The 5 Best Gold Necklaces for Men (2020 Review)

Looking for the best gold necklaces for men? Want to freshen up your look with a stylish piece of jewelry you can wear every day?

Great — I’ve got you covered.

In this article, I cover everything you need to know about men’s necklaces, including:

• What actually is a gold necklace made for a guy?
• The different types of gold necklaces and chains you should consider
• The general price of a high quality gold necklace
• What you should look for when buying a gold necklace?
• My 4 step guide to cleaning gold necklaces (without damaging)
• And my 5 picks for the best men’s gold necklaces

Whether you’re looking to buy one for yourself or gift one to the man in your life, this article is your one-stop source to learn about the top gold necklaces for men.

Let’s get started!

Quick Take

Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best gold necklaces you can buy right now:

Our Pick

Miansai 2mm Cuban Chain Necklace

$125

This necklace boasts a minimalist design ideal for every occasion or time of the day. Crafted from 14K gold, it offers a beautiful polished finish that adds a cool vibe to any outfit.

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Budget Pick

Miansai 1.7mm Cable Chain Necklace

$85

This Miansai necklace offers a stylish oxidized sterling silver chain that accentuates the 18K yellow gold-plated brass marine link center piece.

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Upgrade Pick

Miansai Dove Necklace with Antique Pendant

$225

This piece features two special antique reproduction pendants showcasing a beautiful dove design hanging on the 14K yellow gold chain.

Buy Now Learn More

Read on for more info and the complete list…

Our Overall #1 Top-Rated Pick

We have some great chains on the list, but this one takes the cake.

Miansai 2mm Cuban Chain Necklace in 14K Gold

(For a more affordable alternative, check out this 2mm chain on Amazon.)

• Delicate 2mm Cuban link chain
• High-quality 14K gold craftsmanship
• 24-inch length (ideal for different styles)

Our overall #1 top-rated pick is this Miansai 2mm Cuban chain necklace.

Why?

It boasts a minimalist design ideal for every occasion or time of the day. Crafted from 14K gold, it offers a beautiful polished finish that adds a cool vibe to any outfit.

The delicate Cuban chain can be worn on its own or customized with pendants for a personal touch to your look.

When looking for gold necklaces and chains for men, I was specifically drawn to the Miansai brand of necklaces due to the balance between price and value while maintaining a high standard for craftsmanship.

Specifically, all Miansai products are handmade with 30 skilled craftsmen on staff actually making these pieces with high-quality materials like Italian leathers and military grade precious metals.

There are many brands that sell gold jewelry online, but Miansai stood out to me as one where you actually get high quality products without inflated prices you’d get from other name brands.

Check out the rest of this guide on men’s gold necklaces and other pieces to consider.

Top 5 Best Gold Necklaces for Men

In our humble opinion, these are the 5 best gold necklaces a guy can buy.

1. Miansai 2mm Cuban Chain Necklace in 14K Gold
2. Lifetime Jewelry 2mm Gold Plated Rope Chain
3. Miansai Dove Necklace with Antique Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
4. Miansai 1.7mm Cable Chain Necklace with Anchor Pendant in Sterling Silver and 18K Rose Gold
5. ChainsPro Chunky 6mm Cuban Chain Necklace
6. Miansai 1.7mm Cable Chain Necklace in Oxidized Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow Gold
7. Miansai 3mm Cuban Chain Necklace in Sterling Silver and 14K Gold

Now let's take a look at what gold necklaces are and why they're awesome.

What’s a Gold Necklace Made For a Guy?

The main difference between gold necklaces made for a guy versus any other type of gold necklace is that men’s necklaces have a more masculine look with thicker chain links (think Cuban style) or longer styles (think rope chains).

Generally speaking, these necklaces are available in different gold colors and qualities, such as 10K, 14K and 18K yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. They can come in simple, chain-only designs or chain and pendant styles that bring that oh-so-important personality to any look.

Just like other types of men’s jewelry, men’s golden necklaces make the perfect gift to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or other special occasions. They’re also excellent as keepsakes to be cherished forever.

What Are the Different Types of Men’s Gold Necklaces?

Men’s gold necklaces come in many forms and shapes — and much like women’s necklaces, they can be either delicate and subtle or bulky and bold.

When buying online, there are many chain and necklaces to choose from, but below we’ve listed the 10 most popular types of men’s gold necklaces.

Anchor/Mariner Chain Necklaces

Inspired by the nautical world, anchor chain necklaces are designed with interlocking ovals connected by ovals across the center. The design of these necklaces is often compared to the chains connected to anchors, hence their name.

Anchor chain necklaces come in a variety of widths, with thicker chains more popular among men. The ‘puffed’ version of the mariner chain is also becoming increasingly popular compared to the traditionally flat style.

Ball/Bead Chain Necklaces

Ball chain necklaces, also known as bead chain necklaces, consist of tiny beads linked together. These can be connected either very close together or with small spaces between them to allow for some movement.

Unlike anchor chain necklaces, ball chain necklaces are best worn together with a dog tag or pendant to get that cool, street smart look.

If you’re looking for a necklace that isn’t bulky or heavy, you’ll definitely love the bead chain necklace styles.

Box Chain Necklaces

This type of men’s gold necklaces is made of square links that are connected together to create a continuous chain. They tend to be popular among both men and women, with wider necklaces usually preferred by men due to their bulkier look.

One of the best parts about choosing a box chain necklace is their durability. They don’t break easily and, even if a link breaks, it can be easily fixed or replaced. An added benefit is that you can usually choose the length of the chain depending on either your personal preference or your outfit.

Cable Chain Necklaces

Cable chain necklaces, also known as link chain necklaces, are perhaps the most popular types of men’s necklaces on the market. They consist of a series of interconnected identical oval links, which can range from delicate to bulky and from flat to textured.

A cable chain necklace is suitable on its own as well as paired with a pendant.

Much like box chain necklaces, they are very sturdy; both broken and misshapen links are easy to repair or replace, which means your necklace will last a long time. However, a cable chain link can come apart where it’s joined if the chain hasn’t been carefully crafted.

Curb “Cuban” Chain Necklaces

Another basic and timeless design, curb chain necklaces consist of interconnected, uniform links that lay flat even while interlocked. These necklaces are distinguished by their heavy and chunky form, which have a masculine touch and tend to be preferred almost exclusively by men.

On the other hand, smaller and thinner curb chain necklaces are popular among women thanks to their feminine and delicate shape.

This type of men’s necklace is durable and easy to both maintain and care for. They are generally worn on their own, though you can add pendants or dog tags for a cooler look.

Figaro Chain Necklaces

A fancier version of the classic cable chain necklace, figaro chain necklaces originate in Italy and consist of an alternating pattern of chain links in different sizes. Usually, these necklaces will have a pattern of one longer link followed by two or three shorter ones.

Figaro chain necklaces are considered gender-neutral, which means they can be worn by both men and women. They’re made using thick wire, so they tend to be sturdy and durable. However, broken links can’t be removed without replacing them, otherwise you risk messing up the pattern.

The bulkier version of this Italian necklace is especially popular among men and is usually worn on its own. You will likely have seen it worn by rappers and hip hop artists as well.

Rope Chain Necklaces

Rope chain necklaces are decidedly among the most beautiful men’s necklaces. They consist of metal segments that are twisted and connected to resemble a rope. These types of necklaces are possibly the most textural and also the most durable, which makes them particularly attractive to men.

Ideal on their own or paired with pendants, rope chain necklaces make excellent statement pieces you can wear with almost anything. Available in thick and thin designs alike, these necklaces don’t easily come apart, so they’re great if you’re looking for a sturdy piece of jewelry.

Singapore Chain Necklace

The Singapore chain necklace is a durable chain consisting of a series of interlinked segments. This type of necklaces are well known for their strength regardless of width/thickness, which is why they tend to be very popular among men.

When stretched out, Singapore chain necklaces move with an almost liquid touch. You can wear it on its own or pair it with a beautiful pendant or dog tag depending on your personal preference.

Snake Chain Necklace

Snake chain necklaces are popular for their flexibility and liquid movement, which resemble those of a snake.

They’re made up of a series of small rings that are tightly connected to form a smooth and shiny chain. Unlike other types of men’s gold necklaces, they have a semi-rigid structure, which means they don’t tangle easily or catch on other objects.

Snake chains are generally associated with charm jewelry. Indeed, most charm bracelets use a snake chain, so you have the option to wear it on its own or customize it with charms or pendants of your choice.

If you’re looking for men’s chain necklaces that require little care and upkeep to maintain their shiny look, then you’ll definitely appreciate how easy to care for snake chain necklaces are.

Spiga/Wheat Chain Necklace

Spiga or wheat chain necklaces feature twisted oval links plaited together in one direction, creating a delicate and symmetrical chain with a beautiful textural appearance. More often than not, these necklaces tend to look like the tips of wheat stalks, hence their name.

With their semi-rigid and durable design, wheat chain necklaces can be worn solo or paired with pendants.

Are Men’s Gold Necklaces Expensive or Cheap? (It Depends)

The price of men’s gold necklaces depends on two important factors: the material(s) they’re made of and their design. We’ll talk about each in more detail below.

First, let’s discuss materials.

Materials

Generally speaking, men’s gold chain necklaces come in different gold qualities ranging from 10K to 18K and even 24K.

While 10K gold necklaces are on the cheaper side of the price spectrum, 18K and 24K gold necklaces are on the more expensive side as they have a higher percentage of gold in their composition. For example, 10K gold only contains 41.7 percent pure gold, whereas 18K gold contains 75 percent pure gold.

Some necklaces have sterling silver chains that have been plated with 14K or 18K gold. These tend to be significantly more affordable because they’re not made of solid gold and only have a gold plating instead.

If you’re on a tight budget, then a gold-plated necklace might be a great way to incorporate the look of gold into your look with a much smaller investment.

Design

The second factor to consider when purchasing men’s gold necklaces is the actual design.

The simpler the design, the less manpower you’ll need to actually make the necklace results in a more affordable price point. On the other hand, necklaces with pendants or tags will cost more, especially if they’re made of solid gold.

Intricate designs that require a greater amount of gold to create will be pricier — for example, classic cable chain necklaces use far less materials compared to Cuban link chain necklaces.

Check out this video of how much goes into actually creating a Cuban Link necklace.

The price you’ll pay will ultimately depend on a combination of these two factors. If you’re willing to compromise on either the gold quality or the design, you’ll be able to save some money and still get a high quality necklace you can wear every day.

What Should You Look for in the Best Men’s Gold Necklaces?

Let’s get one thing clear: there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ men’s gold necklace.

Some are naturally better than others thanks to the better gold quality and craftsmanship, so they provide a lot more value compared to inferior quality ones.

As far as the craftsmanship is concerned, try to choose necklaces made from 14K or 18K gold as they offer an excellent combination of quality and value.

While it might be tempting to choose the highest gold quality available (24K gold), it’s important to remember that the more pure gold is used, the more susceptible it is to scratching and damage.

However, gold that is also alloyed with other metals is more durable and resistant to wear and tear, which is why choosing either 14K or 18K gold will give you better value for your money.

If you don’t have the budget for a solid gold necklace, then a gold-plated design will provide decent quality at a much lower price. Choosing a necklace with a 14K or 18K gold plating as it’s more long-lasting and wear-resistant compared to 24K gold plating.

How Do You Clean Gold Necklaces?

Once you’ve picked a gold necklace, you’ll also want to make sure you keep it in the best possible shape with regular cleaning. As a rule of thumb, you should always avoid cleaning solutions as they are too harsh and will damage your gold necklace.

Instead, use a mixture of lukewarm water and mild dishwashing liquid will help you remove any dirt and grime without any damage to the jewelry.

Here’s what I recommend:

Step 1: First, mix a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid into a bowl of lukewarm water.

Step 2: Soak your gold necklace into the mixture for 10-15 minutes. This will help to dissolve some of the grime.

Step 3: After 10-15 minutes, remove the necklace from the mixture and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently brush it.

Step 4: Rinse it with cold water at the end.

If there’s any grime or dirt left, repeat the same steps until the jewelry is clean. Once done, pat dry with a clean cloth or blow-dry it until dry.

Here’s a good video to show you in more detail:

How often you need to clean your jewelry will depend on whether you wear your necklace every day or just occasionally. The more frequently you wear it, the more frequently you’ll need to clean it.

Best Men’s Gold Necklaces Reviewed

Let's break down the differences between our top picks…

Miansai 2mm Cuban Chain Necklace in 14K Gold

If you’re looking for a men’s gold necklace you can wear with anything, this sleek piece from Miansai is sure to be your go-to accessory. The necklace features a delicate Cuban chain handcrafted from high-quality 14K yellow gold with a polished finish.

With a width of 2mm and a length of 24 inches, this piece can be worn on its own or layered with others for an extra cool vibe.

Pros

• High-quality 14K yellow gold craftsmanship
• Cuban chain necklace design
• 2mm necklace width makes this piece highly versatile

Cons

• Chain links are too small to allow customization with pendants.

No chain is perfect, but this one is close.

Miansai Dove Necklace with Antique Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold

A decided upgrade from our top pick, this necklace offers a delicate 3mm chain with a stylish Cuban design that is highly versatile. The piece features two special antique reproduction pendants showcasing a beautiful dove design hanging on the 14K yellow gold chain.

A pleasant surprise is that you can customize the necklace with a monogram, which makes this chain an ideal gift for the special man in your life.

Pros

• Classic Cuban chain design
• Made from solid 14K gold with a shiny polished finish
• Beautiful dove pendant
• Monogram customization is available

Cons

• Not the most affordable piece of jewelry.

To sum it up, this chain is a bit pricey but is overall an excellent choice.

Miansai 1.7mm Cable Chain Necklace with Anchor Pendant in Sterling Silver and 18K Rose Gold

Anchor through every season with style with this stunning men’s necklace in sterling silver and 18K rose gold.

The delicate 1.7mm oxidized sterling silver chain boasts a minimal cable design that stands in contrast with the 18K rose gold-plated brass anchor pendant, offering a gorgeous take on a classic motif.

Whether you’re looking to add some serious bling to your look or just finish off an outfit, this Miansai anchor pendant necklace is the perfect choice.

Pros

• Minimalist cable chain design made from oxidized sterling silver
• 18K rose gold-plated brass anchor pendant
• Ideal for accessorizing everyday outfits

Cons

• Requires frequent cleaning to maintain the real gold plating.
• The plating might need to be reapplied depending on how often you wear the necklace.

If you don't mind a chain that requires a bit more maintenance (cleaning), this might be the one for you.

Miansai 1.7mm Cable Chain Necklace in Oxidized Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow Gold

Another cable chain design, this Miansai necklace offers a stylish oxidized sterling silver chain that accentuates the 18K yellow gold-plated brass marine link center piece.

The 27-inch chain works well over basic pullovers and t-shirts, and it can be easily layered with other chain necklaces.

Pros

• Stylish oxidized sterling silver cable chain
• 18K yellow gold-plated brass marine link pendant
• Can be layered with other pieces

Cons

• 27-inch length might be too long for some.
• Requires frequent cleaning to maintain the gold plating.

A longer chain like this one isn't great for shorter guys, but it's a solid choice for gents who aren't of modest height.

Miansai 3mm Cuban Chain Necklace in Sterling Silver and 14K Gold

The last option on our list is this 3mm Cuban chain necklace, which boasts a two-tone metal design ideal for street style looks.

The Cuban chain is handcrafted from matte oxidized sterling silver and polished 14K yellow gold, offering a great combination of quality and value at an equally great price.

Wear it on its own or layer it with other styles for an elevated yet modest accent to any look.

Pros

• 3mm Cuban chain necklace
• Two-tone design made from oxidized sterling silver and 14K solid gold
• Can be layered with other pieces.

Cons

• Not the cheapest

This chain is an overall solid choice if you don't mind the price.

Our Top Pick: Miansai 2mm Cuban Chain Necklace in 14K Gold

Our top pick for the best men’s gold necklaces is this stunner from Miansai, which merges style with quality in a highly versatile design ideal for any outfit.

The 14K yellow gold craftsmanship is both beautiful and long-lasting, making this piece perfect for every occasion.

While you can’t add pendants due to the small link size, you can still layer this gold necklace with others to add serious bling to your look.