How To Choose A 9ct Gold Chain

A gold chain is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. Here's how to choose one that works for you.

A well-chosen gold chain needs no introduction. Worn alone or layered, dressed up or kept casual, it's a piece that earns its place in any jewellery wardrobe. But with so many styles, lengths, and widths available, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.

This guide covers everything you need to consider before buying a 9ct gold chain — simply and without the jargon.

Why 9ct Gold?

9ct gold (marked with a 375 hallmark) contains 37.5% pure gold, alloyed with other metals for strength. That composition makes it notably durable — more resistant to scratching and bending than higher-carat golds — which is why it's a practical choice for chains worn daily.

It carries the warmth and richness of gold at a more accessible price point than 18ct or 22ct, and where required, our 9ct gold jewellery is hallmarked in line with UK hallmarking standards, helping verify precious metal purity., meaning its metal content is verified before it reaches you.

For a full explanation of what hallmarking means and why it matters, visit our Hallmarking & Diamond Guide.

While LG Aurelia may also offer 14ct and 18ct gold pieces, 9ct gold remains a popular choice for everyday chains due to its balance of durability, warmth and accessibility.

Chain Styles — Finding the Right One

The style of a chain affects how it sits, how it catches the light, and how it wears over time. Here are the most common types:

  • Curb chain — flat, interlocking links that lie flush against the skin. Clean, classic, and one of the most popular styles for both men and women. Holds up well to daily wear.
  • Figaro chain — a variation on the curb, with a pattern of shorter and longer links. Slightly more decorative, still versatile.
  • Rope chain — twisted links that create a textured, spiralled appearance. Catches the light well and has a more substantial feel.
  • Box chain — square links connected in a clean line. Minimal and modern, well-suited to pendants.
  • Snake chain — smooth, flexible, and sleek. A refined choice for a more understated look.

If you're wearing the chain alone, a curb or rope style tends to make more of a statement. If you're pairing it with a pendant, a box or cable chain keeps the focus on what's hanging from it.

Browse our gold chains collection to see current styles across each type.

Chain Length — Getting It Right

Length determines where a chain sits and how it reads visually. As a general guide:

  • 40–45cm — sits at the collarbone; works well for both men and women with a minimal, close-to-neck look
  • 50cm — sits just below the collarbone; the most versatile length for layering or solo wear
  • 55–60cm — sits at the chest; a longer, more relaxed fit that suits heavier chains and pendants
  • 70cm+ — sits lower on the chest or stomach; typically worn as a statement piece

If you're unsure, 50cm is a reliable starting point for most people.

Our chain length guide includes a visual reference if you'd like more detail.

Width — Subtle or Statement?

Width is measured in millimetres and has a significant impact on how a chain reads:

  • 1–2mm — delicate and understated; suits layering or a minimal everyday look
  • 3–4mm — balanced and versatile; visible without being heavy
  • 5mm+ — a bolder, more confident choice; works well as a standalone piece

For men's jewellery, 4–6mm tends to be the most popular range. For women, 1–3mm is common for everyday wear, though wider chains are increasingly worn as statement pieces.

Explore our men’s jewellery collection for chain styles with a broader, more substantial fit

What To Look For Before Buying

A few things worth checking before you commit:

  • Hallmark — confirm the 375 stamp, which verifies 9ct gold content
  • Clasp quality — a lobster clasp is the most secure for daily wear
  • Weight — heavier chains feel more substantial but cost more; consider how you'll wear it
  • Length options — some styles are available in multiple lengths; check before purchasing

A Chain Worth Wearing Every Day

A 9ct gold chain is one of those purchases that tends to stay with you. Chosen well, it becomes a piece you reach for without thinking — present enough to notice, understated enough to wear with anything.

For more jewellery guidance, visit The Aurelia Journal.
Jewellery care

Jewellery Care Guide

Proper care ensures your jewellery remains beautiful for years to come. Follow these expert guidelines to protect and maintain your precious pieces.
Cleaning jewellery

Cleaning Your Jewellery

Regular cleaning keeps your jewellery sparkling and prevents buildup that can dull its appearance.
Gently wipe your jewellery with a clean, soft cloth after wearing it to remove oils, fingerprints and surface residue. Pieces worn regularly may benefit from a more thorough clean every few weeks, while occasional-wear jewellery can usually be cleaned before storing or when it begins to look dull.
For plain solid-gold jewellery, use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid. Gently clean the piece using a very soft brush or cloth, then rinse carefully and dry completely with a lint-free cloth. Avoid this method when the jewellery contains delicate, porous or treated gemstones unless the product’s care instructions confirm it is suitable.
Use a soft silver-polishing cloth to gently remove tarnish and restore the surface shine. Rub carefully rather than applying heavy pressure, particularly around detailed areas and stone settings. Avoid toothpaste, baking soda and rough cloths, as these can scratch the silver and gradually damage its finish.
Plated jewellery should be cleaned very gently using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not scrub, soak or use abrasive polishing products, as these may gradually wear away the plated finish. Keep plated pieces away from perfumes, cosmetics, chlorine and household cleaning products to help preserve their colour and shine.
Many diamond pieces can be gently cleaned using lukewarm water, mild washing-up liquid and a very soft brush, provided the stone setting is secure and the piece has no delicate materials. Clean carefully around the setting, rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner unless a professional jeweller has confirmed it is safe for that specific piece.
Avoid bleach, chlorine, acetone, toothpaste, baking soda, abrasive powders, rough brushes and harsh household cleaners. These products may scratch precious metals, weaken settings, damage plating or permanently affect certain gemstones.
Professional cleaning is recommended when a piece has heavy tarnish, deeply trapped dirt, a loose stone, a damaged clasp or an unknown metal or gemstone. You should also stop wearing the jewellery and seek advice if you notice movement in a stone setting, cracks, bent claws or any other visible damage.
Wearing jewellery

Everyday Wear

Understanding when to wear and remove your jewellery helps prevent damage and extends its lifespan.
We recommend removing jewellery before showering. Soap, shampoo and body products can build up around links, clasps and stone settings, leaving the surface looking dull. Regular exposure to moisture may also affect plated finishes and more delicate gemstones.
Yes. Remove jewellery before exercising, playing sports or completing physical work. Sweat, pressure and accidental knocks may scratch the metal, bend delicate pieces or loosen stone settings. Rings can also become uncomfortable if your fingers swell during exercise.
It is best to remove jewellery before sleeping, particularly necklaces, bracelets, earrings and delicate pieces. Chains can become tangled or stretched, earring posts may bend and clasps can catch on clothing or bedding. Storing your jewellery overnight also gives it time away from skin oils and moisture.
Plain solid-metal rings may tolerate occasional handwashing, but soap can collect underneath the ring and around detailed settings. Remove delicate, plated, pearl or gemstone rings before washing whenever practical, and always dry both your hands and the jewellery thoroughly.
Apply perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and cosmetics before putting on your jewellery. Allow the products to dry fully first. This helps reduce direct contact with alcohol, oils and other ingredients that may affect the finish, plating or appearance of certain gemstones.
Yes. Household cleaners, bleach and other chemicals may damage precious metals, plated finishes and gemstones. Cleaning, gardening and manual work can also expose jewellery to scratches, impacts and unnecessary pressure. Gloves do not always provide complete protection, so removing your jewellery is the safer option.
Take a moment to check the clasp, chain, earring back and stone settings before putting the piece on. Do not wear jewellery if you notice a loose stone, bent claw, damaged link or unreliable clasp. Keeping it safely stored until it can be inspected may prevent further damage or loss.
Jewellery storage

Jewellery Storage

Proper storage protects your jewellery from scratches, tarnish, and environmental damage.
Store jewellery in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. A lined jewellery box, soft pouch or divided tray is ideal, provided each piece has enough space and is not pressed tightly against others.
Yes. Different metals, gemstones and finishes can scratch one another when stored together. Keep rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces in separate compartments or individual soft pouches wherever possible.
Fasten the clasp before storing the necklace and lay it flat or hang it from a suitable jewellery hook. Avoid placing several chains in the same compartment, as fine links can easily knot together or become stretched.
Original boxes are often a good storage option because they are designed to protect the piece and keep it secure. For long-term storage, make sure the box is clean, dry and not kept in a damp room such as a bathroom.
Avoid bathrooms, windowsills, radiators and other areas exposed to humidity, heat or direct sunlight. Moisture and temperature changes may encourage tarnishing, affect plated finishes and damage some gemstones or adhesives.
Keep sterling silver dry and separated from other jewellery, ideally inside a soft pouch or lined compartment. An anti-tarnish strip may help slow natural tarnishing, but the jewellery should still be checked and gently cleaned from time to time.
Leaving jewellery loose increases the risk of scratches, tangles, dust and accidental damage. A small lined tray is suitable for short-term use, but pieces should be returned to secure storage when they are not being worn.
Use a compact travel jewellery case with separate compartments and secure fastenings. Fasten necklaces before packing, keep earrings paired and avoid placing jewellery loose inside handbags, suitcases or toiletry bags.
Protecting jewellery

Protecting Your Jewellery

Avoid exposure to chemicals and harsh environments to keep your jewellery in pristine condition.
Perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and cosmetics can leave residue on jewellery and may gradually affect plated finishes, pearls and some gemstones. Apply beauty products first, allow them to dry fully, and put your jewellery on last.
Avoid contact with bleach, chlorine, household cleaners, acetone and other harsh chemicals. These substances may discolour metals, damage plating and affect certain gemstones or jewellery components.
Remove jewellery before cleaning, gardening, exercising or completing manual tasks. Store pieces separately and avoid allowing rings, bracelets and watches to repeatedly rub against one another.
Prolonged heat and strong sunlight may affect some gemstones, pearls, adhesives and plated finishes. Keep jewellery away from windowsills, radiators and other areas exposed to regular heat or direct sunlight.
Keep plated jewellery dry and avoid direct contact with perfumes, cosmetics, chlorine and cleaning products. Clean it only with a soft, dry cloth and avoid excessive rubbing, as plating naturally becomes thinner through regular wear.
Avoid knocking gemstone jewellery against hard surfaces and check the setting regularly for movement or bent claws. Stop wearing the piece if a stone feels loose or the setting looks damaged, and arrange an inspection before wearing it again.
Stop wearing the piece and store it safely to prevent the damage from getting worse. Do not attempt to bend, glue or repair it yourself. Contact LG Aurelia or a qualified jeweller for advice and inspection.
Gemstone and pearl care

Caring for Gemstones and Pearls

Gemstones and pearls require special care due to their unique properties and sensitivities.
Gently wipe gemstone jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing it to remove fingerprints, oils and surface residue. Some stones may tolerate mild soapy water, but always check the product’s specific care guidance first. Avoid soaking jewellery unless you know the stone and setting are suitable.
No. Gemstones vary in hardness, porosity and sensitivity to heat, moisture and chemicals. A cleaning method suitable for diamonds may damage softer or more delicate stones. When uncertain, use only a soft dry cloth and seek professional advice.
Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner unless a qualified jeweller has confirmed that it is safe for the specific gemstone and setting. Vibration and heat may loosen stones, affect treatments or damage delicate gemstones, pearls and jewellery containing adhesives.
After wearing pearls, gently wipe them with a clean, soft cloth to remove skin oils, perfume and cosmetic residue. Do not soak pearls or clean them with harsh products. Their surface is naturally delicate and may become scratched or lose its lustre.
Yes. Pearls are particularly sensitive to perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and other beauty products. Apply these products first, allow them to dry completely, and put your pearls on last. Remove them before showering, swimming or exercising.
Store pearls flat inside a soft pouch or lined compartment, away from harder jewellery that could scratch their surface. Avoid airtight, excessively dry or damp storage conditions. Pearl necklaces should not be hung for long periods, as this may stretch the thread.
Avoid knocking gemstone jewellery against hard surfaces and check the setting regularly for loose stones, bent claws or visible movement. Stop wearing the piece if anything appears damaged and arrange an inspection before wearing it again.
Arrange a professional inspection if a stone becomes loose, the setting is damaged, a pearl necklace thread becomes stretched or the jewellery requires deeper cleaning. Regular inspection is especially helpful for frequently worn rings, valuable pieces and jewellery with delicate stone settings.

Need advice about caring for a specific piece?

Our team is here to help with personalised care recommendations for your jewellery.
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