The best men’s silver chains are a foolproof way to elevate any outfit

WHETHER IT WAS the effect of the simple necklace adorning the traps of Paul Mescal in Normal People or an overall change in attitudes towards accessories in recent years, the fact remains that the humble silver chain has graduated fully in the minds of men from a tokenistic trinket to an everyday style essential. Endlessly versatile and as at home draped over a football shirt as it is when used to add some subtle bling to a red carpet fit, the silver necklace, be it the showiest chain or something more lowkey, will always be a perennial favourite of both style aficionados and those taking their very first steps into the world of jewellery.

All that’s left for you to do is to find the chain that speaks to you, whether you’re looking for something chunky to capture a sense of blinged-out bravado, or something understated and elegant. Here, we present a selection from some of our favourite local and international designers, to suit every budget.

Broken Lock Silver Miami Cuban Link Chain

Adam Faingold’s Melbourne-based Broken Lock is well-established as a jeweler to some of the world’s most impactful creatives, with his work adorning everyone from Travis Barker to local icon Briggs. Faingold treats even his most everyday pieces with the utmost attention to detail, as evidenced in the cuban link chain that’ll instantly become your most relied-upon bit of kit.

$250 from Broken Lock

Hatton Labs Silver Chain Necklace

Hatton Labs channels the timeless style of the jewellers that once dotted London’s historic jewellery quarter, reimagining classic pieces for a modern, genderless sensibility. They’re most famed for helping make pearl necklaces a menswear fixture again, but this just-chunky-enough Cuban chain is also a standout.

Approx. $672 from Mr Porter

Miansai ‘Amit’ Chain Necklace

Miami-based brand Miansai is a well-known fixture in fashion nowadays thanks not just to its reputation for quality, which has seen everyone from Zac Efron to Miley Cyrus rocking its pieces, but its value too. Miansai shines most brightly in its more minimalist pieces, as evidenced by this simple chain that can actually be had on sale at The Iconic right now. For less than $120, you’d be mad not to.

$119 from The Iconic

Sarah & Sebastian Piston Pearl necklace

Far from simply the boutique girls flock to with their besties to get matching soldered bracelets, Sarah and Sebastian boasts a collection of versatile, timeless men’s pieces that evoke a bold spirit while maintaining the brand’s signature elegance. We love the subtly feminine Piston Pearl Necklace in particular, which hints at androgyny without going full Harry styles.

$390 from Sarah & Sebastian

Henson Oval Tags Necklace

A grungy, lived-in look dominates the aesthetic at Australian bespoke brand Henson, with each piece hand-made and cut from recycled 925 sterling silver, treated and aged just-so to convey the story of its craftsmanship without resorting to flashiness. 

$440 from Henson

Cameron Studio Astoria Necklace

Cameron Studio has set itself apart from the pack as a predominantly male-facing Aussie jewellery brand that enables all guys to get a little bit of luxury into their lives without overly breaking the bank. Their chains, made in Italy from 925 sterling silver, are competitively priced given the quality of the craftsmanship and materials on offer, with a portion each sale going to the 1% for the Planet Initiative. We like the Astoria Necklace, which is cut in a 3+1 Figaro pattern for a bit of subtle flair.

$200 from Cameron Studio

Justine Clenquet Silver Alexis Necklace

Affordable, yet perfect for those wanting to experiment with layering jewellery but unsure where to start, this palladium-plated brass necklace from French designer Justine Clenquet combines both figaro and anchor chains of differing lengths to double the pizazz at a fraction of the price.

$150 at SSENSE