Sometimes a good piece of jewellery is the key to unlocking the potential in an otherwise basic outfit - and a chain is the best starting point for any guys who are yet to experience their jewellery renaissance.
You’ll rarely see Harry Styles, Tyler The Creator, Timothée Chalamet, or Drake in public without something twinkling from their neckline, so to channel these fashionable fellas it’s time to invest in one of your own.
All you need to do is look at Connell’s Chain, the account based on the star of Normal People that garnered nearly 150k followers on Instagram, to see the power of the simple piece of jewellery. And as someone who wears multiple necklaces, rings, and earrings on the daily, let me tell you that once you get a taste of the shiny goodness, you’ll never look back.
A flash of silver or gold atop a simple T-shirt, shimmering beneath a camp collar, or glinting on the nape of a neck is an easy way to bump your look up a few points. If this is your first foray into jewellery, then consider starting with more delicate chains to avoid feeling like Mr.T - and build your way up to the chunkier styles over time.
When it comes down to the metal, we’d recommend always going with sterling silver, gold-plated metal, or solid gold. You can choose from white gold, which is alloyed with other prescious metals for a more silver looking tone, and yellow gold, often a purer form of the precious metal that keeps its sunny shade.
So keep scrolling to find the chain you’ll keep wearing for year to come.
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Silver
Missoma Box Link Chain Necklace
Metal: Sterling Silver
A high-shine chain that will be your go-to everyday piece, Missoma’s box link will subtly catch the light on every turn. As one of the first to offer quality demi-fine jewellery, the Instagram-favourite brand has been building a following since 2008, now shipping their consciously crafted pieces, including men’s jewellery, to over 200 countries worldwide.
Buy now £145.00, Missoma
Saskia Diez Grand Mixed Necklace
Metal: 925 Sterling silver
German-based independent brand Saskia Diez creates the most beautiful silver pieces with a delicate shine. Featuring an array of thoughtfully designed clasps and links, they’re unique pieces that will stand out from the crowd. This mixed necklace combines two types of chain and fastens with a toggle clasp.
Buy now £235.00, Saskia Diez
Tom Wood Rolo chain-link necklace
Metal: Rhodium-plated sterling silver
Tom Wood’s rolo link chain features three jump rings to allow for shortening or lengthening, perfect if you’re likely to layer with other necklaces so it falls in just the right place. Crafted using sterling silver plated with rhodium for added lustre, it’s a delicate piece designed for daily wear.
Buy now £160.00, MatchesFashion
Astrid & Miyu Rope Chain Necklace in Silver
Metal: Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver
If antique-looking jewellery is more your style, then a rope chain could be your best bet - and London based label Astrid & Miyu has the perfect affordable sterling silver option. At 43cm long, it’s the perfect length to sit above a pendant necklace, and worn alone, is a sleek addition to a simple outfit.
Buy now £85.00, Astrid & Miyu
Chained and Able Micro Double Curb Link T-Bar Chain
Metal: Sterling silver
Designed in London and handcrafted in Birmingham, UK-based brand Chained and Able is keeping its carbon footprint down by making the best of Britain. The double curb design means the links lie flat and close together for a substantial yet understated chain.
Buy now £100.00, Chained and Able
Gold
Mejuri Baby Curb Chain Necklace
Metal: 14kt Solid Gold
Sustainably-minded brand Mejuri have a great selection of chains in yellow gold, white gold, and sterling silver. The label is working towards 100 per cent traceability of its metals and precious stones, and use recycled and responsibly sourced materials. With jump rings to adjust the length, a discreet design, and 100 per cent gold credentials, this baby curb chain necklace is the best option for anyone trying a chain for the first time - and it would make a great gift, too.
Buy now £250.00, Mejuri
Alighieri The Dante Chain Necklace
Metal: 24kt Gold Plated
Known for its Hatton Garden handcrafted jewellery that is full of old-world mystery, Alighieri’s chain has a unique texture that wouldn’t look out of place in a treasure chest. Inspired by the adventures described in Dante’s 14th century epic poem Divine Comedy, it’s a chain that will add a touch of personality to your torso.
Buy now £155.00, MatchesFashion
Maria Black Saffi 43 Necklace
Metal: 22kt Yellow Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver
Fully unisex Copenhagen-based jewellery brand Maria Black encourages all customers to style its pieces in their own ways - whether it’s men wearing feminine pearls or women opting for chunky masculine designs. A perfect piece for sharing, the Saffi necklace will add a glint of charm to any neckline.
Buy now £179.00, Maria Black
7879 Diamond Cut Cable Chain Necklace 18”
Metal: pure 24k gold
With a name that represents the atomic numbers of platinum (78) and gold (79), 7879 only use those two prescious metals in their unalloyed purity across the entire collection.
The brand encourages customers to see jewellery as an investment, pricing products based on the real-time stock value of either metal plus a transparent craftsmanship fee. Even better, you can track your investment in your 7879 portfolio, who offer a service of buying back the piece based on its current market price.
This diamond cut metal chain is cut and polished for a brilliant shine, and works well worn on its own as an understated piece.
Buy now £315.00, 7879
Hatton Labs Gold-Plated Rope Chain Necklace
Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold Plated Silver
London brand Hatton Labs specialises in silver, gold, and pearl pieces which are manufactured in Italy. From the brand’s collaboration with Playboy to the colourful pearl bracelets, the collections are playful, contemporary, and gender fluid. This gold plated rope chain is one of the more understated designs, and at 50cm long, its polished design will instantly enhance any outfit.
Buy now £165.00, Browns Fashion
Thomas Sabo Round Belcher Chain Yellow Gold
Metal: 18k yellow gold plating, 925 Sterling silver
Global brand Thomas Sabo knows its way around a chain necklace. The Belcher design, also known as a rolo chain, features delicate gold ball details that will stand out worn on top of a white or black T-shirt.
Buy now £109.00, Thomas Sabo
