Mama Necklaces We Love Right Now

Growing and giving birth to a new human is a momentous event. And one you should proudly advertise. Mama necklaces are an elegant way to commemorate your role as a giver of life, whether as a first Mother's Day gift, something you put on your list of new baby must-haves or a keepsake you buy for yourself.

How we chose the best Mama necklaces

The silver and gold Mama necklaces on this list come in a range of prices and materials. When reviewing our choices keep in mind the differences between gold-plated, gold-filled and solid gold or silver.

Gold-plated means that a thin layer of gold is added to a base metal. The base is often copper or brass and brass is more durable. Gold plating can wear away over time.

Gold-filled jewelry is also a layer of gold on another metal, but the layer is much thicker and is unlikely to wear away. Solid gold jewelry is the most valuable and expensive and lasts the longest. Untreated sterling silver tarnishes but the silver necklace on our list is treated with a shiny, tarnish-free top.

We've included options inexpensive enough to be impulse buys and Mama necklaces valuable enough to become heirlooms. What do they all have in common? They're stylish and none dangle enough for tiny hands to yank.

Ana Luisa 14K Gold Mama Necklace

Known for making "earth-friendly jewelry that lasts," Ana Luisa's Mama necklace features a classic serif font. It's 14K gold-plated brass with a cable chain and lobster clasp. Sensitive skin-friendly and water-resistant, wear this one at two different lengths, 15 inches or 17 inches.

Pros

• 14K gold-plated
• Made by a climate-neutral company
• High quality for the price
• Adjustable length

Cons

• Some reviewers found it a bit short

Dainty Mama Necklace

This dainty script Mama necklace is not only affordable, it's adorable. It's gold-plated on stainless steel, which means it's great for sensitive skin. However, if the gold starts to wear off, you'll see a silver color underneath. It comes in rose gold and silver as well.

The chain is 18 inches long and the necklace can be worn at 16 inches or the full 18, making it easy to layer with other necklaces. And the tiny word "mama" is just 0.16 inches high by one inch long.

Pros

• Dainty and delicate
• Gold-plated stainless steel
• Affordable
• Adjustable length
• Easy to layer

Cons

• The quality of the gold plating is unclear
• Some reviewers have complained that their chain broke soon after purchasing

Bubs & Sass Mama Necklace

Choose from a silver or gold finish, and then know Mom is sure to love the tarnish-free, sweat-free stainless steel metal that's totally okay to wear to the playground, gym or amusement park. She's going to be SO proud to show this one off.

We love how affordable it is—$40—making it a perfect gift for kids pooling their money together.

Pros

• Affordable
• Stainless steel metal won't tarnish
• Sweat-proof
• Gold or silver finishes

Cons

• May be too small for some

MORGAN & PAIGE Dainty Statement Silver Mama Necklace

This pretty Mama necklace in sterling silver is coated in rhodium, which adds shine, and durability and prevents it from tarnishing, something that usually happens with sterling silver. It's good for those with sensitive skin.

It comes on a 16-inch chain with a two-inch extender. Morgan & Paige is a family-run business in Texas.

Pros

• Rhodium-treated sterling silver
• Affordable
• Comes with chain extender

Cons

• Some reviewers said that their necklaces arrived tangled

Benevolence LA Mama Necklace

This 14K gold-plated Mama necklace has delicate uppercase letters spaced out along the front of the chain. It's nickel-free, has a lobster clasp and can be extended from 16 inches to 18 inches.

This necklace has more than 7,000 reviews and 4.6 stars. Despite its affordable price, an Amazon-verified shopper says, "It's so nice and delicate looking. I would buy this again for any new mom."

Pros

• 14K gold-plated
• Affordable
• Adjustable length

Cons

• Reviewers report that the chain breaks easily

Brilliant Earth Script Mama Diamond Necklace

If you're looking for a luxurious, splurge-worthy option, this is the Mama necklace for you. It's 14K gold with 64 round pavé diamonds totalling 0.18 carats. It features a delicate cable chain with a lobster clasp. Brilliant Earth uses 98 percent recycled gold and its diamonds surpass industry standards of being conflict-free.

Pros

• High quality
• 14K solid gold
• Genuine diamonds

Cons

• Expensive

Made by Mary Mama & Co Bar Necklace

This custom bar necklace is 14K gold filled and also comes in sterling silver. It has a bar that can be engraved with up to seven characters and a small disc that can be engraved with up to two digits or initials. Perfect for moms or grandmas, add the number of kids or grandkids you have on the disc. Or order additional discs and add your kid's first initial to each.

The chain comes in two sizes: 16 inches, adjustable to 18 inches or 20 inches, adjustable to 22 inches. The bar is one inch long and the disc is 3/8 of an inch. It's great for layering with other necklaces.

Pros

• Gold filled
• Custom order
• Great for layering
• Adjustable length

Cons

• More expensive than other options

Kendra Scott Mama Script Strand Necklace

Mom of three Kendra Scott designs stylish jewelry in Austin, Texas. Her company's motto is Shine Bright, Do Good and the entrepreneur has even started her own foundation. The Kendra Scott Foundation aims to change the lives of women and youth through programs of our own and strong partnerships with like-minded organizations.

The designer has collaborated with Target, Wrangler and Barbie. This Mama pendant features tiny script letters spaced along a dainty curb chain. It's 14K gold plated brass with a 16-inch chain, a three-inch extender and a lobster clasp.

Pros

• 14K gold plated brass
• Sturdy chain design
• Adjustable length

Cons

• More expensive than other options