Sterling silver is a precious metal most famous for its use in jewelry but also in other valuables like silverware, certain musical instruments, and cutlery. In the past, it had been used for anything ranging from currency as far back as the 12th century CE to surgical implements.
Sterling silver is highly popular for jewelry because it is easy to maintain, price-accessible, and durable.
It is an especially appealing option for men’s chains; these chain necklaces fit well with almost any personal style and can be a crucial accessory in any fashionable outfit for men. They’re as subtle or as bold as you prefer, and can blend in a variety of settings from casual to formal, depending on the style and size.
Here’s our comprehensive guide to all things sterling silver and men’s jewelry, from what exactly is sterling silver, to how to care for it, as well as popular styles of men’s chains that excel in silver.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver refers to an alloy of silver and other metals at a ratio of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper, zinc, etc. The addition of other metals increases the hardness and durability, as pure silver (sometimes known as fine silver) is quite soft and not suitable to the stresses of being a jewelry piece. Typically, you can tell if a piece is sterling silver if you see a stamp of “925” on the piece. Other ways include looking for dark marks after rubbing a piece with white cloth (silver’s oxidation will leave a mark), chemical testing (nitric acid will turn cloudy and gray with real silver, whereas fake metals will turn it green), and using a magnet (real silver is nonmagnetic).
Benefits of using sterling silver
Sterling silver is an excellent metal for jewelry because it lasts a long time and does not corrode. Not only is it more cost effective than pure silver, it is more durable and able to withstand daily use without undue damage. It’s also ideal for sensitive skin, as other metals like nickel can solicit allergic reactions.
Common misconceptions about sterling silver
While there is a common misconception that sterling silver tarnishes easily, simply polishing your pieces with regularity will minimize tarnish– there’s no need for heavy-duty cleaning for oxidation that is necessary for copper or cast iron.
It is often a myth that sterling silver isn’t “real” silver; this is untrue. Sterling silver is not pure silver, nor would one want sterling silver pieces to be pure, as they’d be too soft for daily use. Sterling silver dates back to the 12th century CE in England, where it was used for centuries as a standard weight and currency. As such, its composition has been standardized for years and represents a calculated ratio of silver to other metals designed to maximize durability and longevity.
9 Types of Popular Men's Sterling Silver Chains
1. Rope Chains
2. Cuban Link Chains
Cuban link chains are comprised of thick, sturdy links that are tightly connected, providing a bold and luxurious effect because their links tend to be thicker and therefore pop more. These chains are known for their strength and durability, making them a great daily option for those looking to incorporate chain necklaces into their daily style. These are especially prominent in hip-hop culture and can be seen as a statement piece because of the bold look. That being said, choosing a thinner chain can still keep it subtle for most occasions.
3. Figaro Chains
Figaro chains are distinctive in their composition of a single, long chain link followed by three small chain links, creating a varied pattern that sparks admiration and elegance. One of the most popular types of men’s chains, the figaro is very stylish and well suited for any occasion.
4. Franco Chains
Franco chains are created from V-shaped, four-sided links that create a woven pattern, similar to cuban link chains, but more elegant, sleek, and modern in look and feel. Much like the cuban links, they’re highly durable and flexible, which makes them tangle-resistant and likely not to develop kinks in the chain. They’re great to wear with or without pendants, which makes them another highly versatile chain for any type of style.
5. Flat Curb Chains
Flat curb chains look the most like literal chains: they’re made of ovoid links that are notched such that they lie flat, creating large loops and a bold look. Depending on the width of the links themselves, this can either be a very understated, subtle, and elegant chain or a chain that stands out as one of the boldest.
6. Figarope Chains
Figarope chains feature a combination of the figaro and rope-style chains, in which twisted links are interspersed with larger links to create a pattern. This unique and eye catching chain style stands out among the more traditional designs, and speaks to a sophisticated and unique individual wearing it.
7. Rock Chains
Rock chains look like a chain of stones together from a distance, featuring several small links linked in a way that adds texture and shine to the chain. These distinctive chains can dress up any outfit and are sure to sparkle. While perhaps not the best for daily wear given their eye-catching appearance, they will showcase your unique sense of style.
8. Prism Cut Chains
Prism cut chains feature links with multiple facets that create a prism-like effect, delivering almost a two-tone appearance in a relatively tubular-shaped chain. These are shiny chains that also reflect light, making it a piece that stands out, and great for those who want to add just a little more sparkle to their look.
9. Box Chains
Box chains have square-shaped links creating a smooth, boxy appearance that showcases the quality of the metal you’re using. This is a smooth, strong, and durable chain, making it ideal for daily wear and well suited for any style. Like many other chains it can be dressed up or down, but it won’t sparkle like the prism cut or rock chain.
Choosing the Right Chain Length
Choosing the right chain length can be tricky at first, especially if you’re not experienced in buying chains. Chains come in common lengths like 18", 20", 22", 24", and 30", and the right one typically addresses factors including neck size, layering, and your personal style. We recommend taking a piece of string and using that to help measure your desired length.
Read our comprehensive guide to men’s rope chain lengths here.
How to Style Sterling Silver Men's Chains
Many men aren’t sure how they want to wear the chains they have, let alone new chains– we’re here to help. Let’s say you found the perfect chain length and style for you– now, how do you wear it?
The first question is whether this chain will be on its own or if you are planning on layering multiple chains. Layering chains is a trending style among men, particularly younger men, creating a rich fashion palette. Some even mix and match metal types.
With a single chain, you have the option to keep it subtle and use a style like a box chain to add a small sheen to a typical outfit; you also have the option to wear a thick chain like the prism cut to really make a statement. Consider the neckline of your outfits and think about which makes more sense.
Layering chains will draw attention to your neck and chest, so be sure to understand how the neckline of your clothing interacts with the chains and how they lie. A crew neck or scoop neck shirt are safest when it comes to layering, as they provide a sort of blank canvas on which you can layer chains. It’s best to layer chains of the same material typically. Choose a chain that will serve as a centerpiece and catch the eye- is there a pendant you can wear? Then layer a chain or two to help frame the gaze around that centerpiece.
Caring for Your Sterling Silver Chain
To maximize the longevity of your sterling silver jewelry, it’s important to care for it as much as you can. Check our our comprehensive post on how to clean your sterling silver chains.
Daily Maintenance
Be sure to keep your pieces away from contact with chemicals, and periodically rub your pieces (gently!) with a microfiber cloth to keep any tarnish away. It may seem obvious, but take off your jewelry before working out, swimming, or any other high-moisture situations– it will do best when kept dry. If you need to clean it a bit more thoroughly, soak in warm water with a drop of dish detergent, but be sure to dry completely and rub down with a microfiber cloth.
Storage
Sterling silver jewelry is best stored in a cloth pouch inside an airtight plastic bag. Avoid humidity as best you can!
Deeper Cleaning
Periodically, you’ll need to do a deeper clean, ideally done by a professional. There are cleaning products specifically designed for sterling silver available widely and many jewelers will also clean your pieces for a low fee.
Common Problems & Fixes For Silver Chains
Tarnish
While silver itself is not prone to oxidation like some other metals, sterling silver is an alloy of multiple metals, and sometimes the metals in the alloy present some tarnish, which will look like dark smudging or marks that disrupt the otherwise shiny silver surface. Follow the care instructions we listed above and keep the tarnish away.
Kinks and bends
Like any delicate jewelry, men’s chains are prone to bending or kinking. Try dangling the chain from one end to see if gravity solves your problem. You can also try holding the chain on a cloth and dusting it with baby powder, which will function as a lubricant between the chain’s links and help them slide back into place. Similarly, soapy water can loosen the links in the chain to help it li: flat again. If that fails, find a straight pin and place its point in the middle of the kink and slowly work it out.
Check out our Luke Zion Video on How to Unkink a Miami Cuban Link Chain:
Clasp Issues
Chain clasps bear a lot of weight: they’re the connection point for jewelry pieces, and often prone to warping and no longer closing fully, or even outright breaking if snagged or pulled. Before putting on your chain, carefully examine its clasp to make sure it’s working properly; the last thing you want is to lose your chain because the clasp broke!
Buying Guide: What to Look For In a Sterling Silver Chain
So now you know what sterling silver is, popular types of men’s chains, and how to size and style them. But how do you choose the right chain for you, and how do you avoid cheap imitations?
First, make sure your chain is authentic sterling silver. Look for a “925” stamp on your chain to ensure it’s sterling silver, test the jewelry, or take it to a professional jeweler to examine. Feel the chain and make sure it is adequately heavy: stainless steel, for example, is considerably lighter than sterling silver.
Additionally, try to buy your chain from reputable sellers, especially those that are able to produce certifications for their products. Major brands as well as reputable independent sellers should clearly showcase their products and guarantee the quality of the pieces that they sell.
Ultimately, while sterling silver is less expensive than other precious metals, it is still a fine jewelry piece, and you should expect to invest money into your jewelry. Prices that seem too good to be true are likely that– too good to be true. The craftsmanship and effort that goes into every piece should be rewarded, after all.
Check out Gus Villa's video that put our sterling silver chains to the test and we passed with flying colors!
5 common FAQs about sterling silver chains
Does sterling silver tarnish?
- Yes, sterling silver can tarnish over time due to exposure to air and moisture. However, regular cleaning and proper storage can help minimize tarnishing.
How do I clean my sterling silver chain?
- You can clean your sterling silver chain using a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. For tougher tarnish, use a silver polishing cloth or a specialized silver cleaner. Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.
Is sterling silver hypoallergenic?
- Sterling silver is generally hypoallergenic and suitable for most people with sensitive skin. However, the small percentage of other metals, usually copper, may cause reactions in some individuals.
How can I tell if my chain is real sterling silver?
- Genuine sterling silver chains are usually stamped with a hallmark such as "925" indicating 92.5% silver content. You can also have your chain tested by a professional jeweler to confirm its authenticity.
What is the best way to store my sterling silver chain?
- Store your sterling silver chain in a cool, dry place, preferably in an anti-tarnish pouch or a lined jewelry box. Keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight to prevent tarnishing and damage.
Conclusion
There’s more to sterling silver than meets the eye. From understanding what it is to the ins and outs of selecting a chain size, style, and how to wear it, you now have everything you need to find a chain for every occasion.
Want to start your own fashion journey and buy a new chain? Check out our offerings in both sterling silver and stainless steel in a variety of designs– some unique to our shop. We carry a wide selection of men’s sterling silver chains, from utilitarian rope chains to some truly showstopping pieces.