Silver jewelry possesses a quality unique among precious metals: the ability to elevate an outfit without conquering it. Sterling silver chains, in particular, offer a subtle, gleaming look.

Chains come in countless forms—designs that can complement or clash with an outfit. To maximize their effectiveness, you’ll want to master how to style silver chain necklaces. Keep reading for an expert’s grasp on different chain styles and how to harness their dynamics.

Different Types of Silver Chains and How to Style Them

Artisans have fashioned this supple metal into many designs. What are the most popular sterling silver chains?

Curb Chains

First up, we have curb chains. You’ve certainly spotted this classic before. Featuring flat, interlocking rings, a curb chain won’t jut above the skin or shirt. This lends them a smooth, subtle presence that readily complements other pieces or confidently stands alone.

Within the curb chain spectrum, you will find pieces with a light feel, and others featuring strong, larger links meant to catch eyes.

For this reason, curb chains offer unmatched versatility:

• For casual looks, opt for a thin-linked variety paired with a crisp t-shirt.
• For a stronger presence, opt for chunkier rings and longer chain lengths.

Curb chains also pair well with formal wear. Layer a thin chain or two beneath a collared shirt to dress up your outfit.

Box Chains

Typically, necklaces rely on round links. Not the box chain. Opting instead for square links, box chains strike the eye, evoking a rugged, angular feel. 

Thicker than curb chains, they add a three-dimensional look that helps them stand out. This thickness also renders them highly durable, forming a popular foundation for pendants.

Add an extra spark to your everyday attire with a small pendant on a rounded box chain. Or, for formal occasions, opt for brasher options, like Greek box chains, and more prominent pendants.

Rope Chains

A subtle but noticeable variation, the rope chain consists of braided rings that resemble twisted cord. 

Also highly versatile, rope chains complement any level of formality:

• Drape them over a t-shirt to elevate everyday attire. Choose slim varieties to avoid overwhelming the look. 
• Layer them with other chain styles, like pronounced pendants, to make a stronger statement.

If your aesthetic leans toward the sleek and modern, you should have a rope chain in your arsenal.

Snake Chains

As the name suggests, snake chains feature oval links that resemble serpentine scales. Their rings are tightly linked, creating a smooth, seamless appearance from afar.

While more delicate than other necklace types, snake chains can still carry subtle pendants. They’re best used to add a light accent to everyday wear. Try layering beneath a leather jacket, or, for a starker contrast, pair with a solid black t-shirt.

Styling Silver Chains for Men

Styling men’s silver chains boils down to effective contrast. While a single silver chain often adds just the jolt you need, layering them also yields striking results. 

For the best eye-grabbing combinations that won’t clash, try:

• Mixing chain lengths – Start with a base chain: a shorter style to serve as the foundation. Then add a longer variety that extends below your base chain. Layer others in between for a cascading effect. We usually recommend about 5cm difference between chain lengths. 
• Combine different styles – Aim for contrast by alternating between thin and chunky chains or varying link designs. Inject some colour by mixing in gold or black onyx pendants. 

As you start styling, keep these guidelines in mind. In time, you’ll master the fundamentals and spot ways to express your unique aesthetic.

Styling Silver Chains for Women

Many of the same principles apply when arranging women’s silver chains. A few additional tips to keep in mind:

• When in doubt - Pair with neutral clothing – Silver shines best when set against your favorite oversized band tee or neutral animal print like leopard.
• Mix with vibrant companions – Pair the silver with bright and vivid pieces, like turquoise pendants or emerald necklaces.

You’ll also want to consider your top’s neckline before selecting your pieces. Tight, chunky styles sit well over a crew neck, for example, while pendants perfectly fill the space created by a V-neck.

How to Pair Silver Chains with Other Jewelry

Sterling silver chains mix well with diverse jewelry styles. They gleam without upstaging other pieces. For a vibrant mixture, be sure to:

• Strive for balance – Stick to one statement piece, and allow your remaining choices to enhance its allure.
• Play to the outfit – Ultimately, jewelry accents your attire. If wearing eye-catching designs, keep your jewelry choices classic and neutral. Or if you’re a maximalist - the more the merrier.
• Vary textures – Don’t over- or underwhelm the eye with texture. Pair a snake chain’s smooth shimmer with a twisted, chunky bracelet, for example. 

Silver, with its subtle yet arresting tone, offers a perfect foundation for more complex or daring pieces. But remember: always stay balanced.

How to Maintain and Care for Your Silver Chains

While it ages with tremendous beauty, silver also ranks as one of the more delicate metals (2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale).¹ To ensure your silver pieces endure, you’ll need to treat them to proper care and tending.

Fortunately, silver chains don’t require advanced maintenance techniques. Simply:

• Wipe down after wearing – Use a clean microfiber to gently remove grime and oil.
• Avoid abrasive chemicals –  Chlorine, ozone, and sulfur all spell trouble for silver.²
• Clean regularly – Use soap and water or a top-notch silver cleaning kit.

Also, store your pieces in cool, dry locations. Felt jewelry bags or Ziplocs make excellent options.

Clocks + Colours: Ancient Gleam, Modern Craft

Silver will never cease to catch the eye and stir the soul. And its subtle glimmer will never go out of style. Harness its beauty to add a timeless definition to your looks.

Silver’s ancient allure also calls for stewardship. At Clocks + Colours, that’s our calling. We partner with the finest silversmiths, artists with vision rooted in antiquity, to craft strong, lavish pieces that slice through modern noise.

From silver chains to black onyx pendants, our pieces allow for rich and refined self-expression. Discover our designer jewelry today.

 

Sources: 

1. International Gem Society. The Mohs Hardness Scale and Chart for Select Gems. https://www.gemsociety.org/article/select-gems-ordered-mohs-hardness/ 
2. Dartmouth Toxic Metals. The Facts on Silver. https://sites.dartmouth.edu/toxmetal/more-metals/silver-metal-of-many-faces/the-facts-on-silver/