The 21 Best Chains for Men to Shop in 2023: Gold Necklaces, and More

Picking a chain ain't easy. Here are some important things to keep in mind as you shop:

Picking a metal: While we're partial to stainless steel because of its durability, tungsten, sterling silver, and gold are also good metal types to consider because of their respective durability properties and versatility.

Pendant: While the pendant selection is yours and yours alone, it is super important that the pendant is balanced and proportional. In general, large pendants go with large chains, and small pendants go with smaller chains. Seems easy enough, but you'd be surprised how many have gotten this small detail wrong.

Thickness: A general rule of thumb is for chains to be between 4-5 mm (though you can 2-3 mm is definitely doable). The most important element here is making sure that the thickness of the chain matches the pendant. If the chain is too thick/heavy, then it can cause the entire necklace to break, which is obviously something you don't want to happen.

Length: Again, this is something that boils down to personal preferences, but between 20 to 24 inches seems to be a good chain length in our opinion as it makes the chain not too short, but at the same time not too long.

• Length: N/A
• Thickness: 5mm cubes
• Material: 100 % silver

Jil Sander is a brand that knows how to take the simple and turn it into elegance. The finest of elegance at that. Minimalism is the theme here as the chain has cube shaped beads, a t-bar closure, and of-course the engraved Jil Sander logo as the finishing touch.

• Length: 19.5
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: Rhodium, brass

If you've never owned a piece from Numbering, now's your chance. Considering the rhodium brass material, and the fact that it's only $160, this is certainly a good investment. Throw in the versatile nature of the piece, and we're not seeing how you can wrong here.

• Length: 21.5
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: 25 sterling silver, onyx, rhodium

Another great piece to consider adding to your jewelry rotation is this silver pendant from Tom Wood, which features recycled sterling silver and an onyx pendan, along with its signature logo at the forefront. A little pizzazz for the neckline if you will.

• Length: N/A
• Thickness: 1.7mm
• Material: Yellow gold

David Yurhman's Box Chain Necklace is meticulously crafted by artisans, and designed to be layered, or complemented with unique enhancers or charms from our other collections. It's always nice when a piece is layerable, and David Yurhman gives you plenty of that and more.

• Length: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: Gold

How about some of that double G drip from Gucci for a little extra finesse? The ultimate showoff/statement piece that will have heads turning.

• Length: 20 - 26
• Thickness: 3mm
• Material: 14k gold

If you want to ball out on a budget, then you can also cop this Cuban Link Chain from JAXXON. Nothing screams "playa, playa" like fancy looking gold chain, and the 3mm links have just enough gold for a subtle touch of luxury, but still very much casual if you want it to be.

• Length: 18 - 26
• Thickness: 2mm - 7mm
• Material: Solid 925 Sterling Silver

Speaking cuban chains, we present this Miami Cuban Chain from Luxx made with solid 925 sterling silver. Both the length and thickness choice of the chain is up to you as you can choose either the 2mm, 3.5mm, 5mm, or 7mm thickness, or between 18 and 26 inches for the length. Looks like something Will Smith would wear in Bad Boys.

• Length: 21.6
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: Stainless steel

Hugo Boss has a silver stainless steel chain that will make you feel like a number one stunna. The Carter Stainless Steel Pendant Necklace has a front made of matte-brushed stainless steel, and a back that is black-coated and ribbed. Both the front and the back also have an adorned logo that's every know you're wearing, ya know, Boss.

• Length: 24
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: Sterling silver and 18k gold

Nobody does luxury quite like Tiffany. If you've already made the decision that you are "going all out" with you chain purchase, then there's no better brand to go all out with. The 1837 Makers Chain Necklace features sterling silver links and 18k gold, both which capture the utilitarian Americana spirit.

• Length: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: 100% brass

How does the saying go? A little Dior ain't never hurt nobody? Okay we just made that up, but still—a little Dior ain't never hurt nobody.

• Length: 60 cm
• Thickness: 1.85mm
• Material: Sterling silver

Made with sterling silver, Emanuele Bicocchi's Leaves Pendant Necklace boasts intricate detailing and cool little features like the leaves pendant, which automatically differentiates it from the others. Not too shabby of a price either.

• Length: 20 - 26
• Thickness: 2mm
• Material: Sterling silver

John Hardy's Box Chain 2MM Necklace gives us 1980s Run DMC vibes, but with a slight modern edge. The chain is a simplistic one, but very much the type to elevate an outfit without you even realizing it.

• Length: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: Sterling Silver

Don't sleep on Ralph Lauren in the chains and jewelry department either. They've got some some dope ones including this Sterling Silver one that could last you a lifetime if you wanted it to.

• Length: 22 or 24 in
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: Stainless steel

A chain from Kay Jewelers perhaps? Foxtail chains are especially good for pairing with blazers and dress shirts that you leave slightly open. It just takes the look to the next level you feel us?

• Length: 22 in
• Thickness: 6.0mm
• Material: Sterling Silver

There's isn't much more left to say about this diamond-cut sterling silver piece from Zales other than the fact that it's gorgeous, and well worth the $849 investment. This is a piece you pass down from generation to generation. Plus, it's Zales.

• Length: 22 in
• Thickness: 2.5k
• Material: Gold

And since we're on the topic of investment pieces that can be passed down from one gen to the next, Jared is widely regarded as one of the best places to get jewelry from, so you definitely won't go wrong with copping this beautiful gem of a chain.

• Length: 20 in
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: Stainless steel

Maybe it's the simple geometric pendant, maybe it's the solid black color. Perhaps it's both elements combined. Whatever it is, we're really drawn to this chain from MVMT and thought you would like it too. It's very goth.

• Length: 22 in
• Thickness: 2mm
• Material: Sterling Silver

Miansai's Sterling Silver Chain is polished or oxidized for the perfect vintage appearance that balances that old school 1950s dapper look, with a new school 2020 edge.

• Length: 42 - 50 cm
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: 9ct yellow gold, 4x2mm hydrothermal emerald, 2.5mm blue/green tourmaline, 2mm tsavorite garnet

Seb Brown offers a chain version of their popular Neapolitan ring. So essentially what you are getting is a 9mm diameter oval disc pendant chain that can go along with anything (including that Neapolitan Ring).

• Length: 15 in
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: Recycled sterling silver/recycled 18k-gold plate

Made with recycled sterling silver and an accompanying recycled 18k gold plate, this rope chain necklace from Monica Vinader is great for everyday wear and everyday layering. Play around with it a bit and make it fun!

• Length: 25.6 in
• Thickness: N/A
• Material: Brass

Versace, Versace, Versace. The Medusa Medallion Necklace features a lobster clasp closure, a snake chain and a hanging Medusa medallion pendant. The chain is a little bit of Diddy circa-2000s, and that's why we love it.