A custom nameplate necklace is a pendant cut from solid gold in the shape of a name or word, worn on a chain. To choose one, you decide four things: the style, the font, the gold and the chain length.
We have been making nameplates for our neighbors in Orange, NJ for 30 years, and these are the same questions we walk through with everyone who comes to the counter. Take them one at a time and the decision gets easy.
What nameplate styles can you choose from?
The style is how the surface of the gold is finished. It changes how the piece catches light more than anything else.
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Plain (high polish): smooth, mirror-bright gold. Clean, classic and the easiest to wear every day.
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Diamond-cut: the gold is carved with tiny facets so it sparkles without any stones.
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Plain with diamond-cut: a polished name with faceted details, like a cut border or accents.
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With diamonds: diamonds set on part of the plate, such as a heart or the first letter.
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Two-tone: yellow and white gold together, often a white gold accent on a yellow name.
Many of our designs also add a small heart, a crown or an underline bar. These details give the letters something to connect to and make the plate sturdier. For a closer look at each finish, read Diamond-Cut, Two-Tone or Full Diamond: Nameplate Finishes Explained.
Script or block letters: which font should you pick?
Script letters flow together like handwriting. They suit longer names and feel soft and personal. Block letters stand on their own. They are bolder, easier to read from across the room and work well for short names, nicknames and initials.
If you are stuck, picture how the person signs their name. Someone with loopy handwriting usually loves script. Someone who prints in capitals usually wants block. We cover this in more detail in Script vs Block Letters: How to Choose a Nameplate Font.
Which gold karat is best for a nameplate?
Karat tells you how much pure gold is in the metal. The rest is a mix of other metals that adds strength and sets the color.
| Karat |
Pure gold |
What it means for a nameplate |
| 10K |
41.7% |
Harder and more scratch-resistant, lighter in color |
| 14K |
58.3% |
A richer yellow with good strength for daily wear |
| 18K |
75% |
The deepest color, softer and heavier |
All three are solid gold and will last for years with normal care. Every listing on our site shows the metal and karat, plus the approximate weight in grams, so you know exactly what you are getting. Color is a separate choice: yellow gold is the classic look, white gold reads cool and bright, and two-tone gives you both.
How thick and heavy should a nameplate be?
Weight is a good clue to how solid a nameplate feels. Our listings show the approximate gram weight of each design, so you can compare a lighter everyday piece with a heavier one side by side. A heavier plate feels more substantial and holds up better to bending. A lighter plate sits more delicately and can be more comfortable to sleep in. If you are not sure, come in and hold a few. The difference is easy to feel.
What chain length works best?
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16 in: sits at the base of the neck, like a choker but looser.
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18 in: sits on the collarbone. The most common choice for a nameplate.
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20 in: sits a little lower and shows well over a crew neck.
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22–24 in: a longer, bolder look, common for men and for wearing over clothing.
Check each listing for the chain it comes with. For more on fit, see What Chain Length Is Best for a Nameplate Necklace?
How long does a custom nameplate take?
Every custom nameplate is made to order by hand in 10–14 business days. Because it is made just for you, custom and personalized pieces are final sale, but we will work with you to make sure you are happy with it. That is why we always confirm spelling, capitalization and style before we start. If a name is long or unusual, we will check with you on sizing first.
Visit or text us
Want to see fonts and finishes in person? Stop by 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open seven days a week, or call or text (973) 673-3800. When you are ready, browse our custom nameplate necklaces.
Custom Nameplate Necklace Guide: Fonts, Styles and Gold Options
A custom nameplate necklace is a pendant cut from solid gold in the shape of a name or word, worn on a chain. To choose one, you decide four things: the style, the font, the gold and the chain length.
We have been making nameplates for our neighbors in Orange, NJ for 30 years, and these are the same questions we walk through with everyone who comes to the counter. Take them one at a time and the decision gets easy.
What nameplate styles can you choose from?
The style is how the surface of the gold is finished. It changes how the piece catches light more than anything else.
Many of our designs also add a small heart, a crown or an underline bar. These details give the letters something to connect to and make the plate sturdier. For a closer look at each finish, read Diamond-Cut, Two-Tone or Full Diamond: Nameplate Finishes Explained.
Script or block letters: which font should you pick?
Script letters flow together like handwriting. They suit longer names and feel soft and personal. Block letters stand on their own. They are bolder, easier to read from across the room and work well for short names, nicknames and initials.
If you are stuck, picture how the person signs their name. Someone with loopy handwriting usually loves script. Someone who prints in capitals usually wants block. We cover this in more detail in Script vs Block Letters: How to Choose a Nameplate Font.
Which gold karat is best for a nameplate?
Karat tells you how much pure gold is in the metal. The rest is a mix of other metals that adds strength and sets the color.
All three are solid gold and will last for years with normal care. Every listing on our site shows the metal and karat, plus the approximate weight in grams, so you know exactly what you are getting. Color is a separate choice: yellow gold is the classic look, white gold reads cool and bright, and two-tone gives you both.
How thick and heavy should a nameplate be?
Weight is a good clue to how solid a nameplate feels. Our listings show the approximate gram weight of each design, so you can compare a lighter everyday piece with a heavier one side by side. A heavier plate feels more substantial and holds up better to bending. A lighter plate sits more delicately and can be more comfortable to sleep in. If you are not sure, come in and hold a few. The difference is easy to feel.
What chain length works best?
Check each listing for the chain it comes with. For more on fit, see What Chain Length Is Best for a Nameplate Necklace?
How long does a custom nameplate take?
Every custom nameplate is made to order by hand in 10–14 business days. Because it is made just for you, custom and personalized pieces are final sale, but we will work with you to make sure you are happy with it. That is why we always confirm spelling, capitalization and style before we start. If a name is long or unusual, we will check with you on sizing first.
Visit or text us
Want to see fonts and finishes in person? Stop by 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open seven days a week, or call or text (973) 673-3800. When you are ready, browse our custom nameplate necklaces.