Does it seem like there’s some kind of cultural barrier when it comes to men wearing jewelry…especially necklaces? If you think about some of the manliest men, from the guy next door to the most popular movie actors, they’re often sporting necklaces that range from hippie boy leather cords and beads, to something that’s more of a statement piece.
Culturally, men have been wearing jewelry since ancient Egyptian times, when, by the way, they were also proud to sport makeup along with their jewels. So forward-thinking. In America’s recent history, Native American men often proudly wear many necklaces at once, along with earrings.
For the purposes of this article, we’re going to stick strictly to real gold chains – 14k gold only which is the most popular gold chain design that you will see. Check the best of the best gold chains for men below and add them to your existing swag.
Heavy, round white gold links, with a high polish finish, are tightly woven together to give this gold chain for men a dramatic look. This statement chain is one to definitely wear on its own. The Cuban or curb links are sharply faceted to give this chain, even more, shine and appeal.
At a perfect 20 inches long, this men’s gold chain will definitely dress up a crew neck, or look mighty sexy with an open collar. Its width makes for a weighty look that exudes both your confidence and style.
If, perhaps, two grand is a bit more than your budget can handle, but you’d still like a gold chain that delivers the goods when it comes to making a statement, how about an 18k Gold Plated version of this classic Cuban chain? Or go for the white gold look and weight, but get it in stainless steel for just about twenty-five bucks.
Among the most affordable and common chains, the snake chain is a great gold chain for men. This durable chain is made up of round, smooth metal plates, so it’s actually a tube more than a chain. This gives the snake chain its incredibly flexible qualities, making it perfect for men who can be tough on their jewelry.
Up close, it does indeed look like miniature snakeskin, except for the fact that it’s 14k gold. The high polish finish adds to its eye-catching appeal. This men’s gold chain comes in four different lengths – 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, and 22 inches.
You can also get the same variations in 14k yellow gold. The sturdy lobster claw clasp will take whatever wear you give it, and keep your chain securely around your neck.
An elegant box chain is one of the best gold chains for men because it can be worn alone or with a cross or special pendant. This version happens to be a little heavier, and more of a statement chain than many, but box chains are known for their masculine appeal.
The linear form of this chain is made up of square links connected to each other in a way that resembles a square, box-like shape. These chains aren’t too foofy, but rather subtle and bold. A Gold Cornicello Italian Horn Pendant would look wickedly roguish hanging from this cool chain.
Box chains don’t have to be statement pieces like this. They can simply be the hanger for something more meaningful, like an Ankh Pendant, in which case you can buy a much more affordable gold box chain that’s just 1mm wide.
A simple alternating sequence of symmetrical round links make up this shiny men’s gold chain. The rolo chain is an unpretentious design that works especially great for wearing alone, or with a favorite pendant. It’s not too fancy, so a man who prefers a clean, uniform design aesthetic will love the rolo’s look.
This 3mm men’s gold chain is 22 inches long, and features a sturdy lobster claw clasp that’s easy to fasten and can put up with the rugged wear and tear it might receive. This chain comes in lengths from 16 inches all the way up to 26 inches. Naturally, the longer you get, the more cash you’ll lay out.
If you’re looking for a chunkier version of this simple design, the 5mm Gold Rolo Chain could be the choice for you.
This big, bold, best gold chain for men is a timeless piece that would be a great gift, to give or receive. The Byzantine styling was a unique way of weaving that was first perfected in the development chain maille hundreds of years ago.
This chain style has been known throughout the centuries by many names including the Birdcage, King’s Braid, and Idiot’s Delight, as well as Byzantine. Crafted entirely from individual gold jump rings, the design would be a mesmerizing homage to the deserving man in your life.
For a slightly less chunky look, get the narrower Men’s 1.5mm 14k White Gold Byzantine Chain Necklace for a whole lot less of an investment, but still with amazing quality. Get a similar, but lighter weight Byzantine chain in 10K gold, for about a third of the price, at just over $880.
For a huge savings, but all the amazing craftsmanship, a Byzantine chain in sterling silver can be yours for around $320.
The intricate woven detailing of this hollow link wheat chain will add some impressive elegance to any man’s look and style. Crafted in polished 14k yellow gold, the wheat pattern is carefully crafted from four strands of gold, interwoven. Look closely and you’ll see the way it resembles a natural wheat stalk in the symmetry of the woven gold.
At 4.1mm thick, and with sparkling diamond cutting, this bold chain is a perfect gift for yourself, or if you happen to be looking for the quintessential gift for someone really special, this dynamic choice is definitely one of the best gold chains for men and merits landing at the top of your list.
Unique and unusual, this handsome 14k yellow gold Italian mariner chain necklace encompasses a bold, nautically-inspired look. The chain features interlocking mariner links that lay flat, comfortably, and it is secured by a sturdy lobster-claw clasp.
A classic among our picks for best gold chains for men, this chain incorporates both the quality craftsmanship and sophistication you’d expect from Italian jewelers. The mariner link chain incorporates some of the design and precision practices that were inspired by Egyptian, Greek, and Asian culture, discovered centuries ago during the Etruscan period in Southern Italy.
The 5mm width makes this 20-inch chain a wonderful pairing with a variety of pendants, or as a stand-alone necklace.
Any man could wear a combination of sleek strength and sophisticated design with this 14k yellow gold Cuban chain necklace. Cuban links, often known as curb links, create a solid gold, 5.7mm wide chain that will lie flat against any neckline.
The large round links showcase a trendy look, and the polished gold finish boasts brilliant sparkle. At 22 inches long, it will look sexy under an open-collared shirt, over a tee, or frankly, with no shirt at all. If you love the look of the necklace, make an even more dramatic statement with a matching Cuban Chain Bracelet.
This 14k yellow gold rope chain for men is made with a gorgeous combination of oval links that form a twisting pattern to produce a woven rope, giving it a mesmerizing spiral effect. Diamond cut flat areas on the links give it added opportunities to catch the light for even more shine.
This rope chain is one of the most versatile and appreciated styles of men’s chains, because it’s chunky, study, and yet has that intriguing interwoven look, driving the perfect combination of elegance and edge.
If you really want to make a statement, do it with the detailed craftsmanship and unique shine of this solid 14k white gold Figaro-style chain necklace. A pattern of one elongated curb link, followed by three circular curb links creates the thick 8.5mm chain that will lie flat against the neck and chest.
The combination of curved and longer links drive an edgy feel, yet this chain features a highly polished gold finish which boasts brilliant sparkle. The name is derived from the Italian opera The Marriage of Figaro, which was popular at the time this chain became a stylish accessory.
Bold enough to make a metallic statement as a stand-alone necklace, this best gold chain for men is a unique accessory, perfect for any man’s jewelry collection. This gorgeous chain would be a great splurge-worthy Christmas gift, or for a special birthday or anniversary present.
This gorgeous and classic look can transform any guy and any outfit. This fit and finish is one of the most popular looks in the men’s chains world. In fact, I have a similar chain that I wear every single day and it hasn’t broken or flattened out over time.
Make sure you check out all of the available sizes so that you get the right fit for your body. Too long a chain and it won’t look right and too short and you won’t be able to breathe. The fit and the way the chain hangs are super important.
