For the past few decades, men’s jewelry has been plagued with a bad rap. Chains, in particular, have been dismissed as a surefire way to look like a mobster or a wannabe MC. But recently, chains have been seen adorning the necks of stylish guys from Ryan Gosling to Carmelo Anthony to Jeff Goldblum. In short, men’s jewelry is back in a big way. And, really, it’s not so much a trend as a renaissance. Chains have been the accessory of choice for great men throughout history, from King Tut to Henry VIII. Now they’re returning to their former glory.
If you’re still hesitant, don’t fret—there’s a lot of room to play between zero and Jam Master Jay. The safest way to dabble in the chain gang is to err on the side of understatement. One simple, relatively thin chain can add a lot of oomph to an otherwise unremarkable outfit. Go the minimal route and wear a chain by itself or up the ante with one or two small, geometric pendants. When considering length, start with your shirt collar measurement and add a few inches depending on where you want your necklace to fall. There’s an array of options out there; here are ten of the best for foolproof accessorizing.
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Cartier Santos de Cartier Necklace in White Gold
Image Credit: Cartier This variety of sleek, elongated links, known as a paperclip chain, was a popular choice for 19th century gentleman’s pocket-watch fobs. Cartier’s modern version is inspired by the elegant lines of its iconic Santos watch.
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Tiffany 1837 Makers Chain Necklace in Sterling Silver
Image Credit: Tiffany & Co. Sculptural links of sterling silver, with flat and rounded edges, yield an necklace with architectural appeal. It makes an impact without overpowering.
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TENTHOUSANDTHINGS Chicklet Necklace
Image Credit: TENTHOUSANDTHINGS If you gravitate toward muted neutrals in your wardrobe, jewelry can be a great way to incorporate a bit of color. This fine-as-thread chain carries a graphic turquoise pendant, carved and polished into a striking form.
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Prounis Small Solo Loop-in-loop with Fibula Clasp
Image Credit: Prounis You can’t go wrong with this classic: intricately hand-woven links in a particularly lustrous shade of 22k gold. It’ll add a hint of swagger to basic tees and crewneck sweaters.
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Miansai Dove Necklace in 14k Gold
Image Credit: Miansai These talismanic pendants, which come with a fine curb-link chain, have the allure of bibelots collected on international adventures. We won’t tell anyone that’s not where you got them.
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Marla Aaron Yellow Gold Babylock on a Heavy Curb Chain
Image Credit: Marla Aaron If you’re concerned about a chain looking too delicate or twee, this rugged necklace will quell any fears. A hefty curb-link chain is affixed with a solid gold carabiner—hardware never looked so good.
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Finn Ball Chain Necklace
Image Credit: Finn Utilitarian ball chains have historically carried dog tags for men in the armed forces and were sported by midcentury heartthrobs like Marlon Brando and Paul Newman. In 14k gold, this one is a luxe riff on an old standard.
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Eva Fehren The Dagger Hero Necklace
Image Credit: Eva Fehren There’s a subtle rocker vibe to this necklace, with its blackened steel chain and dagger-like white gold charms. The clasp is a design feature unto itself, so it’ll look great any way you wear it.
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Eva Halili Gold Nugget Necklace
Image Credit: Eva Halili While not technically a chain, this necklace offers the same impact with a more boho attitude. Hand-forged beads of 22k gold are strung along a cord — the epitome of earthy, effortless chic.
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David Yurman Shipwreck Coin Amulet in 22k Gold
Image Credit: David Yurman Box chains, with squared links rather than conventional rounds, have clean lines that yield a sleek necklace. Juxtapose the chain’s modern look with a handsomely hewn, antiquity-inspired charm.
