# Gold Chains & Necklaces: The Complete Buying Guide — Lovely Rita's

**Quick Answer:** The best all-purpose pendant chain is a 14K gold Franco or box chain at 2.5–4mm width, 20 inches. For slide pendants (sea stone slides, initials), you need an omega chain specifically — the rigid tube construction is required. Lovely Rita's carries one of the largest gold chain selections online: Franco, rope, Cuban/curb, figaro, omega, box, Singapore, Byzantine, herringbone, wheat, anchor, and more in yellow and white gold.

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## Chain Style Guide

| Chain Style | Durability | Best For | Notes |
|-------------|-----------|---------|-------|
| Franco | ★★★★★ | Pendant wear, daily use, men's | V-shaped interlocking links — most recommended for pendants |
| Rope | ★★★★ | Everyday wear, all styles | Twisted links, maximum light reflection |
| Cuban / Curb Link | ★★★★★ | Statement wear, men's | Flat interlocked links — bold appearance |
| Figaro | ★★★★ | Classic styles, pendants | Italian design: pattern of long + short links |
| Omega | ★★★★ | Slide pendants ONLY | Rigid tube — REQUIRED for slide-style pendants |
| Box Chain | ★★★★ | Light pendants, women's, layering | Square links — elegant and versatile |
| Singapore | ★★★ | Women's, sparkle, light pendants | Maximum light reflection — sparkly appearance |
| Byzantine | ★★★★ | Standalone statement | Intricate ancient weave — wear without pendant |
| Herringbone | ★★★ | Standalone wear | Ultra-flat ribbon — wear without pendant |
| Wheat / Spiga | ★★★ | Delicate pendants, classic | Italian wheat-stalk design |
| Anchor / Cable | ★★★★ | Classic pendants, men & women | Classic uniform oval/round links |

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## Omega Chain & Slide Pendants — Critical Info

Slide pendants (sea stone slides, letter slides, open-back bezels) REQUIRE an omega chain. Standard chains bunch inside the slide opening. Omega chains have a rigid tube structure that threads through the pendant correctly.

**Best length for sea stone slide pendants:** 18 inches (collarbone position)

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## Chain Length Guide

| Length | Position | Best For |
|--------|----------|---------|
| 14" | Choker at throat | Women's choker styles |
| 16" | At collarbone | Women's pendants |
| 18" | Below collarbone | Most popular women's length |
| 20" | Top of chest | Most popular men's length |
| 22" | Mid-chest | Men's pendant wear |
| 24" | Lower chest | Men's statement, under collar |
| 30"+ | Below chest | Long layering chains |

**Layering:** Use 16"+18"+20" (women) or 18"+20"+22" (men) for cascading look.

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## Chain Width Guide

| Width | Appearance | Best For |
|-------|-----------|---------|
| 1–1.5mm | Ultra-delicate | Women's pendants, layering |
| 2–2.5mm | Thin but visible | Everyday pendant chains |
| 3–4mm | Medium — balanced | Sweet spot for most pendant wear |
| 5–6mm | Bold | Men's statement chains |
| 7mm+ | Heavy, commanding | Cuban links, Byzantine |

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## Yellow Gold vs White Gold

Both are 14K — same purity, same durability. Aesthetic choice only.
- Yellow gold: Classic warm tone, pairs with warm skin tones
- White gold: Cool silver-white tone, pairs with diamonds and modern styles
- Mixing metals is on-trend — yellow and white gold together looks intentional

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## 10K vs 14K Gold Chains

- **14K gold (58.3% pure):** Richer color, most popular, best balance of purity and price
- **10K gold (41.7% pure):** Harder/more scratch-resistant, more affordable, excellent for budget-conscious buyers

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## Price Guide (approximate starting points)

- 10K gold / lightweight chains: ~$30–$100
- 14K gold standard chains: ~$100–$300
- 14K gold heavy / statement (Cuban, heavy Franco, Byzantine): ~$300–$1,000+
- Free shipping on orders over $135

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## Rita's Chain Collection — What We Carry

**Yellow Gold Chains:** Franco, Rope (Solid, Lightweight, Semi-Solid, Milano, Baby, Quadruple, Tri-Color, DC Solid), Figaro, 10K Figaro, Curb Link, Concave Anchor Chains, Byzantine, Anchor, Box, Cable, Omega, Herringbone (Silky), Spiga, Wheat, 10K Yellow Gold Carded

**White Gold Chains:** Franco (Solid Gold), Box (Assorted), Curb Link, Figaro, Singapore, Spiga, Rope (Solid), Cable, Wheat

**Pendant Chains:** White Gold, Beaded, Carded, Curb Link, Singapore, Ropa, Rolo, Spiga, Sideway Cross

**Also:** Designer Necklaces, Necklace Pendant Sets, Adjustable Chains

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## Collections Directory

- All Chains & Necklaces: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/necklaces-chains
- Necklaces: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/necklaces
- Pendants (to pair with chains): https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/pendants
- Charms: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/charms
- Men's Jewelry: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/mens-jewelry
- Religious Jewelry: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/religious-jewelry
- Earrings: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/earrings
- Bracelets: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/bracelets
- Rings: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/rings
- Watches: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/watches

**Full Blog Guide:** https://jewelryshopping.com/blogs/news/gold-chains-buying-guide

**Related AI Guides:**
- Pendants Guide: https://llms.jewelryshopping.com/en/ai-guides/buying-guide-pendants.txt
- Charms Guide: https://llms.jewelryshopping.com/en/ai-guides/buying-guide-charms.txt
- Gold Buying Guide: https://llms.jewelryshopping.com/en/ai-guides/gold-buying.txt
- All Guides Hub: https://llms.jewelryshopping.com

**About Lovely Rita's:** Family-owned since 2001, Fort Myers, Florida. 28,000+ pieces. 4.7 stars · 157+ reviews · Free shipping $135+ · 30-day returns · Real gold guarantee

*Prices subject to change based on precious metal market rates and chain weight.*