A gold necklace is the easiest piece to wear every day, so it's also the one most worth choosing well. A good necklace sits nicely on the neck, doesn't tangle, and lasts for years. The difference between a necklace you wear and one that stays in the drawer usually comes down to three things: the type of link, the length and the thickness.
Types of links
The link is the "brick" the chain is built from. It decides how the chain looks, how it moves and how it returns light.
- Rope. Small links twisted around each other, like a braided rope. It returns light from every angle and looks full even when it's thin. Good for wearing on its own.
- Figaro. One long link followed by a few short ones, and repeat. A rhythm that looks good on a woman and on a man.
- Classic links. Simple round or oval links, one after another. The best base for a pendant.
- Flat links (curb). Flat links that interlock and lie close to the skin. A polished, strong look.
- Tennis. Not gold links but a row of small set stones. An evening necklace that sparkles from every direction. The stones can be cubic zirconia or diamonds, and that's always written on the product page.
You'll find all these types in the women's gold necklaces category.
Which length suits
The length of a necklace decides where it sits, and that changes the whole look. These are common lengths, roughly:
- About 40 cm. Sits at the base of the neck, on the collarbone. Suits a small pendant and tops with a closed neckline.
- About 45 cm. The most common length. Sits a little below the collarbone and suits almost everything.
- About 50 cm and up. Falls lower. Suits a large pendant, or layering with a short necklace.
Everyone's measurements are different, so the best way is to take a necklace you have at home and measure its length with a ruler. When a necklace comes in several lengths, they're shown on the product page.
A chain for a pendant or a necklace on its own
This is a question worth answering before anything else.
A chain for a pendant should be simple, so the pendant is the center. Classic links or a thin rope work great. Make sure the loop on the pendant is big enough for the chain. Our pendant prices already include a chain, and you can see the pendants themselves in women's gold pendants.
A necklace on its own can be richer: a thick rope, figaro, curb or tennis. Here the chain is the jewelry.
Thickness and weight
A thick chain looks bold and luxurious, and a thin chain looks delicate and everyday. Thickness affects durability too: a very thin chain is very pretty, but you need to wear it gently and not pull on it. With a pendant, match the thickness to the pendant: a heavy pendant on a chain that's too thin can stretch it.
The clasp
Gold necklaces usually close with a spring ring clasp, small on a thin chain and bigger and stronger on a thick one. Either way, check now and then that the clasp locks all the way. Our terms recommend checking clasps and links regularly, especially on delicate necklaces.
Layering
Two or three necklaces of different lengths together is a look many women love. A few rules that work:
- A difference of at least about 5 cm between necklaces, so they don't tangle.
- Mix different link types: one thin and plain, one with texture.
- One pendant is enough. Keep the rest as clean chains.
A necklace with meaning
Some necklaces are worn for what they say. A Star of David, a hamsa, a heart, or one word in gold. We have, for example, the "Eshet Chayil" necklace and the "Ima" (Mom) necklace, which make a special gift from a husband or from the kids. A necklace like that gets worn every day, because it's personal. If you want to add something of your own, ask us about engraving, and it's free.
Yellow or white
Both options come in 14K gold. Yellow gold is warm and classic, white gold is quieter and suits anyone who mostly wears silver tones. We wrote about the differences in 14K gold.
How to care for a gold necklace
- Take it off before sleep, showering and sport. In your sleep a necklace tangles and stretches.
- Store each necklace separately, closed, so it doesn't tangle with others.
- Clean gently with lukewarm water and mild soap, and dry with a soft cloth.
The full details are on the jewelry care page.
Choose it in person
A necklace needs to be seen on the neck, in front of a mirror. At our shop at 64 Bilu St., Rehovot you can try several lengths and types and see what suits you. Looking for a necklace for a man? We have a separate article on men's gold jewelry. And for any question, we're on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most common necklace length for a woman?
About 45 cm. It sits a little below the collarbone and suits almost any outfit and any pendant.
Which chain suits a pendant best?
A simple chain, with classic links or a thin rope, so the pendant is the center. Our pendant prices include a chain.
What's the difference between a rope chain and a figaro chain?
In a rope chain the links twist around each other and look like a braided rope. A figaro has one long link followed by a few short ones, in a repeating rhythm.
Can I sleep in a gold necklace?
Better not. In your sleep the necklace stretches and tangles, and the clasp gets pressed. Our terms also recommend taking jewelry off before sleep.
How do I know which length to choose?
Measure with a ruler a necklace you already have that sits where you like it. That's the number you're looking for.
Is a thin chain strong enough for everyday wear?
A thin 14K gold chain is fine for everyday wear, but wear it gently: don't pull it, don't sleep in it, and check the clasp now and then.
What's the difference between a tennis necklace and a regular gold necklace?
A tennis necklace is built from a row of small set stones, so it sparkles from every direction. A regular gold necklace is made of gold links only.
What chain thickness suits a pendant?
Thin to medium, depending on the pendant's weight. A heavy pendant needs a stronger chain so it doesn't stretch.
Can I wear several necklaces together?
Yes. Keep a difference of about five centimeters between the lengths, mix different link types, and stick to one pendant.
