Popular Gold Necklace Styles

Key takeaway: The most popular gold necklace styles run from chokers and pendants to collars, charm, layered, statement, tennis and name necklaces, each built on a chain such as box, rope or snake. Style, length and chain type all affect the look and the resale value.

Gold necklaces are some of the most personal pieces in any jewellery box, and they come in far more variety than most people realise. Whether you wear yours every day or keep it for occasions, understanding the different styles helps you appreciate what you own, choose new pieces with confidence, and recognise what carries value. At The Gold Avenue in Illovo, Sandton, we handle gold necklaces of every style, and this guide walks you through the main types from the close-fitting choker to the classic pendant.

How gold necklace styles are categorised

There are two things to look at with any gold necklace. The first is the style, which is the overall design and how it sits on the neck. The second is the chain, which is the underlying construction of the links. A pendant necklace, for example, is a style, but it might hang from a box chain or a rope chain. Both choices shape how the piece looks and how durable it is over years of wear.

Length matters too. Chokers sit high and snug, princess length rests near the collarbone, and longer matinee or opera lengths fall lower on the chest. Knowing where a necklace is meant to sit makes it easier to match a piece to an outfit or a neckline.

Popular gold necklace styles, from chokers to pendants

Choker

A choker fits closely around the base of the neck. Styles range from a simple plain gold band to designs set with gems or detailed metalwork. Chokers make a strong impression and pair well with open necklines. Because they sit so close to the skin, the quality of the gold and the finish really shows.

Pendant necklace

The pendant is the most familiar gold necklace of all. A single ornament hangs from a chain, often carrying personal or symbolic meaning, from a religious medal to a birthstone or a simple gold drop. Pendants are versatile, which is why they suit daily wear and special occasions alike. The chain and the pendant can be valued separately when you sell, since they may differ in carat or weight.

Collar necklace

A collar is a bold statement piece that sits high on the neck, usually above the collarbone. These necklaces tend to be wider and more solid than chokers, and they draw the eye on their own without needing a pendant. A gold collar is a striking choice for formal wear.

Charm necklace

Charm necklaces carry small trinkets or symbols along the chain, each one often representing something meaningful to the wearer. They can be built up over time, which makes them sentimental, and the combined weight of multiple gold charms can add up. When valuing a charm necklace, each charm and the chain are assessed on their own gold content.

Layered necklace

Layering combines several chains of varying lengths and designs worn together for a fuller, styled look. Some are sold as a single multi-strand piece, while others are individual necklaces a wearer stacks themselves. Layered sets are popular because they let you mix textures and chain types in one outfit.

Statement necklace

A statement necklace is a larger, intricate design meant to capture attention. These pieces often feature bold metalwork, gemstones or unusual shapes, and they are built to be the focal point of an outfit. Because of their size, statement necklaces frequently hold a meaningful amount of gold.

Tennis necklace

A tennis necklace is a continuous line of diamonds or gemstones set in a gold chain, running all the way around the neck. It is the necklace version of the well-known tennis bracelet. With both gold and stones involved, a tennis necklace carries value in two parts, the precious metal and the diamonds or gems, and both are assessed when you sell.

Name necklace

Name necklaces feature the wearer’s name or initials, usually cut from gold and suspended on a fine chain. They are deeply personal, which is part of their appeal. As a custom piece, the gold content depends on the size and thickness of the lettering rather than a standard weight.

Common gold chain types

Behind many of these styles sits a chain, and the chain type affects both the look and how well the piece wears over time. Three of the most common are worth knowing.

• Box chain. Made of smooth, square-shaped links that sit neatly together. The box chain has a clean, geometric look and holds pendants well.
• Rope chain. Built from links twisted together in a pattern that resembles a rope. Rope chains catch the light beautifully and are known for their strength.
• Snake chain. Made of smooth, rounded links that lie flat against the skin, giving a sleek, continuous surface with no gaps. Snake chains have a polished, modern feel.

Other chains you may come across include curb, figaro, cable and Cuban link. Each has its own weight and density, which is one reason two necklaces of the same length can differ noticeably in gold content.

What affects a gold necklace’s value

If you are thinking about selling a gold necklace, a few things determine what it is worth. Understanding them takes the mystery out of the process.

• Carat. The gold purity, marked as 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct or 24ct, tells you how much pure gold the piece contains.
• Weight. Heavier necklaces contain more gold. A solid collar or statement piece will usually weigh more than a fine chain.
• The live gold price. Gold is priced against the live spot market, which moves daily, so the timing of your valuation plays a part.
• Stones. On tennis or gem-set necklaces, diamonds and gemstones are valued separately from the gold.
• Condition and design. A well-kept piece in a desirable style is straightforward to assess and trade.

A reputable buyer weighs and tests every piece in front of you and explains how the offer is reached, rather than quoting a vague round number.

Selling a gold necklace in Johannesburg

If you have gold necklaces in any of these styles sitting unworn, The Gold Avenue buys them directly from the public. We are a luxury watch, gold and diamond exchange based at Illovo Point in Sandton, and we also buy Krugerrands, gold coins, gold jewellery, diamond jewellery and luxury watches. Founder Trent Saldsman built the business as a transparent, five-star alternative to the traditional pawn-and-gold-buying trade, and we work with an international dealer network, particularly in the UAE, to pay sellers across Johannesburg and Gauteng competitively.

Our process is simple and built on four steps:

1. Contact our team by phone, WhatsApp or online chat.
2. Book a valuation at our Illovo premises.
3. Get an offer. Your necklace is weighed and tested, then priced on the live gold and market price and its condition.
4. Receive same-day payment by cash or EFT.

You are welcome to visit us at Illovo Point, 68 Melville Road, Illovo, Sandton, 2196. Call 010 109 0080 or WhatsApp 076 393 5429 to book a valuation. Note that selling gold may have tax implications, and SARS treats proceeds according to your circumstances, so keep records of any sale.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a choker and a collar necklace?

A choker fits closely around the base of the neck and is often a simple band or chain. A collar sits a little higher and is usually wider and more solid, making it a bolder statement piece. Both sit high on the neck rather than dropping onto the chest.

Does the chain type affect what my necklace is worth?

It can. Denser chains like a solid rope or box chain contain more gold for their length than a fine, hollow chain, so two necklaces of the same length can differ in value. What matters most is the carat and the total weight of gold.

Can I sell a pendant separately from its chain?

Yes. A pendant and chain are often different carats or weights, so they are assessed individually. When you bring a necklace to The Gold Avenue, each component is weighed and tested so the offer reflects the actual gold in each part.

Where can I sell a gold necklace in Sandton?

The Gold Avenue buys gold necklaces of every style at Illovo Point, 68 Melville Road, Illovo, Sandton. Book a valuation by calling 010 109 0080 or WhatsApp 076 393 5429, and receive same-day payment by cash or EFT once you accept the offer.

Learn More

At The Gold Avenue, we simplify the process of selling your valuable assets. From luxury watches and Krugerrands to gold, diamond jewellery, and more, we offer fast, safe, and convenient buying services, coupled with an enjoyable experience. We stand by our promise to provide the best price for your items.

Krugerrands: Sell your Krugerrands swiftly and securely.

Gold Jewellery: Turn your gold jewellery into instant cash.

Gold Coins: Get the best price for your gold coins.

Diamonds: Exchange your diamonds for a competitive price.

Watches: Luxury watches like Rolex and others are welcome.

In need of a cash loan? We’ve got you covered.

Selling to The Gold Avenue is simple:

Contact Our Team: Reach out to our team via call, WhatsApp, or online chat. Describe the luxury items you want to sell.

Book an Appointment: Set a valuation appointment at a time convenient to you. Our safe and secure premises are located in Johannesburg.

Get an Offer: Our expert team will provide a quick and fair valuation. We’re committed to long-term relationships, guaranteeing the best price.

Money in Your Bank: We offer immediate payments, directly into your bank account, either through cash or EFT.

Ready to start selling? Book an Appointment