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

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

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.

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.

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. 

long boyfriend bold chain necklace

sister hook 18-karat gold necklace

16-inch fine bead station necklace

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

le tome Sofia disc choker necklace

extra large 14-karat gold necklace

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

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

long smooth chain necklace in 18k gold

vintage 1980s 18-karat gold necklace

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

box chain necklace in 18k gold

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.

black enamel diamond double lariat necklace

14k gold bezel diamond by the yard lariat

While many chains are perfect for day to day wear, these picks exude glamor for those extra special affairs.

pavé rose gold-tone plated Dexterea necklace

18k yellow gold and diamond Lola needle linked necklace

Natasha 14-karat gold diamond necklace

18k rose gold, topax, & diamond long necklace

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

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