When shopping for them, the first thing you need to pay attention to is metals. Most costume jewelry is created with plated brass, which is more susceptible to tarnishing but also the most inexpensive. While it’s not going to last forever, one way or another, proper care (taking it off while showering or working out, keeping it tucked away when not in use, etc.) will minimize risk and maximize lifespan. Some pieces are more costly, which is can be due to being plated with a thicker layer of gold or rhodium, thus making them more resistant to damage. The second tier is demi-fine jewelry, which is made up of sterling silver and 18k gold plated sterling silver, known as 18k gold vermeil. It’s significantly more durable than costume jewelry, but it still isn’t immune to tarnishing. You may be surprised to find out that the price range can really vary, as you’ll come to see in this roundup. If you’re looking for something heirloom quality, fine jewelry in solid gold, rhodium or platinum is for you. The upfront cost is the most expensive, but it should last for the long haul even with 24/7 wear. When it comes to jewelry, you also have to consider styling. With everyday gold necklaces, you’re usually thinking about layering. The trick is to pair pieces together with balance and scale in mind. While not a hard and fast rule, if you don’t know where to start, it can be helpful to layer pieces in order of daintiest to heaviest and space them evenly apart. The most important thing I learned during my years in the jewelry industry? Whatever you wear, regardless of quality or styling, should bring you joy and make you feel more confident. Now without further ado, here’s the 27 best everyday necklaces for women. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
27 Best Everyday Wear Necklaces for Women
1. Madewell Classic Chain Necklace Set, $52 at Madewell
What’s better than one everyday gold necklace? Four of them. Curated to create that eclectic vintage vibe, these gold-plated brass chains can be layered together or worn separately. Madewell Classic Chain Necklace Set, $52 at Madewell
2. Fewer Finer Lapis Beaded Necklace, $425 at Fewer Finer
Add a little bit of color with lapis, known to inspire wisdom, on a 14k gold chain that you can wear all day, everyday. Fewer Finer Lapis Beaded Necklace, $425 at Fewer Finer
3. Anthropologie Zodiac Pendant Necklace, $54 at Anthropologie
Designed for those who check their horoscope on the reg, each gold-plated brass chain necklace has two zodiac-inspired pendants accented with sparkling cubic zirconia. Anthropologie Zodiac Pendant Necklace, $54 at Anthropologie
4. Mejuri Jenna Lyons Herringbone Chain Necklace, $198 at Mejuri
A collab with the queen of cool Jenna Lyons, this herringbone chain in long-lasting 18k gold vermeil is an iconic statement. Bonus: $5 from each sale benefits the Mejuri Empowerment Fund, which provides women and non-binary people with the tools to rise to leadership on their own terms. Mejuri Jenna Lyons Herringbone Chain Necklace, $198 at Mejuri
6. HART Puffy Heart Necklace, $119 at HART
This necklace is reminiscent of an antique shop find or family hand-me-down, with a paperclip chain that can be clasped anywhere to customize the length. Plus, each one is made in the USA and plated with more than double the 14k gold considered industry standard for extra durability. HART Puffy Heart Necklace, $119 at HART
8. Cuyana Double Chain Necklace, $228 at Cuyana
There’s so many ways to wear this necklace/bracelet/anklet, cost-per-use will be practically nonexistent. Designed with one thin chain and one thicker chain featuring three removable links, every piece is handmade in New York with 14k gold plated recycled brass. Cuyana Double Chain Necklace, $228 at Cuyana
9. Madewell Scalloped Chain Necklace, $34 at Nordstrom
Simple and scalloped, sculptural and striking, this gold plated recycled brass necklace is designed to elevate the everyday. Madewell Scalloped Chain Necklace, $34 at Nordstrom
10. Maya Brenner Custom Gold Necklace, $325+ at Maya Brenner
If it’s good enough for a duchess, it’s good enough for us. Spotted on Meghan Markle in 2016, customize this 14k gold heirloom-quality chain with letters, birthstones, numbers, and symbols to create something uniquely yours. Maya Brenner Custom Gold Necklace, $325+ at Maya Brenner
12. Monica Vinader Layered Chain Link Necklace, $225 at Nordstrom
Get the layered look in just one step with a trio of delicate, dynamic chains handmade in hardwearing 18k gold vermeil. Monica Vinader Layered Chain Necklace, $225 at Nordstrom
13. Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Mini Butterfly Pendant, $38 at Nordstrom
This perfectly petite, minimalist design in 18k gold vermeil is the ideal layering piece, adding a fun touch of personality with the butterfly pendant. Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Mini Butterfly Pendant, $38 at Nordstrom
14. Stephanie Gottlieb Mini Pave Heart Necklace, $390 at Stephanie Gottlieb
Gift alert! Add this 14k gold pendant to your wishlist or give it to someone else…either way, you’ll be impressed by the size and sparkle despite a small (aka more affordable) carat weight. Stephanie Gottlieb Mini Pave Heart Necklace, $390 at Stephanie Gottlieb
16. Ben-Amun Round Locket Necklace, $80 at Neiman Marcus
There are few pieces of jewelry as meaningful as a locket, and this one is equally sentimental and stylish. Handmade in New York City and plated in 24k gold, it looks more like an inherited heirloom than something brand new (in the best way possible). Ben-Amun Round Locket Necklace, $80 at Neiman Marcus
17. Aurate Medium Chain Necklace, $150 at Aurate
Versatile, effortless and classic, this 18k gold vermeil chain has it all. It can truly be worn every day. Plus, most potential repairs are covered under Aurate’s lifetime guarantee. Aurate Medium Chain Necklace, $150 at Aurate
18. gorjana Reese Freshwater Pearl Pendant Necklace, $65 at Nordstrom
The perfect combination of timeless and on-trend, this 18k gold plated necklace is like Goldilocks’ bed: not too big, not too small. It’s just right. Wear it layered with a couple simple chains. gorjana Reese Freshwater Pearl Pendant Necklace, $65 at Nordstrom
20. Brook and York Sloan Initial Pendant Necklace, $84 at Nordstrom
Dog tag, but make it fashionable! An elegantly engraved initial personalizes the 14k gold plated necklace, which can represent whatever you want it to. Brook and York Sloan Initial Pendant Necklace, $84 at Nordstrom
22. Ettika Mixed Finish Chain Necklace, $50 at Nordstrom
Love the Cuban chain above but want to add a twist? Mix in a second finish and an infinity clasp for good measure. No need for layering because this 18k gold and rhodium plated piece stands out all by itself. Ettika Mixed Finish Chain Necklace, $50 at Nordstrom
24. Brook and York Rosie Choker Necklace, $100 at Nordstrom
For something a little closer to the neck, consider this 14k gold plated brass box chain made in the USA. Unfussy but still fashionable, you can take advantage of the extender chain to style it more like a strand. Brook and York Rosie Choker Necklace, $100 at Nordstrom
25. gorjana Nico Delicate Rectangle Chain Necklace, $60 at Nordstrom
If you like the look of chains but want something just a little different to layer on, try this one plated in 18k gold. In the middle of the box chain is a long rectangular link that acts like a modern and minimalist pendant. gorjana Nico Delicate Rectangle Chain Necklace, $60 at Nordstrom
27. Tai Cubic Zirconia Initial Necklace, $60 at Neiman Marcus
Let’s end on one final initial necklace, because who doesn’t love a personal piece of jewelry? This option is all about sparkle, because it’s made with cubic zirconia and golden brass. It’s fairly dainty, which means the crystals won’t overwhelm any other strands you choose to layer on. Tai Cubic Zirconia Initial Necklace, $60 at Neiman Marcus Next Up: 25 Faux Diamond Rings That Look Just Like the Real Thing
