18k Gold Chains and Necklaces

Solid 18k gold chains for men: 75% pure gold, for a deeper, richer yellow. Diamond cut and classic Franco, Hermes and round box chains from 1.5mm to 6.5mm, made in the USA and Italy and covered by our Lifetime Limited Warranty.

14k Gold Chains and Necklace for Men
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How to Choose an 18k Gold Chain

An 18k gold chain is for the man who wants a richer yellow and more gold around his neck. Here's what to know before you pick one.

What does 18k gold mean?

18k gold is 75% pure gold: 18 parts gold out of 24. That's why it has a deeper, warmer yellow than 14k. You'll see it stamped "18k" or "750", which means 750 parts gold per thousand.

Is 18k gold strong enough to wear every day?

Yes. A solid 18k gold chain is made to be worn. 18k is often a little softer than 14k, so it shows surface wear a bit sooner, especially on the sharp facets of a diamond cut chain. Wider widths and solid links tend to hold up best, and take it off before the pool or hot tub.

Our 18k chain styles

  • Diamond cut Franco: 1.5mm to 6.5mm, in our USA-made and Italian lines, including one in 18k white gold. See all diamond cut Franco chains.
  • Franco: 4mm and 5mm, with a polished finish and no diamond cut.
  • Hermes (heavy link): 2mm to 5mm. See all Hermes chains.
  • Round box: 3.5mm and 5mm. See all round box chains.

Why does 18k cost more, and weigh more?

18k gold has more gold in every gram, and it's denser, so the same chain usually weighs about 15% to 20% more in 18k. Our 4mm Franco at 22 inches weighs 46 grams in 14k and 55 grams in 18k. Put together, the 18k chain carries about 50% more pure gold, and that's most of what you're paying for.

Width, length and pendants

Our 18k chains come in lengths from 20 to 28 inches, and most men of average height choose 22 or 24 inches. For a pendant, a diamond cut Franco is a great choice: its rounded links let the pendant move freely. Check that the chain fits through your pendant's bail. Browse our men's gold pendants.

Made in the USA and Italy

Our 18k diamond cut Franco chains come in a USA-made line and an Italian line, and the weight can differ a lot at the same width. Both lines share a similar structure and the same great quality; the Italian chains cost more because of higher labor costs and, currently, import tariffs. At 22 inches, our Italian 4mm weighs 56 grams and our USA-made 4mm weighs 41 grams. Check the weight on each chain to compare.

Warranty and returns

Every chain is covered by our Lifetime Limited Warranty. New, unworn chains can be returned within 30 days of delivery for store credit, less a 10% restocking fee and a $15 handling fee. See our returns and warranty policy. Want an even deeper yellow? Take a look at our 22k gold chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes, a solid 18k gold chain is strong enough to wear every day. 18k is often a little softer than 14k, so it shows surface wear a bit sooner, but a solid chain in a sensible width will last. Take it off for the pool or hot tub, because chlorine is hard on gold.

An 18k gold chain is 75% pure gold and a 14k gold chain is 58.3%. 18k has a deeper yellow and usually weighs about 15% to 20% more for the same chain; 14k is often a little harder and costs less. Compare our 14k gold chains.

The price of an 18k gold chain comes down to how much gold is in it, how it's made, and the clasp. 18k costs more than the same chain in 14k because it carries about 50% more pure gold. Every chain shows its current price and listed weight.

Yes, our 18k gold chains are solid 18k gold, not gold plated, gold filled or hollow. Be careful with listings marked "18kgp": that means gold plated, a thin layer of gold over another metal.

18k gold doesn't tarnish in normal wear. Pure gold never tarnishes, and 18k has less of the other metals that can dull over time than 14k does. A little warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush keep it shining.

For an 18k pendant, a diamond cut Franco chain is a great match, because its rounded links let the pendant move freely. Choose a width that fits through the pendant's bail, and keep the chain and pendant in the same karat so the colors match.