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

Time to get your bling on

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David Yurhman, Tiffany

Bling Bling is one of the new things in 2023, and with Y2K fashion making a comeback, you might want to consider copping a new chain. The 2000s weren't complete without a signature chain (think Usher, Lil Wayne, and T.I.), and there's no better time than now to finally get your own signature chain/chains. While you can definitely switch it up and play around a bit when it comes to chain styles and colors, in our opinion, there's nothing quite like a simple gold or silver chain aka necklace. We'll be taking a look at quite a few of them today as we've put together a roundup of the best chains for men to shop in 2023 and beyond to put that extra little "oomph" into your outfit.

Peace up. A Town Down.

RELATED: The 31 Best Men's Jewelry Brands to Spice Up Your Wardrobe

How to choose the best chain for you:

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Jil Sander

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.

The history of chains for men:

The history of men wearing chains goes as far back as the Middle Ages, as chains were a representation power and holding a high position (such as being a king). Fast forward to the 1920s, and you began to see chains as an accessory that was stitched onto coats and jackets. Jump to the 1990s and 2000s, and chains were still very much a part of popular culture. From diamond pendants and large crosses, to to custom made name chains (yes this was a thing), it was hard not to see somebody wearing a chain at the beginning of a millennium, and while chains technically have never gone out of style, the trend of wearing them has ebbed and flowed over the decades.

Now in 2023, chains are definitely back in business, which...is another reason why you should be adding them into your accessory lineup.

Our Top Picks for the Best Chains for Men:

1. Jil Sander Necklace Man

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Jil Sander

Best Overall

  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT JIL SANDER, $1,220

2. Numbering #5708 Necklace

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SSENSE

Best Silver Chain

  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT SSENSE, $160

3. Tom Wood SSENSE Exclusive Silver Round Onyx Pendant Necklace

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SSENSE

Best Silver Pendant

  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT SSENSE, $116

4. David Yurhman Box Chain Necklace

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David Yurman

Best Gold Chain

  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT DAVID YURMAN, $1,325

5. Gucci 18k Gold GG Running Necklace

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Neiman Marcus
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT NEIMAN MARCUS, $2,600

6. JAXXON Cuban Link Chain

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JAXXON
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT JAXXON, $129

7. LUXX 7mm Miami Cuban

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Luxx Jewelers

Best Cuban Chain

  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT LUXX JEWELERS, $295

8. Hugo Boss Carter Stainless Steel Pendant Necklace

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Reeds Jewelers

Best Stainless Steel Chain

  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT REEDS JEWELERS, $120

9. Tiffany 1837 Makers Chain Necklace in Sterling Silver and 18k Gold

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Tiffany

Best Luxury Chain

  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT TIFFANY, $2,050

10. Dior CD Icon Thin Chain Link

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Dior
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT DIOR, $830

11. Emanuele Bicocchi Leaves Pendant Necklace

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FarFetch
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT FARFETCH, $198.86

12. John Hardy Box Chain Necklace

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John Hardy
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT JOHN HARDY, $195

13. Ralph Lauren Sterling Silver Necklace

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Ralph Lauren
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT RALPH LAUREN, $495

14. Kay Jewelers Foxtail Chain Necklace

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Kay Jewelers
  • 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?

SHOP NOW AT KAY JEWELERS, $79.99

15. Zales Men's 6.0 Diamond-Cut Solid Cuban Link Chain

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Zales
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT ZALES, $849

16. Jared Semi-Solid Curb Chain Necklace 10K Two-Tone Gold

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Jared
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT JARED, $3,000

17. MVMT Monolith Necklace

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MVMT
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT MVMT, $58

18. Miansai 2mm Cuban Chain

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Miansai
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT MIANSAI, $115

19. Seb Brown Neapolitian Necklace Green

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Seb Brown
  • 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).

SHOP NOW AT SEB BROWN, $2,090

20. Monica Vinader Rope Chain Necklace

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Nordstrom
  • 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!

SHOP NOW AT NORDSTROM, $89.99

21. Versace Medusa Medallion Necklace

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FarFetch
  • 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.

SHOP NOW AT FARFETCH, $875

FAQs about men's chains:

How should I style a gold chain?

In our opinion, the best way to style a gold chain is by keeping it simple. You can rock a gold chain with a t-shirt, a tank top, or a blazer/dress shirt. Gold chains are about emphasizing what's already there, not taking the attention away from it.

Should I wear gold or silver?

Gold and silver are both viewed as versatile colors that can go with just about anything. There are some loose guidelines around which makes more sense; traditionally, one can base the decision off of their skin's undertones. Cool undertones tend to look better with silver, while warm undertones look better with gold. More info on that here.

Separately, another good way to decide is by coordinating with your outfit. If what you are wearing has more cooler tones such as gray and blue, then silver might be the way to go. If what you are wearing is a warmer tone such as tan/brown, then gold might best complement it.

How to untangle a chain necklace?

This can be a tricky thing to encounter. Tangled necklaces are no fun! Some say to place the necklace on a flat surface and apply baby oil, baby powder, or Windex to loosen the knot, other's suggest using two toothpicks to untangle. We suggest watching a video or a tutorial before trying so that way you can see directly what to do.

RELATED: The 21 Best Earrings for Men: Studs, Hoops, and Everything Else

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