Emma’s Repeat Purchase: Gold Chains
There are pieces in my wardrobe I buy time and again, and a gold chain is at the top of that list. I wear one almost every single day – whether I’m heading into the office, styling a shoot or just throwing on a tracksuit for a coffee run.
I always get asked about my jewellery and specifically my gold chains: where they’re from, how I style them and whether they’re real gold or gold-plated. For me, they’re not trend-led or seasonal – they’re a styling shortcut I rely on constantly.
My obsession with gold chains started years ago – long before they became a talking point. I’ve always been drawn to simple, considered jewellery – pieces that feel timeless rather than decorative. Early on in my career, when my wardrobe was made up of tailored jackets, white T-shirts and borrowed-from-the-boys shirting, I realised a gold chain was the easiest way to make an outfit feel intentional.
My husband jokes that when he met me, I was weighed down by gold chains and chunky earrings. He quickly christened me B.A. Baracus (a reference that will probably only resonate with older readers). Exaggerated? Maybe. Entirely inaccurate? No. Jewellery has always been more than a finishing touch for me; it’s instinctive, expressive and unapologetic. Long before “statement” became a buzzword, I was using it to give even the simplest outfit a bit of attitude. Trends come and go but my love of bold jewellery is enduring.
I loved how gold chains add warmth and soften sharper tailoring. Over time, they became part of my uniform. I might switch up my silhouettes, colours or proportions, but a gold chain almost always stays. It’s one of those items that quietly pulls everything together without screaming for attention.
My favourite style is a classic medium-weight gold chain – not too chunky, not too fine. It sits just at the collarbone and works with pretty much everything I own. The one I wear every day is the Manhattan T-bar by Talis Chains. I like chains that have a slightly vintage feel to them, whether that’s through the weight, the links or the finish. This is the chain I reach for when I’m wearing a blazer and t-shirt, a knit over bare skin or even a simple vest. It has enough presence to work alone but also layers beautifully with finer necklaces if I want a more styled look. For me, it’s all about balance – a chain that feels effortless but still elevates.
I’m often asked where to buy good gold chains and my answer is always the same: decide what works for your lifestyle first. If you want something you never take off, solid gold is worth the investment. It wears so beautifully over time.
For everyday and affordable options, there are some brilliant brands doing great gold-plated and vermeil pieces that feel far more expensive than they are. I also love looking at vintage and antique jewellery sellers – you’ll often find unique chains with the kind of character and weight you just don’t get with newer designs. My go-to brands are Talis Chains, Martha Calvo, Anisa Sojka and high-street names like H&M and Zara always have a good selection.
The key is choosing something that can hold its own but isn’t so trend-driven that it dates quickly. Gold chains add polish, confidence and a sense of intention. They bring warmth to neutral palettes and contrast beautifully with tailoring, knitwear and even sportswear. I love how they can make a tracksuit feel styled or take the edge off something very sharp and structured. There’s also something empowering about them. A gold chain feels strong, assured and slightly masculine in the best way – which is probably why I’m drawn to them.
Styling Tips
Wear it with confidence and don’t overthink it. They work best when they look thrown on. I love them against bare skin, under oversized shirt collars or layered over a fine knit.
Layer up. It’s fun and interesting to layer up chains with different links and weights. It looks unintentional and is an easy styling hack. Don’t be afraid to mix weights or textures – a chunkier chain paired with something delicate can look incredibly modern and chic.
Think about proportions too. Heavier chains work well with tailoring and oversized silhouettes, while finer chains suit softer, more minimal looks.
Wear them everywhere – not just for “dressed-up” moments. The more you integrate them into your everyday style, the more natural and personal they’ll feel. For me, gold chains aren’t an accessory I add at the end – they’re part of the foundation – and that’s exactly why I keep coming back to them.
Wear earrings and other jewellery that complement your chains. If you want a statement look, go for a chunky chain and matching earrings. Equally, if you want more of a balanced look, wear finer earrings and rings.
SHOP EMMA'S PICKS
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