Category: Mens Chains

Mens chains in South Africa

Part of the mens jewellery collection at Aria Jewellery. Solid 9ct and 18ct gold, 925 sterling silver and stainless steel chains, made in Cape Town and delivered nationwide.

Twenty chains, from a stainless steel figaro at R620 to a hollow 18ct gold curb at R215,850. A mens chain is bought on three decisions: metal, width and length. Get those right and the style takes care of itself. There are tables for all three below.

Buying a wedding band at the same time? See mens wedding rings, from R280.

Mens chain prices by metal and style

Chain	What it is	From
Stainless steel figaro, 7mm	A wide chain at the lowest price point. Will not tarnish.	R620
Silver figaro, 7mm	Solid 925 silver. The most worn mens chain we sell.	R2,995
9ct gold infinity, 1.75mm	The lightest solid gold chain. A first gold chain.	R5,595
Silver curb, 10mm	Heavy solid silver with real presence.	R6,895
Silver curb, 16mm	The widest silver chain we make, 65cm.	R9,495
Silver double round curb	Hollow construction, so wide without the weight.	R13,520
9ct gold marina curb, 2.6mm	Curb links with a bar through each one.	R18,250
9ct gold figaro, 4.4mm to 7.5mm	Alternating long and short links. The classic gold chain.	R20,990
9ct gold rope, 5mm	Twisted strands that catch light from every angle.	R49,650
Hollow 18ct gold curb, 8.2mm	The heaviest look we stock, in higher purity gold.	R215,850

Pendants and dog tags on a chain start at R1,995. Rosary and cross styles are in the same collection.

Choosing a width

Width does more to change how a chain reads on a man than anything else. This is the decision to get right.

Width	How it reads	Wears well
1.75mm to 3mm	Fine and discreet, sits under a collar	Under a shirt, or holding a pendant
4mm to 5mm	Clearly visible without shouting	The range most men settle on
6mm to 8mm	Substantial and deliberate	Worn open collar, on its own
10mm and wider	A statement piece with real weight	Worn as the only jewellery

Width drives price more than style does, because you are buying metal by the gram. A 7.5mm gold figaro costs more than twice a 4.4mm in the same design.

Choosing a length

Length	Where it sits	Suits
50cm	At the base of the neck	Smaller frames, worn visible
55cm	Just below the collarbone	The most common mens length
60cm	On the upper chest	Larger frames, or a pendant
65cm and longer	Mid chest	Wide chains and statement wear

If you are buying a gift and cannot ask, 55cm is the safest length for most men. Add 5cm if he is broad through the neck and shoulders, and add 5cm again if it is carrying a pendant.

Gold, silver or steel

	9ct gold	Sterling silver	Stainless steel
Hallmark	375	925	None
Entry price	R5,595	R2,995	R620
Tarnish	Never	Darkens, polishes back	Never
Holds value	Yes	Limited	No
Best for	Wearing permanently	Width without the gold price	Work, gym, travel

Silver is how most men get a wide chain without a gold budget. A 10mm silver curb at R6,895 has more presence than a 4mm gold chain costing three times as much.

Solid or hollow, and why it matters on a wide chain. Hollow chains look identical and cost far less, because the links are tubes rather than solid metal. They are lighter to wear, which some men prefer, but they dent and once dented they cannot be repaired invisibly. Two chains here are hollow by design and priced accordingly, and it is stated on the product. Everything else is solid. Check the hallmark, 375 for 9ct gold, 750 for 18ct or 925 for sterling silver, usually near the clasp.

Explore the mens collection

Category	What is in it	Pieces
Mens jewellery	Chains, bracelets and rings in one place	79
Mens wedding rings	Gold, titanium, tungsten and silver bands from R280	42
Mens bracelets	Curb, figaro and ID bracelets	17
Gold chains and necklaces	The full gold chain range, mens and ladies	46
Gold pendants	Crosses, dog tags and charms for a chain	38
Sterling silver chains	Solid 925 silver in every width	40

Reading rather than shopping? Our guides cover gold chains for men, cuban link chains and mens wedding rings.

Wearing and caring for a mens chain

Gold and steel do not tarnish. Silver darkens over time, which is surface oxidation rather than damage, and a silver cloth brings it back in a minute.

Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush through the links is all any of them need. Dry it properly, because water sitting in the links is what dulls a chain fastest.

Take a chain off for contact sport and for the gym. A chain caught on a bar or a collar is how links get pulled and clasps get bent.

Check the clasp every few months. A worn clasp spring is the most common reason a chain gets lost, and replacing one costs almost nothing.

Delivery

Free insured delivery anywhere in South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Gqeberha and Bloemfontein. Tracked from our Cape Town workshop to your door.

Questions

What length chain should a man wear?

55cm suits most men. Go to 60cm if he is broad through the neck, or if the chain is carrying a pendant.

What width should I choose?

Most men settle between 4mm and 6mm. Go finer for wearing under a shirt, wider if it is the only jewellery he wears.

Is silver a downgrade from gold?

No. Silver is how you get a wide, heavy chain without a gold budget. A 10mm solid silver curb has far more presence than a fine gold chain at the same price.