For tens of thousands of years, men have been wearing jewelry around their necks. Originally adorned with bones, shells, and other precious metals, men's necklaces served as a display of their wealth, status, and nobility. Although styles and composition have changed, men's necklaces have remained a staple of luxury and sophistication.
From a simple chain worn on its own to a handcrafted pendant encrusted with sparkling gems and layered among other pieces, jewelry is a great method of self-expression. As personal style evolves, so does the variety of men's chains and necklaces.
A Look at Some of the First Men's Necklaces
Historians believe that the first example of men's necklaces dates back more than 130,000 years to the Krapina Neandertal site in present-day Croatia. The necklace, made of eight white-tailed eagle talons, features notches, cut marks, and polishing facets that indicate that the talons had been strung together on a cord of some style and worn as a necklace.
The piece was unearthed more than 100 years ago. However, it was left in a drawer in the Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb until the incoming curator discovered it.
Best Material Choices for Luxury Men's Chains
In today's world, there is no such thing as a simple chain necklace. Choosing the material composition of the chain is an adventure in itself. Some of the most popular options include:
- Yellow, white, and rose gold chain necklaces for men offer different visual appeal while remaining durable
- Sterling silver is a classic yet versatile option that is often more affordable and easy to clean
- Platinum is seen as an elite material choice for its durability
5 Popular Men's Chain Styles for Necklaces
After a material has been chosen, it's time to decide on the style of the chain. There are five designs that you'll see most often, and each comes with its own unique look, feel, and personal appeal to the wearer.
- Cuban link: Typically worn on its own, this bold and chunky style features interlocking round or oval links that are uniform in size and tightly connected.
- Figaro: A classic when it comes to men's chain necklaces, this style features a pattern of one long link followed by two or three shorter links.
- Box chain: Offering a more modern look and ideal for pendants, a box chain is a geometric-style necklace that features square links that connect to form a sleek chain.
- Rope chain: Known for its sparkle, a rope chain style weaves its links together in a spiral pattern, giving it the appearance of a twisted rope.
- Curb chain: Similar to the Cuban link chain but typically thinner, curb chains are made with flat, uniform links designed to lie flat for a sleek look
Modern Men's Necklaces
Although the adornments, styles, and material choices of men's necklaces have evolved, the symbolism behind them has remained largely unchanged. From ancient warriors to sports and music icons, and everyone in between, men's chains and necklaces symbolize status and identity, while also providing a finishing touch to all types of outfits.
How to Choose the Right Men's Necklace for Your Style
Finding the right balance between minimalism and statement pieces often depends on the wearer. Not only should men's necklaces match your personality, but also your wardrobe. Men's necklaces vary in chain length and thickness, and it's essential to select the right option to enhance your style rather than clash with it.
Chain length is one of the most important factors when selecting a men's necklace. Will you wear this necklace as an accessory to display or something to keep close to your heart as a personal adornment of your style? Answering that question will help you determine if you need to be specific about the neckline of your most often-worn outfits and whether a necklace will still be visible.
Most Common Men's Chain Necklace Lengths
The standard chain necklace length for men is between 20 and 24 inches, although the pendant style, height, and build of the wearer, as well as neck size, are all important factors to consider.
- 20 inches: The most popular chain necklace length for men, this size rests on or just below the collarbone on most men
- 22 inches: Great for those looking for a more relaxed fit or to pair with a pendant
- 24 inches: These typically fall in the middle of the chest, are great for wearing over a shirt and with pendants
Considerations for Men’s Chain Width
In addition to length, the thickness of a men's chain necklace is also important. For wearing on its own, the weight and thickness of a chain depend mainly on personal preference. However, when paired with a pendant, it's essential to ensure that the chain's thickness is proportionate to the pendant's weight.
Giving a Men's Necklace as a Gift
If you're shopping for the perfect piece of men’s jewelry to give as a gift, consider adding a personalized touch to your selection. One of our favorite ways is by adding engraving to a pendant.
This addition is a thoughtful way to create something truly unique to celebrate a special occasion, milestone, or accomplishment. You can also choose an initial pendant with gemstones as a personalized gift.
Maintaining the Quality of Your Men's Necklace
Choosing the right necklace is only the start when it comes to adding a luxury men's chain to your collection. Knowing how to clean and care for your fine jewelry will ensure that your investment retains its value and remains a part of your wardrobe for a long time.
To keep men's chains looking their best:
- Store your chains in a jewelry box or soft pouch to prevent scratches and tangling
- Clean the chains gently using a soft cloth and a mild soap solution
- Consult a professional cleaner for gold or silver chains as needed
- Avoid exposure to chemicals like chlorine and household cleaners
- Skip applying cologne or lotion while wearing them
- Don’t wear them for long periods of time without removing to clean
- Refrain from showering, bathing, or allowing prolonged exposure to water unless noted explicitly as safe
Whether you prefer classic figaro style links or a bold box chain complete with a flashy pendant, men's chain necklaces are a great way to display your personality and elevate your style. By pairing your outfit with the right choice of chain and ensuring proper care and maintenance, a quality luxury chain necklace can become a timeless staple in your collection.
