Before you buy a gold chain, check seven things: the karat, whether it is solid or hollow, the chain style, the width in millimeters, the length in inches, the clasp and the weight in grams. Those details tell you how the chain will look, how long it will last and whether the price makes sense.
Here is what to look for on each one.
1. What karat is the gold?
Karat measures how much pure gold is in the metal. The rest is other metals that add strength.
| Karat |
Pure gold |
Common stamp |
| 10K |
41.7% |
10K or 417 |
| 14K |
58.3% |
14K or 585 |
| 18K |
75% |
18K or 750 |
10K is the toughest and most affordable. 14K has a richer color and is still strong for daily wear. 18K is the most yellow but softer. Look for the stamp, usually on or near the clasp.
2. Is it solid gold, hollow or plated?
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Solid: gold all the way through. Heavier, holds its shape and can be repaired.
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Hollow: gold tubes with an empty center. Looks big for the price, but it dents more easily and is harder to fix.
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Semi-solid: somewhere in between.
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Gold-plated: a thin layer of gold over another metal. It can wear through over time.
On our site, gold-plated items are labeled as plated, and listings say whether a chain is solid or hollow.
3. Which chain style do you want?
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Cuban: flat, interlocking links that lie smooth. Bold and popular for everyday wear.
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Franco: tight V-shaped links. Very strong and great for holding a pendant.
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Rope: twisted links that catch the light like a rope.
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Figaro: a pattern of short links followed by one long link.
If you plan to hang a pendant or a nameplate, choose a style strong enough for it, like Franco, rope or a solid Cuban.
4. How wide should the chain be?
Width is measured in millimeters. As a rough guide: 1–3 mm is delicate and layers well, 4–6 mm is a noticeable everyday chain, and 7 mm and up is a statement piece. Wider chains weigh more, so they cost more in solid gold.
5. What length do you need?
| Length |
Where it usually sits |
| 16 in |
Base of the neck |
| 18 in |
Collarbone; a common length for women |
| 20 in |
Just below the collarbone; a common length for men |
| 22 in |
Upper chest |
| 24 in |
Mid-chest; good with a larger pendant |
| 30 in |
Lower chest; worn over clothes |
Where a chain sits depends on your neck size and build. Measure a chain you already like, or lay a string around your neck to see where each length lands.
6. What kind of clasp does it have?
A lobster clasp is the most common and easy to use. A box clasp is common on heavier Cuban chains; it clicks into place and often has a safety latch for extra security. On a heavy chain, a secure clasp is worth checking twice.
7. How much does it weigh?
In solid gold, weight in grams is a big part of what you pay for. Two chains with the same width and length can weigh very different amounts depending on the style and whether they are solid or hollow. Compare grams, not just how big the chain looks.
Thinking about adding diamonds? Read our diamond basics guide before you shop iced-out pieces. Want a matching wrist piece? See our bracelet buying guide.
Visit or text us
Every chain listing shows the karat, weight, width and length. To feel the weight and try lengths in person, visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Shop all gold chains.
How to Buy a Gold Chain: 7 Things to Check First
Before you buy a gold chain, check seven things: the karat, whether it is solid or hollow, the chain style, the width in millimeters, the length in inches, the clasp and the weight in grams. Those details tell you how the chain will look, how long it will last and whether the price makes sense.
Here is what to look for on each one.
1. What karat is the gold?
Karat measures how much pure gold is in the metal. The rest is other metals that add strength.
10K is the toughest and most affordable. 14K has a richer color and is still strong for daily wear. 18K is the most yellow but softer. Look for the stamp, usually on or near the clasp.
2. Is it solid gold, hollow or plated?
On our site, gold-plated items are labeled as plated, and listings say whether a chain is solid or hollow.
3. Which chain style do you want?
If you plan to hang a pendant or a nameplate, choose a style strong enough for it, like Franco, rope or a solid Cuban.
4. How wide should the chain be?
Width is measured in millimeters. As a rough guide: 1–3 mm is delicate and layers well, 4–6 mm is a noticeable everyday chain, and 7 mm and up is a statement piece. Wider chains weigh more, so they cost more in solid gold.
5. What length do you need?
Where a chain sits depends on your neck size and build. Measure a chain you already like, or lay a string around your neck to see where each length lands.
6. What kind of clasp does it have?
A lobster clasp is the most common and easy to use. A box clasp is common on heavier Cuban chains; it clicks into place and often has a safety latch for extra security. On a heavy chain, a secure clasp is worth checking twice.
7. How much does it weigh?
In solid gold, weight in grams is a big part of what you pay for. Two chains with the same width and length can weigh very different amounts depending on the style and whether they are solid or hollow. Compare grams, not just how big the chain looks.
Thinking about adding diamonds? Read our diamond basics guide before you shop iced-out pieces. Want a matching wrist piece? See our bracelet buying guide.
Visit or text us
Every chain listing shows the karat, weight, width and length. To feel the weight and try lengths in person, visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Shop all gold chains.