4 Reasons Men Wear Gold Chains (And Look Great)

Take a walk in any major city these days and you’re sure to see men wearing gold chains. In some ways this is a new trend and in other ways it’s been around for generations. So what has so many men putting on men’s gold chains? Here are four reasons men wear them:

1. To identify with a culture. There is no doubt about it: men’s gold chains have become synonymous in many circles with hip hop culture. A man may be actively involved in hip hop, or simply grown up listening to it. Either way, hip hop is music, an ethic, and a culture that speaks to one theme: learning to succeed against adversity. In hip hop circles, men’s gold chains are not just a fashion choice. They are a statement that a man has “made it.” Wearing a gold chain shows that you have found a way to be successful in life and are capable of looking out for yourself, your community and your loved ones. It’s a small but powerful way of showing that a man has overcome challenges and succeeded.

2. For religious jewelry. Many men only wear jewelry for one reason: to show off their faith. Showing one’s faith is a way to signal what you believe in to others, and to instantly communicate the values that you hold. It’s also a way to recognize others who share the same faith and values as yourself. In difficult moments, religious jewelry can be a reminder of how you can move forward. And during life’s successes, it’s a reminder to be grateful and stay true to your roots. Worn on a gold chain, religious jewelry is an important statement for many men.

3. For high end watches. Men don’t usually consider watches to be jewelry. A watch is a timeless, masculine accessory that is as functional as it is valuable. It can even be a keepsake that is passed down from father to son over generations. Watches come with their own chain or leather band, but these chains don’t always last over time—especially when worn by a working man. Many men will seek to have a classic watch restored with a new gold chain. For this purpose, only the highest quality men’s gold chains can be used.

4. Because they understand fashion. Gold chains have become part of the masculine image. Men of all cultures and beliefs now wear them as part of looking their best. If you’re cultivating your own fashion sense, a simple gold chain can be an excellent and versatile addition to your wardrobe.

Do you own a gold chain? Why do you choose to wear it?

 

Men’s Jewelry Shopping Guide: Materials

Maybe the holidays or coming up, or maybe you’re buying a gift for a birthday or anniversary.  Either way you want to buy jewelry for your husband or boyfriend, and you aren’t sure where to start.  It seems like there are countless guides available for people that want to buy jewelry for the girlfriend or wife, but there’s not a lot of info out there for shopping for the boyfriend or husband.  Before you start thinking about whether to get them a chain or ring, you should spend time thinking about what you want the gift to be made out of there.  There are tons of materials people use to make jewelry, and going on the off-beaten path for your gift could make it very unique.

Wood or bone

Blame it on Etsy or the rise of craft building, but wood and bone jewelry has become a very popular jewelry making material.  Because of the material’s natural earth tone colors, you need to make sure that whatever you pick will stand out against their clothing colors and skin tone.  If they tend to wear darker clothing, than a piece made out of bone or light colored wood would work best.  If they like light clothes, something made out of dark mahogany would be a great statement making piece.

Leather

Leather isn’t just for high school rebels and bikers anymore.  People who know leathercraft can make gorgeous cuffs, necklaces, and even rings.  You can find edgier pieces for adventurous men, or can find something gentle you could wear to the office.  Black leather can be a bit harsh for jewelry, so you should look for something that’s naturally colored with earth tones.

Copper and bronze

Precious metals may dominate the jewelry world, but that doesn’t mean that other metals have to be excluded from all the fun!  Copper and bronze can easily be treated so that they’re stronger, less prone to tarnishing, and look beautiful.  Keep in mind that these metals can come in colors that can be very bold, so you shouldn’t get them a piece that’s too showing.  A small copper band or bronze bracelet should work fine.

Gold and silver

Gold and silver can be found in hip hop jewelry stores and high end retailers, they’re the basis for many pieces in the jewelry world.  You can get your boyfriend or husband something made out of traditional gold or silver, and still get them something unique.  Try something that’s made out of white gold, or try something that has a combination of gold or silver.