Gold Chai Necklaces

What Is a Chai Necklace?

The chai symbol (חי) is formed by two letters from the Hebrew alphabet — chet and yod — and translates as "life" or "living." It is one of the most recognized and worn Judaica symbols, valued both for its meaning and its visual elegance as a pendant form.

In Jewish gematria — the system of assigning numerical values to Hebrew letters — the letters of chai correspond to the number 18. For this reason, 18 is considered an auspicious number in Jewish tradition, and gifts given in multiples of 18 carry a wish for long life and good fortune. A gold chai necklace is a classic gift for bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, and other life-cycle celebrations.

The chai symbol is often worn alone as a solitaire pendant, or paired with complementary Judaica motifs such as the Star of David or the Merkabah.

Gold Chai Necklaces at Lamed

Lamed Fine Jewelry is a Los Angeles couture studio specializing in handcrafted fine jewelry in solid gold. The studio designs and produces pieces in solid yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, set with natural diamonds and colored stones.

For chai necklaces and pendants, Lamed can produce pieces to order in your preferred metal and finish. Browse the necklace collection for available designs, or email [email protected] to ask about a specific chai pendant — the studio responds within one business day, Monday–Friday.

Lamed also takes fully custom commissions. If you want a chai pendant designed to your specifications — metal, size, diamond setting, or a design built from scratch — start a custom request and the studio will walk through options and pricing before anything is made.

Solid Gold Chai Pendants

Lamed pieces are made in solid gold — not hollow, not gold-filled, not gold-plated. Solid gold holds its value, wears without the finish peeling or fading, and can be resized or reworked by a jeweler over time. For a symbol meant to be worn close and kept for life, the material choice matters.

Metal options at Lamed include:

• Yellow gold — the traditional choice for chai jewelry; warm and classically Judaica in character.
• White gold — a cooler, contemporary look that pairs well with diamond accents.
• Rose gold — a warm pinkish tone for a softer, modern aesthetic.

Natural diamonds can be incorporated into a chai pendant design — as a pavé border, a single accent stone, or a fully diamond-set face. To discuss a specific configuration, email [email protected] or start a custom request.

How to Choose a Chai Necklace

When choosing a gold chai necklace, the main decisions are metal color, scale, and chain pairing. A smaller pendant reads as everyday jewelry — wearable under a shirt or layered with other chains. A larger, more substantial chai makes a clear statement piece, appropriate for formal occasions or as a meaningful heirloom gift.

Chain length determines how the pendant sits: a shorter chain (around 16″) keeps the pendant near the collarbone; an 18″ chain is the most versatile and sits just below the collarbone; longer options suit layering. Browse the chain collection for options that pair well with pendants.

If you are purchasing a chai necklace as a gift, the metal color and scale are the most personal choices. When in doubt, yellow gold in a modest size is the most traditional option and suits the widest range of wearers. For guidance on a specific piece, email [email protected] or visit the studio in Los Angeles by appointment.

Custom Chai Necklace Design in Los Angeles

A large part of what Lamed does is custom work. If you want a chai pendant that does not exist in the current collection — a particular metal, a specific size, diamond accents, engraving, or a fully original design — the studio can make it. Start a custom request and Lamed will respond with options, timelines, and pricing before work begins.

Custom and made-to-order pieces are final sale. Clients can visit the Los Angeles studio by appointment to discuss a commission in person, review sketches, and confirm a direction before production starts.

Shipping, Returns & Appointments

Lamed ships within the United States. Every order ships fully insured with a signature required on delivery; complimentary insured shipping is included on orders over $1,000. In-stock pieces are prepared and dispatched within 1–3 business days. Once dispatched, domestic orders typically arrive within 2–5 business days.

Defective or damaged pieces are returnable for replacement or refund. Unworn items may be exchanged for store credit within 7 days of delivery. Custom and made-to-order commissions are final sale. Full details are on the Returns & Exchanges page.

Lamed also sees clients in Los Angeles by appointment for sizing, custom consultations, and to view pieces in person. There is no walk-in storefront. Request an appointment; studio hours are Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm Pacific.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Chai Necklaces