The Best Gold Jewelry to Shop in 2023
Updated: Apr. 04, 2023
From simple rings to standout necklaces, we found the essential gold jewelry pieces worthy of adding to your bauble collection.
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Whether you’re an accessory minimalist wearing understated stud earrings and a simple gold band, or a full-on maximalist with a case full of head-turning pieces, gold jewelry is a must-have for any bauble lover. From sleek hoop earrings to baroque-style cuffs, the best jewelry brands offer a variety of styles (including affordable jewelry) that can be dressed up or down. Choose a quality piece and you can feel confident that it’ll look good-as-new for years to come. (That is, as long as you properly clean your gold jewelry.)
That’s why we shopped for the best gold jewelry from luxury jewelry brands, jewelry sales and jewelry on Amazon. We narrowed down the essential pieces worthy of adding to your collection, no matter your style.
Best overall
Bony Levy 14K Gold Link Stacking Ring
It’s no easy feat to win the top spot of our best gold jewelry list. To even be considered, any piece—whether a pair of earrings, a bracelet, necklace or a ring—had to be crafted from quality gold. Other criteria: A classic design that never goes out of style, and the ability to seamlessly pair with any outfit.
This 14k solid gold ring checks all the boxes. Its versatility is unmatched thanks to its chain-link design. It has enough visual interest to be worn alone—perhaps with a simple white shirt and high-waisted jeans. For more formal affairs, its elegant silhouette stacks nicely with other cocktail rings and a wrist full of bracelets for a more glam dressed-up look.
Pros
- Versatile design
- Made of solid gold
- Can be stacked or worn solo
Cons
-
Limited sizes available
Best budget
Maison Miru Little Bar Nap Earrings
For people with pierced ears, a solid pair of studs is an indispensable part of any gold jewelry collection. There’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars on such a simple design, though! These bar studs are beautiful basics (without being boring), and are the ideal budget-friendly option for everyday wear.
The clean lines and a subtly polished shine provide a simple but modern design you’ll never want to take off. And you won’t have to: The implant-grade titanium 14k gold coated finish ensures a comfortable fit, even for sensitive ears, and the flat-back push-pin closure keeps them snuggly in place—without poking you. The modern style looks flawless when worn alone, or as a secondary piece to let other accessories (like fine jewelry or permanent jewelry) steal the show.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Goes-with-everything style
- Secure post closure
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
-
So petite they require a safe spot in a jewelry box so you don’t lose them
Best hoop earrings
Gorjana Crew Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings have withstood the test of time, proving themselves to be stylish and trendy jewelry no matter the decade. The ideal pair is not “too” anything—not too big, not too expensive, not too heavy. This Gorjana pick features the best qualities you want in an everyday dangler.
It’s a manageable size you can wear all day, and the eye-catching croissant design is a modern update on the typical hoop. No need to worry about these pulling on your ears either; they’re lightweight, much to the relief of your lobes.
Pros
- Striking twisted hoop design
- Lightweight
- Easily pairs with any outfit
Cons
-
May tarnish if they come in contact with alcohol
Best personalized
Quince Initial Necklace
To go big and bold without blowing your budget, add this oversized sideways initial necklace to your online shopping cart. Buy it as a special personalized gift for yourself to proudly display your own initial, or to show off a loved one’s initial to always keep them close.
Letter necklaces also make for fool-proof jewelry gifts, whether for your mom, best friends or bridesmaids. Perhaps best of all, Quince adheres to transparent pricing, so you can feel confident that you’re paying a fair amount for a quality piece.
Pros
- Unique personalized design
- Delicate look with a sturdy feel
- Ethically made in New York
Cons
-
Not returnable
Psst! While you’re at it, take a look at our top picks for inclusive jewelry, too.
Best standout
Karine Sultan Flower Cuff
There’s nothing subtle about this Karine Sultan cuff, which makes it a vital purchase for any jewelry collection that’s missing a “look at me!” piece to brighten a little black dress, peek out from under a power blazer or pop against a capsule wardrobe. Etched flowers adorn the swirling textured cuff, which is sure to turn heads. An open design means you can manipulate it to fit your wrist perfectly. Just be prepared to answer “Where did you get your bracelet?” over and over!
Pros
- Beautiful and unique statement-making design
- Adjustable sizing
- Handmade and plated in 24k gold
Cons
-
Bold, oversized design may not suit everyones style
Best understated
Mejuri Layered Necklace
The best necklaces add instant polish to any outfit, and that’s exactly what this Mejuri pick does. It gives the appearance of three separate chains, but it’s actually just one easy-to-clasp necklace. You achieve a trendy layered style without the annoyance of snagging strands, and no stacking required.
It’s handcrafted with gold vermeil—a thick layer of 18k solid gold over sterling silver, so you get the look and feel of gold jewelry at a fraction of the price. One caveat: Be sure you know how to pack jewelry this delicate when traveling so you don’t end up with a tangled mess upon arrival.
Pros
- Gives you a layered look with just one necklace
- Made with gold vermeil, a thick 18k solid gold plating
- Shiny long-lasting finish
Cons
-
Needs to be stored in a jewelry case carefully so it doesn’t tangle
Best on Amazon
Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace
Amazon sells everything, and that includes pages and pages of gold jewelry. Of all the available styles, this Kendra Scott pendant necklace offers the ultimate versatility, since it’s available in dozens of stone options. Whether you prefer opal, citrine, cobalt, amethyst or your birthstone, it provides a little pop of color in a delicate design worthy of everyday wear.
Pros
- Convenient to purchase on Amazon
- Available in an impressive 30+ gem stone options
- Arrives in a gift box
- Dainty design is extremely wearable
Cons
-
Gold plated over brass—not ideal if you have sensitive skin
What to Consider When Buying Gold Jewelry
The good news about gold jewelry: It’s always in style, and most pieces match with nearly any outfit. The bad news: There’s a lot of gold jewelry on the market, and its quality varies wildly. As you’re shopping, determine if you’d prefer solid gold—which is high-quality, but costs more. Or, if you’d rather save (more than a few) dollars, gold-plated jewelry is more budget-friendly, but tarnishes over time if not cared for properly.
Some other questions to ask yourself: Is this a style I’ll get a lot of wear of? Is it comfortable? Can the sizing be adjusted? Does it coordinate with my other accessories? Determining these factors helps you choose gold jewelry you’ll constantly reach for, ensuring pieces don’t get forgotten about in your jewelry organizers.
How We Chose the Best Gold Jewelry
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
How do you clean gold jewelry?
To keep your gold jewelry sparkling, all you need is dish soap, a cotton cloth, a soft-bristled brush and a few minutes. Simply mix a couple drops of dish soap with warm water in a small bowl, and let jewelry sit in the mixture for 20 minutes.
Clean one or two pieces of jewelry at a time so they don’t scratch each other. The dish soap breaks down any grease, but if the piece is especially dirty, take a soft toothbrush to the surface to get in between hard-to-reach spots. Then place the jewelry on a soft cotton cloth to pat dry. Voila!
If you’re not into the DIY approach, there are jewelry cleaning products available, like ultrasonic jewelry cleaners and the Diamond Dazzle Stik, a stone shining pen with thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon.
Does gold plated jewelry tarnish?
Gold-plated jewelry seems like the best of both worlds: Get the look of gold without the hefty price tag. The downside? Eventually, the gold layer can wear off. But, proper care extends the life of gold-plated jewelry.
Store jewelry in a cool, dark place away from humidity and heat—culprits of tarnishing. Keep your jewelry out of unnecessary contact with water, cleaning products and perfumes. Regular cleaning, with a soft cloth and an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, is essential, too. Also consider buying vermeil, which offers a thicker layer of gold compared to gold-plated pieces.
Can you shower with gold jewelry?
While there’s no jewelry police stopping you from showering in your golden bling, it’s not recommended. If your pieces are gold-plated, contact with water causes the gold layer to wear off. Showering in solid gold pieces won’t necessarily harm them, but it can reduce their shine. Do your best to remove your jewelry before showering—your pieces will thank you.
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