an undeniable aura (hello, Paul Mescal as Connor), but they won’t break the bank or your neck muscles.. These styles lean more subtle—they can easily be tucked into a neckline—but also are more than ready to be worn proudly over your layers. And why wouldn’t you?
Miansai
Leon Necklace
Plated in 14k gold, which has a deep gold tone to it, this style is a perfect daily driver that doesn’t need extras or further embellishment, but would also be a foolproof addition to a more layered chain look. The interesting links aren’t the usual box or paperclip style, but they’re also not as loud as a curb chain. The sweet spot.
David Yurman
Box Chain in Yellow Gold
As the name suggests, box chains use square-shaped links that alternate to make a very closely joined chain. (The result is a more fluid and consistent style that has very few discernable gaps.). This exemplary option is cast from 18k gold, which gives a deep yellow luster, helping the flatter box links to still shine beautifully.
MAPLE
Gold Julian Chain Necklace
Another 14k plated option here, in a simple paperclip chain style that has ever so slight facets—meaning any close up admirers will see that your taste level is just that bit more elevated.
Tom Wood
Gold Rolo Chain Necklace
If a box link is squared off, the rolo link is its circular brother. You still have the close-linked, fluid feeling you get with the box, but with more apparent spacing in between. This is an option that is squarely (or roundly) in the middle of the others on this list, and it’s also made by Tom Wood, who make some of the most precise, simple jewelry, sans frills for maximum thrills.
Gold Pendant Chains
Thin chains are great, but adding a small talisman makes them a true twofer. On shier days, pendants are easy to hide if you’re feeling like it’s overwhelming your look, but when you’re feeling yourself, bringing them out to play is a joyful way to have a signature daily piece. Pendants can be personal or playful, subtle or statement—it’s really dealer’s choice here, and that dealer (you) has an embarassment of riches to choose from.
Stolen Girlfriend’s Club
Gold Warm Welcome Necklace
Expletive but not excessive—take a look at the engraving—this is a simple pendant that at first glance is an elegant oval that evokes a locket, but at a second (closer) glance, also becomes a playful, firm bit of metal-based messaging.
Alighieri
Il Leone Medallion
Alighieri are one of the best in the game at offering handcrafted jewelry that would look as at home in a museum of Roman artefacts as they do about your person. This style, to quote the brand, utilises a lion motif to remind the wearer to be “strong in moments of self-doubt.” Affirming or not, it’s a beautiful object to carry with you daily.
Bleue Burnham
Bound Willow Pendant
These days, it’s almost impossible to put together a list of good jewelry without Bleue Burnham making the cut. All of their pieces are made from sustainably sourced metals and ethical, lab grown stones, but that’s only relevant because the designs also look this damn special—like this one, which recreates the texture of bound willow branches.
Madewell
Molten Pendant Necklace
While traditional forms like circular pendants and lockets will always have their place, there’s a whole world of more natural, sculptural pieces out there if you want to create a new tradition. Thanks to Madewell, that can also happen without obliterating your budget.
Après Ski
Elefante Silk Necklace
We’ve had a lion, and now we’ve got this frankly delightful little elephant pendant. This is also the only piece on this list to not sit on a metal chain, which allows this pendant to truly be the star of the show. The silk is perfect for those that aren’t too fond of the feeling of a chain on their neck, but fear not, if you want something more classic, then chain options are available too.
Cartier
Trinity Necklace
The trinity ring is a Cartier classic, featuring three interlaced bands, in pink, white, and yellow gold, to signify three of life’s great joys—love, fidelity, and friendship. This is an heirloom you’ll pass down (in that iconic red box), and while it’s certainly an investment, a heap of Cartier gold for under $2,000 strikes us as hardly the worst deal ever.
Gold Curb Chains
Chunkier, weightier, more impactful. That’s what you’ll be getting if you go for a necklace in the curb or cuban link style. The flatter metal links of a curb chain make it far more visible, because they lie flat against your chest so their full width is on show. A cuban link necklace then dials that impact up to 11, and brings some true wise guy energy with a hefty necklace that is hard to ignore.
Serge Denime
Gold Flat Cuban Chain
If you came here to get a Normal People-inspired chain, then this is likely the one you came to find. Simple, with a shorter length (so that it’s pretty much always on show), it’s very much a marriage of form and function, if the function you’re after is being compared to the most stylish man of the year.
Ernest W. Baker
Gold Classic Chain Necklace
Take the curb chain, and bulk it up slightly but not too much, and this is where you land. Significant enough to be seen poking out the top of your tee, but not so big as to feel like you’re trying to make a statement.
All Blues
Moto Necklace
Here’s one for an intentional but controlled, tasteful statement. The Swedish brand’s pieces are minimal leaning, but not afraid to make a bit of noise. This is definitely on the louder end of their spectrum, but when you’re dealing with cuban chains, the noisier the better. (The noise is usually an exclamation of “Ayyyy!”)
Tom Wood
Curb Chain L Gold
Another option from the precision masters over at Tom Wood. The 18k plating gives that deep gold tonality that you want when you’re dealing with a more impactful piece like a curb or cuban chain, but the more rounded links soften the impression a touch.
Wild Gold Chains
Sometimes, it’s go big or go home. For those that want the former, a lot of gold always packs a punch. Design aside, wearing a significant amount of the most precious of metals around your neck will telegraph that humility isn’t in play here—you back yourself, and deservedly so. Here are four of the best ways to convey your charisma today.
In Gold We Trust
Gold Flower Necklace
One thing that is often tricky to get right in jewelry is color. Thankfully, here’s a success story: An option that’s as much charm as it is chain, with playful flowers sitting around large gold links to create an eyecatching piece.
Marc Jacobs
The Monogram Ball Chain Necklace
This ball chain option is the closest thing to a choker on this list. Sitting close to the neck and featuring a clasp that can almost double as a pendant, Marc Jacobs has delivered a bold, spherically focussed necklace for those who want their bling to be upfront and undeniable.
Versace
Medusa Biggie Necklace
You really thought we’d leave out the medallion of Medusa? It’s a classic that’s synonymous with opulence and, well, gold. And this larger-sized Medusa pendant sits squarely on your sternum, giving you the air of a Versace-engineered Iron Man.
Homer
Sphere Link Chain XL
Another orbular option here, from Frank Ocean’s Homer. This is far and away the most expensive piece you’ll find on here, but with good reason. Firstly, and most importantly, it’s solid 18k gold, which gives it heirloom if not museum potential. Secondly, it’s a chance to own a rare creation from the mind of one of the 21st century’s most revered, enigmatic artists.
Gold Chains FAQ
What are the different types of gold?
Gold is classified in karats. This essentially measures the purity of the metal, and how much actual gold element is in the alloy. A lower score isn’t necessarily bad: 9k gold is the most common lower karat— it contains around 40% of gold in the alloy—but this makes it the most durable composition-wise, as higher-karat gold is a very soft metal by comparison. 14k and 18k contain 58% and 75% respectively, with the durability decreasing with each increase in gold percentage. The highest purity you can find is 24k, which is 99.9% pure gold—with that comes the obvious price tag, and the respective softness too.
How do you keep gold clean?
Over time, gold plated items over time will show signs of wear, particularly in high friction areas like the back of the neck. This is due to the plating being a very thin layer of gold over a more durable and inexpensive metal, often sterling silver. It’s best to take off any plated items before showering to avoid exacerbating this wearing process with water/chemicals.
The easiest way to clean your gold jewelry is in warm water, with a small amount of mild detergent or baby shampoo. You want to avoid using any chemicals like chlorine or soaps, as this can dull the metal. Polish with a dry cloth to buff out any dirt, and store in a dark place, like the cloth bag that you’ll usually find comes with your piece.