The Best Gold Chains to Upgrade Every Outfit

For many, seeing gold chains adorn the necks of their fathers and grandfathers was a sign of taste and style. From slinky, delicate ones to the chunky Cuban links worn by rappers and creative savants in the ‘80s, they've remained a fixture of the jewelry lexicon due to their sheer versatility.

Over the decades, simple gold chains have sometimes been overshadowed by their glitzier cousins (think diamond-encrusted statement pieces) or other jewelry trends (like pearls in all shapes and sizes). But the gold chain remains a staple because of its ability to elevate even the most low-key of outfits while not being so flashy as to overwhelm the moment. It's the kind of thing you can wear with a black turtleneck (thank you, The Rock, for the classic meme), a white T-shirt, a camp-collar button-up, or anything else you can imagine. Which means there's a very good chance you—yes, you—can incorporate one into your own look.

Which brings us to the question of acquiring a gold chain. Price-wise, the biggest factor is whether you opt for solid gold or something plated in gold or a gold-tone metal; the latter option brings the price down in a big way. There's also length, style, and weight to consider, because this is a precious metal we're talking about, after all, and the more of it you get, the more you're going to pay.

This list includes a little of everything, from super-affordable gold-tone necklaces available on Amazon to investment-level, solid-gold chains you'll pass on to your kids one day. There's also strong representation of diverse-owned businesses that are staking their claim in the luxury jewelry space. Whatever you choose, though, you can rest assured it'll be as stylish and tasteful as the one you saw dear old Dad wearing back in the day.