Take one look at kings, queens, rap stars, celebrities, and other notable figures. What’s one thing that you notice about all of them? Probably that every single one is always sporting a fresh, golden chain around their necks; it’s the ultimate status symbol. 

If you’re looking to replicate their style and show off some finesse of your own, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a high-quality piece that lasts you a long time. One of the best ways to ensure this is by getting a solid, real gold necklace from a reputable source.

There are tons of jewelers out there who claim to offer real gold jewelry, but many overcharge for underperforming pieces. Let’s talk about some of the ways you can spot a reputable retailer so you can figure out where to buy a real gold necklace for yourself or others.

How To Spot Real Gold

First things first, you’ll want to make sure the retailer is offering you legitimate gold. It can be hard to tell if gold is real with just your eyes, as there are plenty of other more inexpensive metals that can look super similar.

Typically, a piece of real gold jewelry is engraved with a hallmark that identifies the content or manufacturer. It’s probably printed someplace hidden, like on the clasp of the necklace.

Hallmarks can include things like valid purity numbers under the Karat system, so you’ll see things like 18k or 24k engraved. It may also have purity numbers under the Millesimal Fineness system, which may be a three-digit number like 583 or 750.

Any piece of gold that is marked with a purity of under 10k means that it is less than 41.7% pure. This is considered “fake,” as the vast majority of the metal is composed of something besides gold. If you want a real gold necklace, make sure the karat is 10k or above.

If you can’t find an engraving, you can try holding the gold necklace in between your hands for a couple of minutes. The perspiration in your hands should react to the metal and change the color of your skin, as long as the gold is real. If it doesn’t change, you might have a fake in your hands.

Of course, it’s impossible to do these tests when you’re ordering from an online retailer. The good news is that there are other ways to test out your piece’s authenticity.

How To Spot a Real Retailer

Determining a jeweler’s reputation may be even more important than determining the quality of the item itself. When the retailer is trustworthy, you can have more faith that your golden necklace is going to be real, durable, and more stunning than ever.

One of the surefire signs that a retailer is pristine is if they have a lifetime guarantee. This shows that they have confidence in their work, and they’re also confident that your piece is built to last. But in the event that it’s not, a lifetime guarantee makes it so that you can work out a refund or exchange with the jeweler to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth.

You can also determine the quality of a retailer by looking at their options. Places that offer multiple options with both solid gold and gold plating options tend to be much higher quality, as it shows that they are versatile and able to handle a high volume of orders. 

Also, you want to make sure that you’re not getting overcharged for your piece. Some retailers overestimate the real value of gold and charge ridiculous prices for no reason. Compare prices to other retailers to ensure that you’re paying for the appropriate value.

Need a place that fits all of the criteria? At 6 Ice, we check all the boxes and more, with a vast catalog of high-quality gold, white gold, diamonds, and more. 

Cuban Chains

Once you know how to find real gold, all that’s left to do is pick your favorite.

Here are some of our favorites to make your shopping spree even easier:

1. Miami Cuban Chain 18k Gold

When you look at a gold chain, the first thing that probably comes to mind is hip hop icons who rock big, bulky chains to show off their worth. And if you want to look and feel just like one of them, a Cuban chain is the way to go.

12mm Miami Cuban Chain 18k Gold

We love this Miami Cuban Chain because it’s big enough to make a statement but small enough to stay subtle. Not to mention, it has a classic feel due to its brassy hue, yet a modern vibe because of its vibrancy and luster.

This is the perfect chain for someone who’s looking to amp up their usual wardrobe without completely overtaking it.

2. Diamond Prong Cuban Chain Rose Gold

Traditional 18k gold is always a good choice, especially if you’re new to wearing necklaces and don’t have too much experience. But if you’re feeling brave and you’re ready to make waves at your next social gathering, this Diamond Prong Cuban Chain Rose Gold might be the better option.

12mm Diamond Prong Cuban Chain Rose Gold

This necklace combines two of Earth’s finer things: rose gold and diamonds. The high-quality rose gold will help to catch people’s eyes as the stunning gems lock them in. It’s a truly unstoppable piece that’s unlike any other.

Rose gold is meant for those who know a thing or two about their own style. With that said, this type of necklace will make the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.

3. 2 Tone Gucci Cuban Chain Rose and White Gold

Choosing a real gold necklace in one color is great, but what do you do if you just can’t decide? You get a 2 Tone Gucci Cuban Chain so that you don’t need to compromise.

2 Tone Gucci Cuban Diamond Chain 14k Gold & White Gold

This 2 Tone Diamond Chain in 14k Gold and White Gold gives you the best of both worlds, letting you enjoy the traditional, royal nature of 14k gold with the professional, clean look of white gold. It’s perfect for the people who want to make a bold statement despite being indecisive.

Things To Keep in Mind When Buying Gold Necklaces

There’s no denying that pure gold has an essence unlike any other type of metal. But you may not need to drop racks on a solid 24k gold piece in order to add to your collection.

Pure Gold Is Less Durable

While pure gold has a metallic, brassy luster that is entirely unmatched, it’s actually less durable than metal alloys. In fact, 10k gold is much more durable than solid 24k gold. So, you may be able to save some money by getting a 10k piece while also giving yourself a necklace that withstands the test of time.

White Gold Will Never Be Pure Gold

White gold is one of the cleanest and most polished metals that you can wear around your neck. However, if you’re concerned about getting a piece that is 100% pure gold, you’ll need to stick with the traditional hues.

White gold is meant to imitate platinum, so it’s usually an alloy that contains 75% gold and about 25% nickel or zinc. If you find a white gold necklace that’s stamped as 18k, it’s considered pure white gold.

Gold Plating Might Be the Move

Many people think that just because they’re not getting a “pure” gold necklace, it won’t look nearly as good as the chains that hip hop legends are sporting every day. The thing is, you can get high-quality jewelry for a fraction of the price by choosing plated or vermeil instead of solid gold.

While these pieces will tarnish a bit faster, they look just as amazing as a solid piece when you take care of them properly. Gold plating involves putting a thin layer of real gold over top of a base metal, usually nickel, silver, or stainless steel. It gives you the Hollywood look without the Hollywood prices.

Don’t Forget About Diamonds

You may also be able to save some money on solid gold if you choose golden necklaces that are covered in diamonds instead. Since the main focus will be on the diamond gemstones rather than the metal, you can go for a more inexpensive gold plating option so that you can ball out on some high-quality diamonds instead.

The Final Clasp

Gold necklaces are one of the finest, classiest, and most pristine pieces of jewelry you can wear around your neck. But before you decide to buy, you need to make sure you’re getting a quality piece from a reputable source.

First, perform some tests to make sure you’re getting a real gold necklace rather than some knock-off. And if you can’t do that because you’re ordering online, check to see if the retailer offers things like lifetime guarantees or a wide catalog of options.

Regardless, it’s important to go with your gut and use common sense to make sure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Just do you, and the jealous stares are bound to follow no matter what.

 

Sources:

​​Full Comparison of 10K, 14K, 18K, and 24K Gold | The Diamond Pro

What is white gold? | USGS

Why Gold Is so Expensive | Business Insider