Gold Necklaces

Jewelry trends can change over time, but the gold necklace is always a stylish staple for men and women. Some of today’s most popular gold necklace styles include pieces with gold pendants, cross necklaces, lockets, standalone chains and gold circle necklaces. White gold necklaces are always in style and recent years have seen a growth in demand for yellow gold as well. Rose gold necklaces for women can bring a unique and romantic style. For more formal or standout looks, consider adding diamonds or gemstones to your necklace.

The price of a 14k gold necklace depends on its design, and we offer looks and prices for every budget and style. Simple and fashionable gold pendants—which are popular gold necklaces for women—are available for just a couple hundred dollars. Gold necklaces with diamond and gemstone accents can cost up to a few thousand dollars, while necklaces with multiple diamonds and gemstones are worth anywhere from ten to twenty thousand dollars.

White gold and platinum both have a sleek and smooth white sheen that beautifully accentuates the sparkle of diamonds. Platinum is our most durable precious metal, and it never fades or changes color. Gold is more malleable than platinum, but it's alloyed with other metals to ensure that our gold necklaces also last a lifetime. Platinum is about 30 times rarer than gold, making white gold the more affordable option of the two. When choosing between white gold or platinum for your necklace, it’s important to consider the aging of the piece. Over time, platinum can develop a patina that becomes part of the metal’s look. Many people like this look but for those who want a necklace that is always shining, white gold is a great choice. The rhodium plating of white gold can be added back if the white gold necklace begins to show its yellow gold underneath.

Yellow gold and white gold necklaces are available at many of the same price points. The value of gold jewelry is based not on the type of gold, but the karat weight. We offer both 14k and 18k gold necklaces. Because 18k gold is a purer alloy, it carries a higher price.

Yes, gold necklaces in 14k and 18k are very durable. These karat options make for affordable and durable gold necklaces that will continue to bring shining style day after day.

Structurally, there is no difference between women’s and men’s gold necklaces. The difference boils down to the style. Men’s gold necklaces are generally thicker and often focus on just the chain. Women’s gold necklaces, on the other hand, are thinner and often include pendants or charms. Of course, there is no set rule about which gold necklaces men are allowed to wear and which styles women are allowed to wear. Some men prefer thinner gold necklaces, and some women enjoy wearing larger necklaces. Your gold necklace choice will depend on your own jewelry preferences, your style and your budget.

Gold chains with pendants are measured by their chain length. This measurement is taken end-to-end and includes the clasp’s length as well. Pendants can vary in size, from just a few centimeters to several inches long. The complete length of a gold chain with a pendant will depend on the exact combination of chain and pendant. Chains between 16-20 inches long are generally the best choice for gold chains with pendants. Some people choose longer gold necklaces to add pendants to for a dramatic look.

The difference between 14k and 18k gold is the percentage of gold in the necklaces. These pieces are made by mixing gold with other alloys that strengthen the jewelry. 14k gold necklaces will have a little less gold present than 18k gold necklaces but both are equally durable. The difference between 14k and 18k is most visually noticeable in yellow gold where 18k may appear a little more yellow than 14k. Both karat options are incredibly durable and built for impressive shine. Our women’s and men’s gold necklaces can include chains, pendants and precious stones such as diamonds.

Real gold necklaces are sold from reputable jewelry stores and online jewelers. A real gold necklace will not tarnish, though it may need polishing over the years. Real gold is not magnetic and it does not rust when it gets wet. High-quality gold necklaces will not turn your skin green after prolonged wear. Genuine gold necklaces will be stamped with their karat value and often a maker’s mark. Additional stamps such as GF or RGP mean that your necklace is not solid gold and is instead a base metal covered in a thin layer of gold. At Blue Nile, we only sell real solid gold necklaces.

14k or 18k gold are great choices for necklaces. Affordable, durable and stylish gold necklaces for women and men are available in yellow, white and rose gold. The best gold for your necklace is one that matches your personal style and provides lasting wear.