Metal chain necklaces are a timeless jewelry staple that every woman should have in her accessories arsenal. With their versatile styling and variety of metals and designs, metal chains are a classic choice to elevate both your everyday looks and special occasion outfits.
In this post, we’ll explore the top metal chain necklace picks on the market right now. I’ll share the best gold, silver, and other metal chains that you can add to your jewelry collection. We’ll also dive into tips for choosing the right metal necklace to match your style and flatter your proportions. And finally, we’ll tackle some frequently asked questions about how to care for and repair metal chain jewelry.
So let’s get started finding your perfect metal chain necklace!
Top 5 Metal Chain Necklaces
The variety of metal chain necklace styles out there is so extensive, it can be tough to narrow down your options. To help guide your shopping experience, here are my top 5 recommendations for must-have metal chain necklaces:
1. Gold Paperclip Chain Necklace
This dainty 14k gold filled paperclip chain necklace is an elegant everyday piece you’ll want to wear daily. The unique paperclip links create a sleek, continuous chain that lies smoothly against your neck. The gold color is versatile enough to pair with both silver and gold jewelry.
Pros:
- Timeless, delicate style works for women of all ages
- Gold filled metal makes it sturdy and comfortable for all day wear
- Paperclip design gives it just enough visual interest
Cons:
- Chain is prone to tangling if not stored properly
- Does not have an adjustable length or extender option
I’d pair this with your favorite pendants for a pulled-together look you can wear to the office. It’s also subtle enough for layering with longer statement necklaces. Find this chic gold paperclip chain on Etsy or Amazon for around $50-100.
2. Sterling Silver Snake Chain Necklace
For the edgy, fashion-forward crowd, this chunky sterling silver snake chain is a must. The interlocked metal segments create a bold, industrial snake chain design. It’s finished with a durable lobster claw clasp.
Pros:
- The unique snake chain design amps up basic shirts and dresses
- Sterling silver metal gives it shine without needing much upkeep
- Sturdy lobster claw clasp keeps it securely fastened around your neck
Cons:
- May be too bold and eye-catching for some shoppers’ preferences
- Prone to tarnishing that requires occasional polishing
Pull your look together and show off your style with this neck-turning sterling silver snake chain. Pick one up on Amazon or Etsy for around $50-150.
3. Rose Gold Box Chain Necklace
For a delicate chain with a pop of color, try this 14k rose gold plated box chain necklace. The classic box chain design gets a warm, feminine twist in glossy rose gold. The lobster clasp keeps the lightweight rectangle links together securely.
Pros:
- Soft rosy metal color flatters a range of skin tones
- Timeless box chain design layers well with other necklaces
- Secure lobster clasp closure won’t come undone easily
Cons:
- Rose gold plating may rub off over time, revealing base metal underneath
Add a touch of rose gold shine to your wardrobe staples with this feminine box chain find it on Amazon and Etsy for around $30-60.
4. Stainless Steel Curb Chain Necklace
The curb chain gets its unique look from flat, square links that lay smoothly against the neck. This menswear-inspired style makes a bold statement in shiny stainless steel. The adjustable toggle clasp ensures you get the right custom length.
Pros:
- Very durable and won’t tarnish or oxidize
- Adjustable from 16 to 20 inches to get the perfect fit
- Much more affordable than solid gold curb chains
Cons:
- Can feel heavy around the neck for some wearers
- Prone to showing scratches over time with rough wear
Channel your inner rockstar attitude with this edgy silver or gold curb chain. Find durable stainless steel versions on Amazon for around $20-50.
5. Sterling Silver Rolo Chain Necklace
A rolo chain gets its name from the unique oval links that look like candies. This sterling silver version has a stylish toggle bar clasp. The alternating textured design adds visual interest and a subtle sparkle.
Pros:
- The rolled links create an intriguing light-catching effect
- Sterling silver makes it tarnish resistant and shiny
- Substantial feel without being overly thick or bulky
Cons:
- The toggle bar clasp can come undone if pulled on
- May snag delicate fabrics if not worn carefully
This versatile sterling silver rolo chain is perfect for everyday elegance. Shop silver rolo chain necklaces on Etsy and Amazon for around $50-120.
How to Choose the Perfect Metal Necklace for You
Now that you’ve got an idea of the gorgeous metal chain necklaces available, let’s talk about how to pick the best one to suit your needs. With so many chain styles, metals, lengths and more to consider, choosing the right necklace can get confusing. Keep these key tips in mind while shopping:
- Consider neckline styles: Do you regularly wear crew neck, v-neck, or plunging necklines? Measure the neckline depth so you can choose an appropriate chain length that works with your wardrobe.
- Mind the proportions: Petite girls will do best with delicate chains no wider than 1/4 inch. Larger curvier figures can rock thicker 1/2 inch chains without looking out of proportion.
- Choose hypoallergenic metals: Gold, sterling silver, and stainless steel won’t irritate sensitive skin. Have metal allergies? Stick to stainless steel or sterling silver.
- Factor in durability: Gold filled, sterling silver, and stainless steel chains can handle daily wear. Gold plated and silver toned will need replacing more often.
- Go for adjustable length: Extenders and toggle clasps allow you to customize the length for different necklines. Fixed chains only work if you get the exact right measurement.
- Secure clasp closure: Lobster clasps, spring rings, and toggle bars should all clasp tightly so your necklace doesn’t come undone. Avoid cheap clasp styles.
- Try it on: Order a few different metal chain necklace styles online to try on at home. See what looks most flattering on your complexion and body type.
- Consider outfit pairings: Will you wear it daily or only dress up? What necklines will you pair it with? Think about how versatile it is.
- Layer wisely: Make sure chains worn together don’t tangle. Measured lengths 16, 18, 20, 24 inches allow for attractive layering.
- Mind your budget: You can find great metal chains for under $100. But invest in quality for pricier gold and gemstone pendants.
Once you evaluate all these factors, you’ll zero in on the perfect metal necklace for your personal style and needs. And it will quickly become your go-to accessory!
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Chain Necklaces
To wrap up this metal necklace extravaganza, let’s run through answers to some of the most common metal chain questions:
How do you keep a metal chain necklace from tangling?
Prevent tangling by storing your metal chain necklaces on a jewelry stand, roll, or hanging hook. Be gentle putting them on and taking them off. Untangle chains slowly using your fingers, not force.
How can you clean a tarnished metal chain necklace?
Use a soft jewelry polishing cloth on gold, silver, and platinum chains. For stainless steel or other metal chains, wash gently with mild soap and water. Take extra dirty chains to the jeweler for professional cleaning.
What’s the best way to shorten a metal chain necklace?
Use sharp jewelry pliers to carefully remove excess chain links yourself. For a professional custom fit, take your chain to a jeweler to have them size it perfectly to your neck.
Why does my neck turn green from wearing metal chains?
Green skin irritation is caused by oxidation on cheaper jewelry metals. Avoid this by choosing chains made of sterling silver, 14k or 18k gold, or surgical grade stainless steel.
How do you repair a broken metal necklace chain?
Take it to your local jeweler for repair. If it’s just the clasp that’s broken, they can solder a new clasp on. For missing links, they may be able to fuse it back together.
Should you shower and sleep with a metal chain necklace on?
Avoid exposing metal jewelry to water, lotions, perfumes, etc that can lead to damage. Always remove chains, even pure gold, before showering, swimming, or sleeping.
Are basic metal chain necklaces still in style for 2022?
Simple gold and silver chain necklaces remain timeless wardrobe essentials. Trendy this year are thick, chunky curb and rolo chains for a bold statement.
Can you wear a metal chain necklace 24/7?
Quality solid gold or silver chains hold up to constant wear. But give your neck a break by removing chains before bed. Chains worn all day should be cleaned weekly.
How do I know what length chain to buy?
For a 16 inch chain that fits most women, you’ll need an 18-20 inch chain to account for the clasp closure. Measure from your neck to desired length to buy the right chain.
What are the different types of metal chain necklace styles?
Common chain types include rope chains, curb chains, snake chains, Byzantine chains, and more! Shop popular styles to find your favorite metal necklace look.
Find Your Go-To Metal Necklace
I hope this detailed post has gotten you excited to go shop for your new everyday metal chain necklace! Now that you know what to look for, it will be easy to find one that perfectly suits your personal style.
Keep these top recommended metal chain necklaces in mind as you search for your new wardrobe staple. And don’t forget to refer back to the tips for choosing the ideal chain length, metal, and design.
Once you finally put on that perfectly polished gold or silver chain, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! A quality metal chain necklace adds instant polish to any outfit. I encourage you to explore the different chain styles to discover your new signature piece.
So head to your favorite jewelry stores or shop online. Be sure to let me know once you’ve found your forever metal chain necklace. I can’t wait to hear your picks!