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6 Best Men's Gold Chain Styles

6 Best Gold Chains for Men

You might know that gold chains are one of the most stylish accessories in current fashion trends, but do you know which types of gold chain styles are the most popular?

It’s no secret that gold chains are in-style, big time. When did gold chains come back in style? Gold chain necklaces weren’t a trend in mainstream fashion for about 12 years. (We like to consider these the dark ages of 2000s fashion.) From around 2006 to 2018, gold chains were primarily only popular with people who wanted to swim against the current of mainstream fashion.

But in 2018, gold chains came back in style - and they’ve been getting increasingly popular through the 2020s. Now, in 2021, gold chain necklaces are considered one of the most versatile necklaces you can own to show off your personality and elevate any outfit to the next level.

What are the most popular men’s gold chain styles? If you want to know what the most popular types of gold chain necklaces are right now, here’s our style guide to the best men’s gold chains today.

One of the reasons that gold chains are still in style in 2021 - and are projected to continue to remain in style - is that the different types and designs of gold chains evolve over the years, keeping them new and fresh.

Even the gold chains that were considered out of style for a period of time - such as the gold cable chain with a medallion that Jimi Hendrix popularized in the 1960s - are making a comeback. You don’t have to wear bell-bottoms and a military jacket to rock an old-school chain; the versatility of gold chains allows you to wear them with any style, creating a new look that’s all your own.

2020 was a major turning point in men’s jewelry - the emphasis on self-expression, personalization, and individual style took mainstream fashion by storm. Now, you can create your own look more easily than ever.

Let’s look at the six most popular men’s gold chain necklace styles in 2021 going forward.

  1.  Solid 14K Gold Diamond Cuban Link Chain 1 Kilo

    Solid 14K Gold Diamond Cuban Link Chain 1 Kilo

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  2. Hollow 10k Gold Cuban Link Chain For Men Miami 5.5mm Wide 8.5-24 inches.

    Hollow 10k Gold Cuban Link Chain For Men Miami 5.5mm Wide 8.5-24 inches.

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  3. 15 Carats Real Diamond Cuban Link Chain Choker Necklace Real 14k Gold 12mm Wide

    15 Carats Real Diamond Cuban Link Chain Choker Necklace Real 14k Gold 12mm Wide

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The most popular type of men’s gold chain link styles is the Cuban link chain, which is also called the Miami Cuban link chain. It’s a type of curb link chain known for its signature flat, twisted, interlocking links.

The Miami Cuban link chain is said to get its name from its initial rise to popularity in Miami in the early 2000s. The Miami fashion scene started borrowing styles from Cuban fashion, and the Cuban link chain was the most popular type of necklace in men’s jewelry.

The Cuban Link chain really started becoming popular in other cities in the U.S., such as NYC and L.A. towards the 2010s. Since 2018, the Cuban link chain has risen to become the most popular type of gold chain necklace around the world. If you go to France, you’re much more likely to find the Parisian youth wearing Cuban link chains than berets.

The Cuban link chain is an especially popular gold chain necklace for men due to its masculine structure. It is one of the most durable types of chains, so a solid gold Cuban link chain is an investment that will last you for years.

Cuban link chains are one of the most popular styles of gold chain necklaces for rappers. Rappers often wear Cuban link chains in a friendly competition, trying to compete with each other by wearing the most expensive, massive chains, often with custom pendants that reflect their personality or favorite cartoon character.

If you’re looking to make a statement with your jewelry, opt for iced-out Cuban link chains, encrusted in real diamonds to catch anyone’s eye.

  1. Miami Yellow Gold Cuban Link Curb Chain for Men 14K 2.5mm 22-40in

    Miami Yellow Gold Cuban Link Curb Chain for Men 14K 2.5mm 22-40in

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  2. Miami Rose Gold Cuban Link Curb Chain 14K 2.5mm 22-40in

    Miami Rose Gold Cuban Link Curb Chain 14K 2.5mm 22-40in

    Regular Price: $1,380.00

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  3. White Gold Miami Cuban Link Curb Chain 5.6mm 14K 22-40in

    White Gold Miami Cuban Link Curb Chain 5.6mm 14K 22-40in

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The curb link chain, or gourmette chain, is a type of gold chain link that includes variations such as the Miami Cuban link chain, and the Figaro chain. While the Miami Cuban link chain is the most popular type of curb link chain, the basic curb chain is still very popular itself.

The ways in which the links of a curb chain interlock make it one of the most durable chains for men. Women also enjoy curb link chains, especially thinner widths (1mm). The thicker the curb links (8mm), the chunkier the chain, and the more flashy.

Curb link chains are popular for their versatility and the strength of their links. There are many ways to style a curb link chain to vary your outfits with different textures and colors. Different variations, such as a curb chain with diamond-shaped links, can be layered with other gold, silver, or platinum chains for a unique fashion statement.

Their links of a curb link chain are independently soldered together, making them highly durable—all curb link chains are among the strongest men’s gold chain link styles. For the strongest gold curb chains, opt for solid gold curb link chains.

Figaro Chains

  1. Hollow 10k Gold Figaro Chain For Men & Women 6.5mm Wide

    Hollow 10k Gold Figaro Chain For Men & Women 6.5mm Wide

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  2. 14K Yellow Gold Figaro Chain Item 4mm 20in - 40in

    14K Yellow Gold Figaro Chain Item 4mm 20in - 40in

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  3. Hollow 10k Gold Figaro Chain For Men & Women 5.5mm Wide

    Hollow 10k Gold Figaro Chain For Men & Women 5.5mm Wide

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The Figaro chain is a classic style of Italian gold chain necklace for men. It’s a type of curb chain, but the key difference between a Figaro chain and a curb chain is the pattern of its links. The chain pattern of a Figaro chain necklace features one long link, followed by several smaller links, flattening with a twist.

The Figaro chain is simple, elegant, and masculine. The Figaro Chain gets its name from the Italian Opera The Barber of Seville, or Mozart’s famous piece, the Marriage of Figaro.

The Figaro chain is popular with men and women—it goes flawlessly with both t-shirts and more formal outfits. The Figaro chain is a masculine style at thicker widths and an elegant chain for a more minimalist look at thinner widths.

Either way, it’s a chain that will last a long time. This type of chain is very popular for its appearance and strength. Figaro chain links are typically soldered individually, which means they’re not likely to break from pulls or tugging. They’re a good chain for pendants.

One of the strongest chains, Figaro chain links are usually soldered individually, making them resistant to pulls and tugging. They’re strong enough gold chains to support heavy pendants.

Franco Chains

  1. 14K Solid Yellow White Gold Franco Chain 30-40in,3.5mm

    14K Solid Yellow White Gold Franco Chain 30-40in,3.5mm

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  2. 14k Solid Gold Franco Chain in Yellow or White Gold 4mm Wide, 24-40in

    14k Solid Gold Franco Chain in Yellow or White Gold 4mm Wide, 24-40in

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  3. 10K Men's Solid Gold Franco Chain 26in-40in., 3mm

    10K Men's Solid Gold Franco Chain 26in-40in., 3mm

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Another type of Italian curb chain is the Franco chain. The Franco chain is similar to the Cuban link Chain, but it has an extra four sides to make it a bit stiffer and more compact. The Italian designer and namesake for the chain created V-shaped links for chains to create some of the strongest gold chain designs.

Franco chain links have a pattern of tightly woven chevron links that not only look strong but provide excellent durability. It requires a highly experienced fine jewelry craftsman to make the best gold Franco chain necklaces.

Similar to Franco chains, Foxtail Chains have v-shaped links, but Foxtail chains are different from Franco chains by having chevrons on all four sides. Franco chains only have the v-links on two of the four sides. This means that you can style a Franco chain in two ways, almost like a reversible chain—choose between showing off the chevron side or the curb link side.

The reason why gold Franco chains are considered so good is that they provide excellent strength and distinct style. The Franco chain is a good men’s gold chain for pendants since they can support heavy weights.

The Franco chain is also one of the best men’s gold chain necklace styles for layering gold chains. To style a Franco chain, you can layer it with a Cuban link chain, or any type of curb chain, such as another Franco chain or a Figaro chain. Layered chains provide a look that’s both masculine and elegant.

For men’s diamond chain necklaces, a solid gold diamond Franco chain is one of the most unique iced-out chains that are underrated. Solid gold Franco chains are among the strongest gold diamond chains for men.

If you’re looking for a more affordable Franco chain necklace, there are cheap sterling silver Franco necklaces that bring classy luster to the finely crafted v-links.

Rope Chains

  1. Men's Solid Rope Chain 14k White Gold

    Men's Solid Rope Chain 14k White Gold

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  2. Men's Solid Rope Chain 14k Rose Gold

    Men's Solid Rope Chain 14k Rose Gold

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  3. Men's Solid Rope Chain 14k Yellow Gold 3mm-20mm

    Men's Solid Rope Chain 14k Yellow Gold 3mm-20mm

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The original gold chains that started it all are gold rope chains. The 80s rappers such as Slick Rick and Run-DMC helped popularize both hip-hop music and styles. Today, yellow gold rope chains are back in style. White gold and rose gold rope chains put a modern spin on this classic gold chain variety.

Rope chains are designed after heavy-duty work ropes. The different angles on a gold rope chain make it one of the shiniest gold chains since real gold reflects the light in different ways.

Rope chains are popular because they can provide both a throwback look, or you can style them to be a modern classic.

Rope chains look great with gold pendants. Yellow rope chains are back in style, but if you want a more modern look, opt for white gold rope chains or rose gold rope chains. Rope chains are popular gold chains for both men and women, and they come in very thick widths, like the 80s, or in thin and fancy widths.

Whether you’re paying homage to the old-school rappers’ chains, or you’re giving these classic chains a modern flair, the rope chain is a great chain to style in 2021 and beyond.

Cable Chains

  1. 14K Gold Cable Chain, 20 -40 inches long 2mm wide.

    14K Gold Cable Chain, 20 -40 inches long 2mm wide.

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  2. Men's 14K Gold Cable Chain, 20in-40in long, 3mm wide

    Men's 14K Gold Cable Chain, 20in-40in long, 3mm wide

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  3. Ladies 14 karat Solid Gold chain 16 to 18 inches long

    Ladies 14 karat Solid Gold chain 16 to 18 inches long

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Cable link chains are the simplest style of gold chains for men and women. Their design is ancient—it’s lasted so long because it’s an extremely strong chain necklace design, and it looks great in a variety of styles.

Cable chains are both practical and functional. The cable chain link pattern features a row of identical gold links that connect to each other to provide excellent strength. The cable chain comes in many widths, so you can find both cheap gold cable chains, and 14K solid gold cable chains, to suit any style and budget.

The cable chain is popular for many reasons. Its durability means that many people consider it the best gold chain for pendants. If a cable chain link breaks, it’s easy and cheap to fix.

 The cable chain is an excellent chain for layering gold chain necklaces, which can really spice up your look. Some cable link chains have two strands of chains, a popular women’s style for a layered look.

Gold cable chains for men and women are equally popular. They secure best with a lobster clasp, and solid gold cable chains are the strongest type of gold chains of this style.

If you’re trying to decide which gold chain necklace styles are right for you, remember that the best gold chain necklaces for daily wear will have a balance of boldness and versatility.

Here are some things to consider when picking out a gold chain necklace for your style.

  1. Diamond chain necklace or plain gold chain? Some people prefer to add some bling to their chain necklace and shop iced-out diamond gold chains for men. Others prefer to keep their gold chains more traditional and experiment with different links, widths, and textures.
  2. Pendant or no pendant? Figure out if you want a gold chain with a pendant for men or one without a pendant. This will influence the choice of chain you choose. If you want a heavy diamond pendant, you need to get a stronger gold chain style to support its weight. Check out our durability rating of the 10 strongest types of chain link necklaces.
  3. Long or short chain length? The same chain at different lengths can give your look a different vibe. Decide which chain length you want. The 20-inch gold chain and 22-inch chain are the most common chain lengths for men, but some men like longer chains to layer them.
  4. How thick or thin do you want your chain? Typically, shorter chain necklaces on men are also thinner. For longer gold chains, most men prefer thicker widths. You can find anything from 1mm wide gold necklaces for men, to 21mm wide heavy gold chains (the width of a US quarter), to the over-the-top celebrity rapper-sized chains, at 25 mm thick, such as the massive 1.5 Kilo Solid Gold Miami Cuban Link Chain.

The length and width of a gold chain adds a lot of subtlety and expression to your outfit. You don’t want any type of gold chain necklace to sit awkwardly on your shirt collar, not exactly under or over it. You also don’t want to choose a chain width that’s too thick if you plan on tucking it under a shirt since it could look too bulky under the shirt material.
If you have any questions about any high-quality gold chain necklaces, contact us at ItsHot.com. We’re one of New York City’s choice jewelry stores for many celebrities and trend-setters, and we pride ourselves in our customer service - we have a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee on our gold chains and other jewelry.

 

ItsHot LogoDenis Stepansky
Founder of ItsHot.com

Denis Stepansky is a founder of ItsHot, a diamond jewelry and watches store based in NYC. He has been in the jewelry business for about 20 years and owns such high-end jewelry brands as Luccello and Luxurman. As a jewelry expert, he has citations on well-known magazines and newspapers like Insider and Daily Mail.

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