Are you looking to dress up your neck with a beautiful men’s chain? If you’re unsure where to start, we don’t blame you. There are plenty of things to consider: chain style, length, type of metal, etc. Before you start shopping, here are some pointers to help you find the perfect piece.
Popular Styles
Anchor Chain (aka Mariner or Stud-Link Chain): This chain features a series of connected oval links with a bar stretching across the center of each link. If you’re familiar with boats and other water vessels, this design might look familiar. It resembles the chains that are attached to anchors, hence the name! The oval links are available in various widths, but thicker styles tend to be more popular among male shoppers. Thicker chains are typically worn by themselves, but you can also add a pendant to thinner chains.
*Pro Tip: It’s common to find anchor chains with flat oval links, but keep an eye
out for a new trend: puffed links.
Ball Chain (aka Bead Chain): As the name suggests, this type of chain is made of small, round balls/beads that
are connected to form a chain. In some styles, the beads are placed very close together, while other styles incorporate spaces to create movement between the beads. You can even find ball chains with semi-precious stone beads, metal details and gemstones. These chains often look best with an attached pendant, such as a dog tag.
*Pro Tip: Ball chains aren’t as durable as other types of chains, so consider your lifestyle when choosing your piece!
Box Chain: One of the most popular styles, box chains are exactly what you’d think: connected square links! These necklaces are known for their durability, making them ideal for daily wear and heavy pendants. They’re a nice alternative to ball chains and also pair well with dog tags.
*Pro Tip: If you’d like to show off the detailing in your box chain, choose a thicker piece!
Cable Chain: A simple yet popular style, the cable chain features identical oval links in alternating positions. It’s durable and looks great with a pendant!
*Pro Tip: While cable chains are a common choice for men, they technically aren’t gender-specific. Therefore, they make great gifts for others in your life!
Curb Chain: This style may be basic, but it’s certainly timeless! Similar to cable chains, curb chains incorporate identical links, but the links all face the same way and lay flat even when connected. These chains are durable, low maintenance and typically worn without a pendant. Thicker, black chains particularly have a masculine appearance.
*Pro Tip: If you’re searching for an everyday necklace, we recommend a curb chain with links that are thinner than 5 millimeters. We suggest a thicker chain for a flashier look.
Cuban Link Chain: This may look like a slightly dull version of a curb chain, but it has several other differences! Links in Cuban chains are more tightly connected, creating less movement than you’ll see in curb chains. This design makes Cuban chains roughly 50% heavier than curb chains. Why are Cuban necklaces not quite as shiny? They don’t have the same unique, diamond cut as curb chains.
*Pro Tip: The Cuban chain originated in Miami during the hip-hop jewelry movement of the 1970s. It’s sometimes referred to as the Miami Cuban link chain and can still be seen around the necks of hip-hop artists today.
Figaro Chain: Also similar to a curb chain, this necklace was originally designed in Italy. It features flat, oval-shaped links with an elongated version sprinkled in every few links. Given its durability and relatively simple design, a figaro chain is a great option for daily wear.
*Pro Tip: You’ll typically see these chains without pendants. But a more recent trend is to add a pendant to a thin figaro chain.
Herringbone Chain: If you can already picture the multiple “v” shapes in a herringbone pattern, you’re well on your way to envisioning a herringbone chain. Thin, flat pieces of metal are connected in this chain style, and you can see a slight bend in the center of each piece, creating the herringbone look. From a distance, the necklace appears to be one long, solid piece of metal.
*Pro Tip: Due to their shape, herringbone chains have less flexibility and can therefore kink easier than other styles. Be gentle when handling this precious piece!
Paper Clip Chain: This chain features elongated oval links that literally look like connected paper clips in alternating positions. This piece looks great on its own or paired with other jewelry. It can be worn any time of year too!
*Pro Tip: Make your paper clip chain a timeless piece with yellow or white gold!
Rope Chain: Another popular style, this chain looks like — you guessed it — a rope! It’s made of small metal links that are twisted into a spiral pattern. The design showcases a lot of texture and reflects plenty of light, creating a shiny appearance. Thinner rope chains pair well with a pendant, while thicker chains can stand alone.
*Pro Tip: Rope chains are reportedly one of the most durable chains. Therefore, they can withstand the weight of a heavy pendant without easily breaking, especially if they’re partly made of stainless steel.
Wheat Chain (aka Spiga Chain): Yes, this chain is named after a grain. Why? The twisted oval links form a braided pattern that looks like a wheat stalk! The links are arranged in one direction, creating a symmetrical and pleasing appearance. This durable chain can also be worn with or without pendants.
*Pro Tip: Thicker wheat chains look best by themselves!
Iced-Out Chain: An eye-catching look most commonly seen with Cuban link chains, this style features chains that are completely covered in tiny diamonds. The added sparkle of an iced-out chain is a great way to elevate your look as a stand-alone piece, are layered with other chains.
*Pro Tip: Diamonds and cubic zirconia are commonly used to ice-out a chain, but opting for lab-grown diamonds will give you the same sparkle as natural diamonds, while maintaining the quality and durability, that you won't see in cubic zirconia. Plus, lab-grown diamonds can be nearly 30% less expensive than diamonds mined from the Earth!
What Width Should My Chain Be?
Before you choose a thickness for your chain, you should consider its purpose. For example, do you want your chain to carry a pendant? If so, find one that’s proportional with your pendant. As a point of reference, men reportedly lean toward widths starting at 3 millimeters.
What Length Should My Chain Be?
Chains come in a variety of lengths, the shortest being 16 inches and the longest being 36 inches. Here’s what that means in relation to your body.
16-18 inches: Chains within this range tend to fit like a choker, hitting around the base of your neck or Adam’s apple. These are ideal lengths if you want to showcase your entire chain.
20-24 inches: Chains within this range are ideal for pendants and will hang between your shirt buttons.
26-30 inches: Chains within this range hang around the middle of your chest and are often worn outside of the shirt. Since these chains are longer, you typically see them without pendants.
Men tend to choose longer chains, particularly between 18 and 22 inches. You can also consider layering necklaces to showcase different lengths and your individual style.
What Metal is Best for Chains?
When it comes to selecting an appropriate metal for your chain, you have several options. Gold is a popular choice, especially 14k for its durability and affordability. If you ultimately settle on gold, remember that you don’t have to pick a yellow chain. White and rose gold are options too!
Silver and sterling silver are other popular, affordable choices. But keep in mind that silver tarnishes easily, so you’ll need to polish it regularly to maintain its sheen. And don’t forget about titanium! This highly durable metal is light, reasonably-priced and requires little maintenance.
If you opt for an alternative metal, such as stainless steel and tungsten carbide, take note of its appearance, cost and durability.
A good rule of thumb is heavy chains with wide, interconnected links will be stronger than delicate chains with narrow links. As noted above, rope chains are said to be one of the most durable chains. Box, cable, curb, Cuban, figaro and wheat chains are also strong options.
Have a question? We can help!
Gage Diamonds is Chicago's premier jewelry showroom and online retailer of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. We offer a selection of stylish men’s chains, including anchor, curb, figaro and rope styles.
We’re committed to helping you find the chain of your dreams. For inspiration, browse our website or set up an appointment with a member of our trusted staff at our in-person showroom.
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