Men's Chains

Choosing a Men's Chain: Link, Width and Length

Three things describe a chain: the link style, the width in millimeters and the length in inches. Getting that combination right matters more than the metal does. Most men's chains here state all three on the listing, with length chosen from the options offered on each chain.

Link style sets the character. Miami Cuban and curb links lie flat and read as substantial at any width; they are the most common styles in this collection. Franco and box chains are square in section and sit densely, which makes them good for carrying a pendant because they resist twisting. Herringbone lies perfectly flat and looks the most formal, but a sharp kink can crease it permanently. Rolo and Bismark chains round out the range.

Construction matters as much as style. A solid chain is solid metal throughout; a semi-solid chain, which a couple of the Miami Cuban pieces here are, uses less gold for the same outward width and is lighter to wear, but it is more easily dented. The metal is most often 14K yellow gold, with 10K pieces and a sterling silver range. Several of the sterling chains are rhodium plated or yellow gold plated, and the listing says which.

Width does most of the visual work. A fine chain of about 2 mm or less suits carrying a pendant, provided its clasp passes through the bail. For a chain worn on its own there is no single right width: link style and length change how a given width reads, so compare the width on each listing with a chain you already own. Length decides where it sits: 20 inches falls around the collarbone on most men, 22 inches just below it and over a shirt collar, and 24 inches and longer at mid-chest. If the chain will carry a pendant, one size longer than a bare chain usually looks better. The gold chains page gathers every gold chain in one place.

Before ordering, measure a chain you already own, or run a piece of string around your neck to the point where you want the chain to sit and measure that. Unworn chains in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery; return shipping for a change of mind is paid by the customer.

Further reading: 10K vs 14K vs 18K Gold, Jewelry Care Guide.