Now the gold-plated chains. I want to be straightforward about them, because I think they have a real job: wearing a trend, a chunkier shape or a layered stack without committing to solid gold. Each one here is named as 18K gold plated, which means a layer of gold over another metal, not a solid chain.

The FTC is clear that gold plating eventually wears away, depending on how the piece is worn and how thick the plating is. It also says gold flashed or gold washed pieces wear away faster than gold plate, gold filled or gold electroplate. So treat these as pieces to rotate. Put them on after perfume and lotion have dried, take them off before the shower, and wipe them with a soft cloth when you get home.

You will also see the word vermeil on chains like these, and the definition matters. Under the FTC Jewelry Guides, vermeil is sterling silver coated or plated on all significant surfaces with gold or gold alloy of at least 10 karat, at a minimum thickness equivalent to 2.5 microns of fine gold. None of the names here say vermeil, so read the product page before you assume it.

Ettika has the most pieces in this group. The Brooklyn Flat 18k Gold Plated Snake Chain Necklace, 15.5" with a 3" extender, gives you some room to adjust. The Interlocking 18K Gold Plated Chain Necklace adjusts from 15 to 19 inches, so I would wear it close with a crew neck and longer with an open collar. The Triple Flex Snake Chain Necklace, 13", sits high, almost like a collar. All the Chains 18K Gold Plated Layered Necklace does the layering for you in one clasp, and the Snake Smooth Chain is the quiet one.

Anabel Aram brings Enchanted Forest, Farrier and Sculpted Bamboo, all in plated gold with a bit of story. Capucine De Wulf has the Victoria Chain Necklace, 18", and the Equestrian Snaffle Bit Chain Necklace, 20". Kenneth Jay Lane's Chain Link Necklace is the simple, bold pick. From Toteme, the Byzantine Chain Collar Necklace, 16", is the most architectural of the lot, and it sits snug against the neck like a collar.

This group is about the shape of the link, and the Jewelers of America definitions are useful here. They describe paperclip-style chains as interlocking elongated links that look like looped paperclips, and say their looseness suits layering or adding charms. A curb chain, per the same source, has circular links that interlock and lie flat and close together, and they call curb chains some of the most durable chains. All twelve here are named as solid gold, in 10K, 14K or 18K or simply solid yellow gold.

Roberto Coin shows up three times, and I like the range. The 18K Yellow Gold Paperclip Link Chain Necklace comes in 17" or 22", so you can choose a close or a long drop. The Gold Chains Classic Bead Link Chain, 16-18", and the Classic Oro Link Necklace, 17", are for a more polished look. Zoë Chicco's 14K Yellow Gold Heavy Metal Small Paperclip Link Chain Necklace, 16", is my pick for a jeans-and-white-tee day.

Cadar has two, the Be Home Double Cable Link Chain Necklace, 17", and the Foundation Chain Link Necklace, 15-18", which adjusts. By Pariah's Belcher Link Chain Necklace, 17.7-19.7", is a longer, adjustable option. King Baby Studio's Fine Curb Link Necklace is in 10K Yellow Gold, the lowest karat of the whole edit, so check the stamp when you compare.

Zoe Lev's Mirror Link Chain Necklace, 18", Ana Luisa's Solid Yellow Gold Flat Mariner Chain Necklace and EF Collection's 14K Snake Link Chain Necklace, 18", each have a different surface, from flat to smooth to scaled. From Pomellato, the 18K Rose Gold Open Link Chain Necklace, 17.3", is the pink-toned pick.

What I would skip: layering three chains of the same length and the same link, because they tangle and look like one heavy rope. Vary the length by two inches or so and the link by shape. I would also skip very thin herringbone styles for everyday wear. Jewelers of America says they are prone to twisting and kinking, so they need extra care.

Here is how I choose, in the order I check things. First, the stamp: 10K, 14K or 18K, or a plating note. Then the length against my neckline, then the clasp, and last how often I will actually wear it. A chain that lives under a shirt collar all week suits a solid version.

If your skin is sensitive, the American Academy of Dermatology advises people with a nickel allergy to choose jewelry that is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, or made from metals including 18-, 22- or 24-karat yellow gold, sterling silver or platinum. That is a good reason to read the label on a plated piece too.

For care, GIA says a soft cloth is always safe for wiping off dust and oils. If a chain is set with delicate or porous gemstones or pearls, warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap is the safest wash. I wipe mine at night, keep them flat in a pouch, and fasten the clasp so the chain does not knot.

One chain I wear daily, one I rotate in, and one that is plated for trying a new length. That is enough.

I paired a fine chain with studs and huggies in my edit of the best jewelry for the office.