A Gold Chain Necklace for Every Occasion—Shop This Season’s Top Styles

One could argue that the gold chain necklace is the most ubiquitous accessory of all time. The style, which was championed by both ancient Egyptian rulers and early 2000s R&B recording artists, has transcended time and culture, becoming a fan favorite amongst not only off-duty models but also on-the-go, modern-day moms. Few jewelry baubles can claim to have as robust (and versatile) a presence as the gold chain can.

With an endless array of iterations — from thin, barely-there metallic strands to bolder, statement-making chains that instantly command attention — gold chain necklaces are some of the best gold jewelry pieces for both everyday wear and special occasion dressing.

They’ve been repped by almost every notable A-lister, artist, and athlete worth mentioning, and are consistently rocked by not just power players, but also power couples. Even Justin and Hailey Bieber, who rarely appear aligned on one, singular dress code (and who are notorious for their extremely opposing styles) seem to agree that the gold chain necklace is an accessory to embrace, and this star-studded pair isn’t the only couple who has shown their joint support for the style.

Victoria and David Beckham, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Beyonce and Jay-Z, and buzziest of all, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce (both of whom donned gold chains during their first joint public appearance as a couple) are just a few it-couples who have indulged in a good gold chain or two over the years.

Even two-time Super Bowl champion, Patrick Mahomes, and his wife, Brittany Mahomes (the newest member of Swift’s girl gang), sported significantly sizeable chains at the 2023 ESPY Awards, earlier this year. Him in a diamond-encrusted curb chain, and her in a dramatic, giant link necklace, proving that the gold chain is a winning his and hers jewelry piece.

Whether you style them solo, layered, or adorned with charms to create your very own personalized charm necklace (a more modern take on the classic charm bracelet), gold chain necklaces are the everyday accessories you’ll wear time and time again.

Below, our guide to the best gold chain necklaces on the market today: from Box to Cuban to Rolo, Figaro to Wheat to Snake, or even the oh-so-versatile Paperclip, the options are endless.

The Best Gold Chains, According to Vogue

The Delicate Chain: Monica Vinader 16-inch fine bead station necklace, $95The Bold Chain: Jenny Bird le tome Sofia disc choker necklace, $200The Layering Chain: Jennifer Fisher 60″ small gold-tone necklace, $280The Lariat Chain: AllSaints snake chain lariat necklace, $59 The Glamorous Chain: Ben-Amun gold necklace with crystals, $345

Delicate and Thin

While some may find a delicate gold chain a bit inconspicuous (only slightly peeking out from the collar of one’s blouse) it’s the ideal accessory for the if you know, you know crowd — the jewelry equivalent of the tried and true no-makeup-makeup look.

Mejuri

long boyfriend bold chain necklace

Foundrae

sister hook 18-karat gold necklace

Monica Vinader

16-inch fine bead station necklace

Lizzie Mandler

rolo-chain 18kt gold necklace

Aurate

gold herringbone chain necklace

Big and Bold

Try a chunky, hunky gold link when you want your outfit to ooze in-your-face attitude.

Jenny Bird

le tome Sofia disc choker necklace

Lié Studio

Laura gold-plated necklace

Lauren Rubinski

extra large 14-karat gold necklace

Anine Bing

gold coil chain necklace

Dorsey

gold Clarette link necklace

Marco Biego

Marrakech Onde two-tone 18k gold & diamond chain necklace

Layered and Long

Layered chains and long loops are great ways to add dimension to your looks.

Jennifer Fisher

60″ small gold-tone necklace

Ippolita

long smooth chain necklace in 18k gold

Stephanie Windsor

vintage 1980s 18-karat gold necklace

Roberto Coin

18k yellow gold & diamond triple-strand paperclip chain necklace

Kenneth Jay Lane

long circle-link necklace

David Yurman

box chain necklace in 18k gold

Lariats

The lariat is the sultry provocateur of the jewelry world, known for its ultra feminine design that elongates the neck and draws attention to the décolletage — an ideal accessory for when you want to feel sophisticated and sexy.

AllSaints

snake chain lariat necklace

Stone & Strand

tiny diamond lariat necklace

Jennifer Zeuner

shepard lariat necklace

Nikos Khoulis

black enamel diamond double lariat necklace

Zoe Lev

14k gold bezel diamond by the yard lariat

Lana

Miami lariat necklace