10 Types of Gold Necklace Chain Designs For Men And Women

Choosing the right gold necklace might sound easy – after all, you know your taste! But when you come right down to it, when you step into the brilliant world of jewelry, you might find yourself a bit unprepared. There is more to think about than materials and pendants – there is the type of chain.

There are so many types of gold chains you can choose from, each emanating a different kind of statement. If you are truly prepared, you’ll avoid any possible regrets in the future! Here are just some of the chain types you should keep in mind before coming to the nearest jewelry store  and making your decision:

Herringbone chains

This particular chain is perfect for your casual daytime outfit or in an office setting. A sequence of flat, short, and parallel links in an offset pattern make up the style and substance of this chain. By itself, the design is unusual enough to be a conversation piece, but discrete enough to put just a dash of style into you outfit.

Suitable for both men and women, this kind of chain is best worn on its own – without a pendant. Since a herringbone necklace lies flat on your skin, there really is no need to burden it with precious stones!

Box chains

Consisting of blocks, rather than circular links, these chains also lie flat on your skin, not unlike herringbone. However, the look, feel, and the statement it gives is quite different. Its square links provide a feeling of sophistication, no matter how you wear them.

Women can opt for a smaller sized box links with a pendant, or quite the opposite – a thicker design that serves well as a statement piece. While thicker chains are a popular choice when it comes to men, remember – you can and should wear anything you like, jewelry included.

Anchor chains

The most classical and most stunning choice of all necklace chain styles, anchor chains can elevate your look, no matter the details of your outfit, to a high level of elegance and sophistication. The chain’s links are oval, with a vertical bar in the center of each link.

Also called mariner chains, all necklaces of this type are designed to reference the type of chains used to attach an anchor to a boat. This style comes in many variations – flat, puffy, delicate, or heavy – so all you need to do is pick the one that matches the statement you want to make. If you want to emphasize the chain itself, go for a more robust design. If, however, you want just a touch of gold, opt for a simpler, more delicate chain.

Bead chains

Among many different types of gold chains, the bead chin is possibly most attractive to men – at least, in its smallest form as dog tags. This chain can be worn with a pendant, whether it’s an ersatz dog tag, or a medallion of some sort.

Beads are present in a variety of types of jewelry chain. They can be close or far apart, small or large, so you have extensive options. Statement pieces can, of course, be large beads, or a beaded chain necklace that combines not only golden beads, but also beads imbued with other precious stones. Truly the choice is yours!

Byzantine chains

The rarest and most powerful among necklace chains types is certainly the Byzantine chain. Each link in the chain passes through four other, so it gives off a look or a rope and even imitates its texture. This necklace is luxurious, supple and flexible all at once.

Such a bold piece is a perfect choice for both men and women who want to impress. Its imperious design gives off confidence from whoever wears it, so it’ll have the most impact if you wear it on its own.

Cuban chain

Among necklace chain types, this one is often referred to as Miami Cuban. This is the type of chain you often see looped around rappers’ necks. No matter its size, this chain is ornate, chunky and imposing in appearance.

The slightly flattened and close set links can be, as with any other neck chain type, as large or as small as you want it. A timeless statement piece, though mostly preferred by men, can also be comfortably worn by women.  While men might opt for a chunkier design, women for whom this is the first time experimenting with Cuban chains can choose smaller millimeter links and combine it with almost all outfits in their closet.

Snake chain

A snake chain is true to its name – it almost looks like a snake! Metal links – curvy and round – attach to form a very flexible, sleek chain of a smooth and shiny texture. Often adorned with slide pendant, snake chains are an elegant and sophisticated choice for both men and women. 

Since it’s both very strong and very durable, this kind of necklace is perfect for every style. You can wear it with a discrete pendant or opt for a heavier one. However, if you’re in the mood for a more sleek look, you can always wear this chain on its own!

Figaro chain

A Figaro chain is special in the world of necklaces. Unlike others, which feature links equal in size and shape, these chains consist of a pattern of repeating links. Mostly, they have one longer link, sometimes rectangular, which is followed by a succession of smaller oval or round links. This pattern repeats, making the end result a unique and intricate necklace.

Figaro chains are a good choice for men and women who want something more interesting than a simple cable chain, but aren’t in the mood for such an ornate piece as a Byzantine chain. You can wear it on its own for a more elegant look, or combine it with a pendant if you want to make a bolder statement.

Wheat chains

Flat and twisted oval links are braided together to form a deliciously unique wheat chain. Just like the name says, this kind of a necklace has the appearance of the head of a mature wheat stalk. Often called spiga, this chain is durable and quite sturdy, so you can wear it with pendants. However, its unique look also shines when worn on its own.

Large wheat chains are always a good choice for men, while women can opt for the same style, or go for a slimmer, more discreet necklace. No matter who wears it, the result is a classic, timeless look – elegant, sophisticated, confident, and demanding attention.

Rope chains

One of the most durable and heaviest of chain types, rope chains are designed so that they look precisely like rope. Metal segments are connected together in a twisting pattern, so the chain really does look like its namesake. Such a pattern also reflect light from various angles, which makes these necklaces all the more impressive!

You can wear the more delicate designs with a pendant, while the heavier, larger rope chains are perfect for wearing on its own as statement pieces. 

No matter your taste, style or occasion, there’s a good necklace chain for everyone. Now that you know how to navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of necklace chains, you can, make the best decision! Drop by one of our stores – you can freely try on and explore the jewelry you’re interested in and find that one perfect piece!