Are diamonds a girl’s best friend? The latest jewelry trends are stating gold jewelry is more desirable. That’s why it’s expected the market worth of gold jewelry will increase to $480.5 billion by 2025.
While timeless pieces will always be trending, more consumers want individualistic jewelry pieces. This is why name necklaces are also rising in popularity.
When shopping for name necklaces, you’ll see necklaces in all metals and materials. But gold name necklaces are the most popular. Where can you buy the best gold name necklace? Here are over 10 recommendations with some gold buying advice.
Why is gold the most popular metal for name necklaces?
Before we can understand why gold is the most popular choice for name necklaces, we should look into the popularity of gold jewelry.
Gold is trending
Gold is making a comeback as a major trend in 2020. But why? Gold is synonymous with elegance; gold has been used ever since the dawn of civilization, serving as the perfect metal for decorative items such as jewelry.
Gold is also popular because of its versatility. Yellow gold isn’t your only option; you can also choose rose gold or a white gold nameplate necklace. Gold also matches many gemstones, perfect if you’re incorporating jewels in your name necklaces.
Features and characteristics of gold
Gold is one of the best metal options because it’s resistant to tarnish, rust, and corrosion.
If you plan on wearing your gold name necklace daily, find gold mixed with other metals such as copper, silver, zinc, and nickel. Pure gold alone is too soft for everyday wear; mixing other metals will give it more durability and strength.
Don’t worry, we’ll go into more detail about this fact.
There are several colors of gold. Gold changes color when other metals are mixed in. We’ll also go over this in a later section.
You may also see gold-plated and similar labels. These pieces aren’t entirely made of gold; a sheet of gold is wrapped around the metal. These signify the gold coating of the piece and these coatings have different standards.
- Gold layering is the only one that has no standard. Your piece of jewelry could have a very thin layer of gold on it.
- Gold leaf is when gold has been hammered extremely finely and is used for decorative reasons. You’ll see this plating on 22K or 24K gold.
- Gold-plated is one of the most common labels. A gold-plated name necklace has a thin layer of gold wrapped around the metal.
- Gold overlay (also known as rolled gold plated) uses a thicker piece of gold to strengthen the necklace.
- Gold-filled uses brass and copper, which is then covered in gold.
- Vermeil is gold-plated sterling silver. This plating also uses a thicker gold covering.
How does gold compare to other metals? Platinum is renowned as a powerful metal. Unfortunately, it falls victim to scratches and tarnishings—something you don’t experience with gold.
Silver is also a softer metal. Unlike gold, silver can also fall victim to tarnishing.
Why metal matters in jewelry
The metal used to make your name necklace will impact its quality and longevity.
Most consumers are concerned about the appearance of their jewelry. While preferences are subjective, certain metals are more attractive than others.
Gold’s timeless yellow appearance is unique, compared to other metals. This not only makes gold a beautiful metal for jewelry but its individualistic characteristics attract more buyers.
Gold jewelry also has a specific feeling. Pure gold is heavier than higher-alloy gold. The jewelry’s durability depends on the gold’s Karatage.
For example, you can feel the softness of a 24K gold name necklace and the durability of 10K gold. Real gold is very soft, even though it’s very dense. You can cause an indentation even when you bite into gold!
What you should know about gold
There are many gold facts that will help you during your shopping process. Here are a few to know.
You’re rarely buying 24K gold
24K gold is pure gold, not mixed with any alloys or metals. Pure gold is desired because it gives off an intense yellow hue. 24K gold is pretty rare; this is why the price tag increases but also why most of the gold that you buy is a combination of different metals.
Most jewelry is designed to be worn frequently, such as your gold name necklace. This is why the gold you buy is a combination of alloys. Most alloys are cheaper in price, also helping to reduce the price of your gold jewelry.
Different gold purity levels
How do you know the amount of gold is in the jewelry piece you’re buying? Every piece of gold jewelry mentions its purity level, expressed in Karats. Here are the most common gold purity levels:
| Karat | Parts of Gold | Purity | Millesimal Fineness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9K | 9/24 | 37.5 | 375 |
| 10K | 10/24 | 41.7 | 416/417 |
| 12K | 12/24 | 50 | 500 |
| 14K | 14/24 | 58.3 | 583/585 |
| 18K | 18/24 | 75 | 750 |
| 22K | 22/24 | 91.7 | 916/917 |
| 24K | 24/24 | 99.9 | 999 |
The Karats signify the gold-to-metal ratio. Any higher-numbered Karatage contains more gold and the lowest Karatages contain the least amount of gold.
Which one should you choose? Pure gold is best for fine jewelry you’ll only wear occasionally.
But what about a gold name necklace, an item you’ll want to wear daily? You should always choose the type of gold you prefer. But a middle-ground Karatage, such as a 12K or 14K gold name necklace, is recommended for first-time shoppers.
Fine gold is soft but is resistant to tarnishing. Lower-level gold, such as 9K and 10K gold, are more durable but tarnish easily. Middle-level Karatages offer durable gold and are less likely to tarnish.
Different types of gold
Since most gold is mixed with different metals, this process affects its color. That’s why you see so many different shades of gold.
The most common gold colors include:
- Yellow gold
- White gold
- Rose gold
- Green gold
Gold naturally has a brilliant yellow color. Yellow gold accentuates its natural shade even more by combining copper, silver, and zinc.
You can also opt for a white gold name necklace. White gold is mixed with platinum, offering a brilliant white hue. The platinum metal also strengthens the gold, making it durable and scratch-resistant.
Rose gold gets its pinkish color because of gold is mixed with inexpensive copper. That’s also why rose gold is so affordable.
You’ll see green gold less commonly. This color is produced because of the gold and silver mixture.
The physical performance is also an essential fact. If you’re buying a gold name necklace, the jeweler will manipulate the gold so it spells out your name.
The jeweler will use a higher-alloy gold, not pure gold. Pure gold is too soft for special designs. It can easily be deformed, risking the piece to lose its shape. In this case, your name necklace will be ruined.
You’ll also want to avoid 24K gold if your name necklace will have any gemstones. Pure gold can’t grasp these stones, risking the stone falling out.
What if you purchase a pure gold necklace? You’ll notice the necklace will be weak in structure but will also feel heavy. Gold has an extremely high density, which is why pure gold weighs more than higher-alloy gold.
15 gold name necklace designs for your inspiration
Not sure where to start your gold name necklace search? Here are 15 gold name necklace styles to use for inspiration.
Soufeel “Carrie” Style Name Necklace
Soufeel’s “Carrie” name necklace is one of their best-selling items. The Carrie name necklace style is a popular one for consumers, inspired by the necklace the character Carrie Bradshaw wore in the popular TV show Sex and the City.
This necklace is fashionable yet subtle. When ordering, Soufeel offers a convenient personalization platform. All you have to do is enter your name and choose the type of gold you want.
Soufeel Overlapping Heart Two-Name Necklace 14K Gold Plated
Want more than just one name? Soufeel offers a two-named necklace with an overlapping heart design, perfect for your loved one. Soufeel necklaces are popular because of their customization options. You can write out full names, use first letters, or initials.
Keep in mind, this is a 14K gold plated piece. You can choose either silver or copper as the base metal.
Oak & Luna Mon Petit Name Necklace - 10K Gold
This one is an Oak & Luna bestseller. The font is unique and striking but the necklace is small enough for every occasion. The 10K gold is durable but also shines and glows. Keep in mind, you can only use nine characters with this necklace.
Name Necklace 14K Gold Plated Carrie Name Necklace Copper
This necklace is a bestseller and is a favorite for customers. This necklace has five-star reviews, mainly because of its resemblance to the “Carrie” necklace from Sex and the City. It’s made with brilliant 14K gold plating over copper and finished in a glossy design.
My Name Necklace 10K Gold Classic Name Necklace
If you prefer a higher-alloy gold, you’ll love My Name Necklace’s 10K Gold Name Necklace. They use a classic-style Shelley Allegro font, which is highly-detailed but easy to read. You can also choose the length of the chain.
Soufeel Rose “Carrie” Style Name Necklace
If you love the Carrie necklace but prefer rose gold, this is another popular option. This necklace offers the same beauty and subtlety. You can choose to spell out your whole name, your initials or just the first letter of your name.
Soufeel necklaces are popular because of their versatility. The “Carrie” style font is small and simple enough to layer with other necklaces.
Name Necklace Layered Nameplate Necklace 14k Gold Plated
If you truly want a unique name necklace, choose this one. This necklace is layered, featuring two chains attached. One is a gold chain necklace with a name while the second one features a heart. This necklace is made of silver with 14K gold plating.
My Name Necklace Personalized Cursive Name Necklace in 10K Yellow Gold
The Personalized Cursive Name Necklace is one of their most popular styles. This subtle necklace is perfect for anyone; the letters are rounded, making the name easy to read and stylish. The 10K gold is long-lasting, perfect for daily wear.
Oak & Luna Pixie Name Necklace
The Pixie Name Necklace has a large and rounded font, giving the necklace a casual yet stylish look. This necklace is perfect for all names up to 12 characters and looks wonderful on every neckline.
Keep in mind, this is an 18K gold plated necklace, meaning it’s made of sterling silver with gold covering.
Oak & Luna Gatsby Name Necklace
This necklace uses the famous Gatsby font, looking completely chic. It compliments all necklines and is perfect for all occasions. Keep in mind, this necklace uses 18K gold plating on sterling silver.
Zales Cursive Name Necklace
This necklace uses a sharp-style cursive font. The result is a bold font that can support any name up to 12 characters long. This necklace is polished for shine and comes with an 18-inch length chain.
My Name Necklace Small 10K Yellow Gold “Carrie” Style Name Necklace
Many consumers call this the “perfect personalized gold name necklace.” This necklace combines the classic Carrie name necklace style with a personalized touch. The pendant is small yet striking enough to stand out.
Zales Diamond Accent Hammered Name and Heart Ribbon Accent Plate Necklace in Sterling Silver and 24K Gold Plate
Want to spice up the necklace more? Buy a gold name necklace with diamonds! This necklace is unique because of its accent diamonds and sterling silver text, giving the necklace a 3D effect. This necklace features 24K gold plating.
Zales Script Name Necklace in 10K Gold
This necklace uses a trendy script-style cursive font. You’ll love the brilliant shine this necklace holds. This necklace is made with 10K gold and fits any name up to 10 characters in length. It comes with a 17-inch length Rolo chain.
Name Necklace Custom Name Necklace Rose Gold
If you prefer rose gold, this necklace should be included in your jewelry box. Name Necklace’s signature Custom Name Necklace features a simple and easy-to-read font that layers perfectly with other necklaces.
Bonus Section #1: What if you can’t find a gold name necklace?
What if you can’t find a name necklace you like made of gold? There are many other metal options. These include:
- Copper
- Silver
- Pinchbeck (a combination of alloy and zinc)
- Brass
- Bronze
Both silver and copper are lighter in weight. While these don’t have the same famous yellow hue that gold has, they offer different benefits.
Silver is better for formal occasions, though it is appropriate for daily wear.
Copper has many practical advantages when used in jewelry. It’s easy to manipulate, perfect for name necklaces.
Bronze is made by combining different metals, usually copper, tin, and zinc. Bronze is strong, great for detailed jewelry such as name necklaces, and is affordable.
Brass has a distinguished gold hue and is an affordable alternative to real gold. Brass is made from a combination of copper and zinc. This material is strong, great for sculpting (such as for name necklaces), and is ideal for daily wear (though it does require polishing).
Pinchbeck is a metal that’s made of copper and zinc and looks almost identical to gold. While it’s lighter in weight, it does tarnish over time.
Keep in mind, many of these material options aren’t ideal for formal wear.
You can also opt for a gold plated name necklace. These are made with another metal, such as silver or copper, and features a piece of gold wrapped around the metal.
Gold-plated jewelry is popular because you can use a higher-grade of gold, such as 20K and even 24K gold, and the piece is still durable. This is a better option for both formal and casual wear.
Bonus Section #2: Gold name necklace storage and maintenance tips
If you decide to opt for a real gold name necklace, you should know how to properly store and maintain your necklace. This is important for longevity and preventing corrosion (for higher-alloy gold).
Daily wear
First, don’t wear 24K gold daily. But there are some instances where you shouldn’t wear your gold name necklace at all, even if it’s only 9K or 10K. For example, chlorine can weaken your necklace. Avoid wearing your necklace in the spa or pool.
You should also refrain from wearing your necklace in your home. Store it properly (we will go over this later). If you do plan on wearing your necklace in the house, take it off while cleaning. Abrasive cleaners can damage the finish.
Try to prevent any cosmetics, skincare, and hair products from touching your gold necklace. These products can damage gold. You also shouldn’t wear your gold jewelry in the shower or bath, in case soap or shampoo gets on it.
Cleaning tips
Name necklaces have many grooves, spaces, and indentations. Because of this, gold name necklaces are prone to dust accumulation. You will need to clean your necklace regularly.
First, soak your necklace in water for three hours. Scrub the jewelry with an old or unused toothbrush. You should only use soap if it’s necessary. Rubbing alcohol is also a great option. Use a polishing cloth afterward so your necklace shines.
How to store gold jewelry
If you don’t have one already, buy a jewelry box. Choose one lined with fabric. You can also wrap your necklace in a soft cloth. Always store your gold name necklace separately from other necklaces to ensure the chains don’t get tangled.
Need more jewelry advice?
Gold necklaces are extremely popular, especially gold name necklaces. But if you want to buy a gold name necklace, it’s important to know all about gold and how to maintain your necklace.
When you’re ready to buy your necklace, there are several gold name necklace brands, options, and styles!
Do you need more jewelry advice? We can help you with all of your jewelry needs. Continue reading our website!
