Solid and hollow 14K gold Cuban link chains cut open to show the inside

Hollow vs. Solid Gold: What's the Difference?

Shopping for a gold chain? Two chains can look almost identical in a photo but feel completely different in your hand. The difference is what's inside. Here's everything you need to know before you buy.

Cut end of a solid 14K gold Cuban link chain, gold all the way through
Solid: gold all the way through. Heavier, stronger, easy to repair.
Cut end of a hollow 14K gold Cuban link chain showing the empty center
Hollow: a thin gold shell with an empty center. Lighter and lower priced, but dents more easily.

What is solid gold?

A solid chain is gold all the way through. That makes it heavier, stronger and built to be worn every day for years. If it ever gets damaged, a jeweler can usually repair it. And since gold is valued by weight, a solid chain holds more real gold value.

What is hollow gold?

A hollow chain is made from gold tubing with an empty center. You get a big, bold look at a lighter weight and a lower price. The trade-off: hollow pieces dent and kink more easily, and they're harder (sometimes impossible) to repair.

SOLIDHOLLOWWEIGHTHeavierLighterDURABILITYVery strongCan dent or kinkREPAIRSEasy to fixHard to fixPRICEHigherLowerGOLD PER INCHMore goldLess goldBEST FOREveryday wear and apiece for lifeA bold look on abudget, specialoccasions

Which one should I buy?

Will you wear it every day, at the gym,or while working with your hands?YESGo SOLIDBuilt to last through daily wear.NODo you want the biggest, boldest lookfor your budget?YESGo HOLLOWBig look, lighter on the wallet. Treatit gently.NOGo SOLID, a bit thinnerSame lasting quality at a lower price.
  • Choose solid if you'll wear it every day, to the gym, at work, or you want a piece for life.
  • Choose hollow if you want a thick, eye-catching look on a budget, or you'll wear it for special occasions.
  • On a budget but want it to last? Go solid in a slightly thinner size.

The #1 tip: check the weight

The same gold chain style on two scales: solid weighs 30.0 g, hollow weighs 12.0 g
Same style, same width, same length. Solid: 30.0 g. Hollow: 12.0 g. Example for illustration only; actual weights vary by style.

Two chains of the same width and length can have very different amounts of gold. The weight in grams tells you how much gold you're really getting. Every chain on our site lists its weight, is labeled Solid or Hollow in the title, and you can filter by either one.

Caring for a hollow chain

  • Take it off before sleeping, the gym or rough work.
  • Don't pull or tug on it, and avoid sharp bends.
  • Store it flat or hanging so it doesn't get crushed.

Still not sure? Visit us in Downtown LA or Pomona and hold both in your hand, or message us on Instagram @joyeriastorres.usa.

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