Gold Chain Buying Guide For Beginners

A gold chain speaks directly about your status and artistic taste. But sadly, most men walk into jewelry stores and get scammed for a stylish rope rather than a solid Cuban. So, they definitely need a gold chain buying guide.

To provide some context, your 20g solid chain is worth more than a 20g fancy 10K gold-filled chain. A bit confusing, isn’t it?

Our gold chain buying guide will help you with your next purchase. From karat-based purity explanation, pricing, maintenance, to style, we will cover everything. 

Karat is the global benchmark to determine a gold chain's purity. It reflects the ratio of pure gold and the existing alloyed material in your neckpiece. 

24K is the purest gold, which has a very soft form. Traditionally, copper, zinc, or silver is mixed to give it strength and transformed into jewelry or a necklace for the other types of gold. 

Let’s see how your gold content affects its price. 

• 10K (41.7% Pure): This purity ratio offers the most durable and utility-grade chains. They are an excellent choice for men with a high-intensity lifestyle. 

• 14K (58.3% Pure): 14K gold chains are the best for everyday wear for both men and women. The Global Jewelry Market Overview suggests them as the most popular choice in the US market.

• 18K (75.0% Pure): These long neckpieces offer the perfect balance of luxury and rich color. Their soft build requires careful maintenance. 

• 22K (91.7% Pure): This quality provides the highest possible purity for a chain. This softer version demands expert craftsmanship, which leads to a high retail price. 

Considering budget and comfort, 10K neckwear is the best option for men with intense physical activities. The 10K hallmarked pieces are considered a universal choice for men's chains. 

Different types of men's gold chains are designed to match their diverse lifestyles. Each has its own unique quality, weight requirement, and is designed to match diverse lifestyles. 

Cuban link chains offer the best masculine style for any man. They are adored for sharp links, fineness, and quality craftsmanship. Cubans have superior resale value compared to other men's neckwear. 

A rope chain consists of two or multiple thin strands, twisted to give a pattern similar to a rope. This particular chain type is also very strong. Additionally, the links offer sustainable durability that never goes out of style.

Italy’s one of the most famous goldsmith families, Riccardi first created the figaro version. The entire design features a repetitive pattern of three short, circular links after one long, oval link. 

The chain offers a nice, flat appearance suitable for daily wear. 

Before the evolution of the Cuban chain emerged, they were simply known as Curb chains. It is a minimal version of a Cuban link’s neckpiece. The feature comes in flattened, closely interlocked twisted chains. 

Gold curb chains offer a simple look, making them a popular choice as men’s regular neckwear. 

It’s another Italian classic chain style. The name “Franco” means free in Italy, highlighting its flexible design. Franco’s links are V-shaped, tightly woven, and create a smooth surface. Franco chains are highly durable and known for their strength. 

Box link chains have square-shaped links that appear with a striking geometric pattern. 

This ancient chain was created in the 6th century in Italy. It is also known as a Venetian chain, sharing a similar pattern with Greek chains. 

The feature comes in a liquid golden view. You will find the links short and have a slanted V-shape, creating a pattern similar to the bones of a herring fish. Herringbone neckpieces are delicate and prone to denting due to their thin build. 

This neckpiece style was a hugely popular chain in America during the 1830s. Later jewelers adapted it to create a unique version of a beaded gold chain. 

You will find the links are designed for beads. After combining the beads, the pattern creates a nice snake-like feature. 

Cable chains are made of round or oval links. Often it works as the base for additional beads. There are a few popular variations, such as double links, flat cable, or twisted cable chains. Their simple design, smooth finish, and plain texture complement any formal attire. 

Light rope, or a cable chain, features thin strands and links. Such a thin design combination supports your pendant’s beauty. 

As an example, see the 4mm rope chain from IceCartel. If you hang a little moissanite pendant with it will set a red carpet-ready glam look. Let’s find out more about styling on this gold chain buying guide. 

When you are wondering how to buy a necklace based on its quality, the most important thing is the link’s metal ratio. The value will be counted on the amount of gold content, not the surface plating. 

A solid chain declares the ultimate 24K purity standard. To check if your set is solid or not, it needs to be examined by a trusted jeweler. 

But there are a few visual attributes that will help you figure them out easily. Solid chains are almost fully made of pure gold (20K-24K). You will find the links creased, and the surface will not be so smooth. 

Solid chains are thicker and valued for their dense nature. To protect the chain's structure, jewelers often prefer wide, bulkier designs, such as Cuban, Figuro, or box neckpieces. 

Please remember that a hollow is not fake. Hollow neckpieces have a higher metal percentage and lower gold purity than solid chains. 

They are lightweight, as the inner portion remains empty. Hollows have less density, are prone to denting, and can not be replaced if broken. 

Hollow necklaces are cheap, which makes them a more affordable choice for daily use. 

This table will nicely explain the key differences between different types of gold chains.

A 15 gm gold-plated and a 15 gm gold-filled Cuban barely show a difference on the outside. Here is a detailed explanation of each of them:

• Gold-Plated: Non-durable fashion chains are dipped in a thin, microscopic layer of gold. They have no resale value.

• Gold-Filled: The base metal is intensely heated and pressurized to create a sandwich-like thick layer of solid gold. The ratio covers at least 5% weight of the entire set. They are good to go if you need one for daily wear. 

• Gold Vermeil: The process includes high-quality plating on sterling silver with 10K gold. Usually, the thickness is at least 2.5 microns. The overall quality makes it an excellent choice for skin-sensitive men, saving up the cost of a solid piece. 

Although solid gold chains have a high resale value, none of the mentioned gold chains offer a good price. 

The heavier the length, the higher the gold composition, and the price range will also rise simultaneously. Beginner style freaks often ask,” How to buy a gold chain matching my suitable length? Men's gold chains must have one feature, and that is comfort. 

Here is a complete length guide for different types of gold necklaces: 

Men’s chain comes in these common lengths: 

• 18-20 Inches (45-50 cm): Creates a subtle look under a button-down t-shirt. 

• 22 Inches (55 cm): Most popular length among the other types of men’s neckwear. Goes nicely with pendants. 

• 24-26 Inches (60-65 cm): Traditionally favoured with pendants to create a hip-hop look with a hoodie or loose shirts. 

• 30 Inches (75 cm): An "old school" hip-hop length. It sits below the chest and is designed to be noticed from a distance.

Thicker strands give off a cool and bold link appearance, which seems very masculine. Plus, thick necklaces hold better metal composition, too. Here is how to find your ideal thick neckwear match: 

• 2mm - 4mm: If you prefer a "minimalist" look, they are very comfortable to carry for daily use with a light pendant. 

• 5mm - 8mm: This is the "statement" range. These chains get noticed easily, good to carry with formal attire. 

• 10mm and Above: These are likely status-signifying pieces. Heavier than other chains, mostly made of solid gold.

The chain clasp is the primary security to hold your strand nicely against your neck. The following gold chain clasps are very common and preferred for a better locking system: 

Box clasps and lobster clasps are the best for any type of chain. Both closure functions offer a secure lock and are easy to replace if needed. High-end jewelry retailers like IceCartel offer premium box closures with their neckpieces. 

A trusted seller’s product will always have a hallmark tag following the FTC standard. Additionally, you will also find serial numbers, which are used to trace the maker. 

In case of the mill hallmarks, check with a loupe during bargaining to spot fake ones. We recommend going through a combined test approach to avoid low-quality scams. 

Here is how to do it: 

• Acid test: Apply nitric acid to a hidden spot with a jeweler's kit. Fake chain color will dissolve instantly.

• Magnet test: A real chain would never stay attached to a neodymium magnet.

• Float test: A solid neck strand will instantly sink in water. 

Different pieces offer certain style value, require certain quality, and craftsmanship. The cost of neckwear depends on the purity, spot price per gram, its design type, and craftsmanship. 

These 4 facts work together to determine the accurate value per gram of gold content. 

1. Purity: A 24K stand’s purity is absolutely 99.9%. So, your chain’s karat grade will follow the purity percentage compared to 24K gold’s per-gram cost. 

2. Weight: Simply put, if your 14K piece’s base value is $81.30 per gram, a 20-gram chain's price will be 20 × $81.30 = $1,626.But the jeweler’s charge will also be added. 

3. Design: A Cuban chain’s charge is higher than a rope for superior artistic value. 

4. Craftsmanship: High jewelry shops work with long-term experienced makers with guaranteed quality. Complex link design is naturally more expensive than an easy one. 

To get the exact value of your necklace, knowing the gold’s per gram value of a certain karat grade is the key. A 24K necklace and an 18K gold chain’s price will never be the same, even if they have the same weight. 

The price is set by comparing the purest 24K per gram gold’s price. Here is how it works for a 14K necklace: 

14K gold is 58.3% pure, which is 41.6% less pure. 

So if today’s 24K gold price is $139.38 per gram, the price of a 14K gold will be $139.38-41.6% = 81.39 USD per gram. 

Note: The price is based on today's live gold price.

Check the spot price from any reliable online checker. Then, calculate the per-gram value of your desired karat. Lastly, add 30%-40% jeweler's charge to get an estimated value. 

For December 225, the latest 14K gold price is 81.30 USD per gram. If you want to buy a 20 g gold necklace, the price will be 20 × $81.30 = $1,626.

Consider a maximum 40% charge, which is $1,626 × 0.40 = $650.40.

The final estimated cost will be $1,626 + $650.40 = $2,276.40

Thinner and softer gold chains (18k, 22k, and 24k), especially flat patterns, will feel light on your skin. Among different types of necklaces, 14K necklaces are more durable for everyday use, with a simple glam look. 

If you have a metal-specific allergy, please choose the alloyed metal carefully. High karat gold chains are less allergic and gentler to your skin. Nickel-free sterling silver and Surgical stainless steel are comparatively safer than other alloys. 

Previously, gold crowns or neckpieces were a part of men’s royalty. The “preserved only” era is over, yet its appeal still maintains the core philosophy. 

The best way to style a gold chain for men is to wear a single, thick, long chain. 

A Cuban, rope, or a box chain sits nicely below your collarbone. This style catches attention instantly on your chest. 

Pick your gold chain to match your outfit's neckline. 

If you are wearing a square, V shape, or off-the-shoulder, 14-inch chains appear subtle. Prefer long strands with a classic A-line gown or a thin strapped crop top. 

Layered pendant style goes best with fusion and vibrant color top wear. These three tips will make your look more lucrative: 

1. Make sure each one maintains a certain 2-3 inches distance. 

2. Use tape to prevent getting tangled. 

3. For a visually soothing charm, pair your heavy, longer neckpiece with a lighter one or two short chains. 

For casual party events or date night, show your personal statement with a neck-hugging rope, classic Cuban, or cable beaded. You can also balance with the same type of wrist chains. 

Business settings demand simplicity and elegance. Mid-sized Cuban link, geometric pattern 16” chains are ideal to create your unique style signature. 

You don’t need to visit your jeweler frequently if you perform routine check-ups at home. These simple maintenance rituals will keep your necklace shining: 

• Use a mild cleanser and wipe with a soft cloth. 

• Higher karat chains require safe handling. Keep it inside a box with a soft wrapping cloth. 

• Never put pressure on your chain or pull roughly. Take off before your gym sessions or weightlifting. 

Your personal gold chain buying guide should prioritize 4 steps: Its purity, hallmark tag, design, and the type. To get the best look, choose within the 14K-18K range for regular use. 

Use a similar balancing jewelry to set a gorgeous style statement. To win while negotiating, check the spot price and verify hallmark tags. Moreover, make sure the shop offers related maintenance services.