There is a wide range of research involving the preparation and applications of gold nanoparticles. Most of the studies use spherical or faceted gold nanoparticles of certain sizes to address their problems. Syntheses of non-spherical gold nanostructures are more challenging. In this report, we describe the recent progress in the growth of branched gold nanocrystals, high aspect ratio gold nanorods, and gold nanoplates. The ability to successfully control the growth of these novel gold nanostructures to high yields should allow further applications of these gold nanomaterials.