The Best Silver Chain

Sterling silver has been a jewelry staple for centuries. From iconic fashion houses that created jewelry and housewares in the 1800s to the modern interpretations that take accessorizing to a whole new level, sterling silver is a versatile metal that can transition between any occasion. Whether you prefer dainty and delicate designs or want more of a statement piece, a sterling silver chain can do it all. When you're looking for new your new sterling silver design, we suggest focusing on three essential qualities: the style of the links, length of the chain, and packaging. The Jewlpire necklace is a simple chain that you can wear over and over again, both on its own or embellished with your favorite charms or pendants. The Pavoi necklace isn't compatible with charms, but it makes a big enough statement on its own that you can wear it with any outfit for an edgy finish. Discover these chains and our other favorites to find the best sterling silver chain for your collection.

Jewlpire 925 Sterling Silver Chain Necklace

Off the chain

This simple silver necklace is the perfect layering piece.
Best Silver Necklace

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This 1.1-millimeter silver chain is a veritable chameleon for your jewelry collection. Made from .925 sterling silver, it’s a fluid and feminine chain that you can wear alone, paired with other necklaces, or even with charms and pendants. The durable and high-quality design is finished with rhodium plating to help prevent tarnishing, and the spring-ring clasp makes it easy to put on and take off. Try pairing it with other silver jewelry or mixed metals for a trendy take on a classic piece.

Pros:

  • We love that the necklace is nickel and lead-free, as this makes it unlikely that it will discolor your skin or cause any irritation — even with daily wear.
  • It comes in a beautiful gift box, making it the perfect present. Whether you’re giving it away or keeping it for yourself, it’s a nice way to store the chain to give it a more sophisticated look.

Cons:

  • If you wear it in water, it may tarnish over time.

Amazon Collection Sterling Silver Box Chain Necklace

Out of the box

This dainty and delicate necklace is a timeless classic.
Best Box Chain

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This sterling silver necklace is crafted in Italy for an elegant final look. The luxurious design is 18 inches long and features a classic box chain, making it the ideal pairing for your favorite charms and pendants. It’s the perfect dainty design that will add a feminine flair to your jewelry collection, and it can easily be layered with your other everyday designs for an overall effortless look.

Pros:

  • Even though the chain is dainty, it’s also durable. We love that you don’t have to worry about it snapping or breaking easily.
  • It comes in a nice box, making storage simple. Keeping it in the box also helps prevent the chain from tarnishing, so this is a win-win solution.

Cons:

  • Because it’s very thin, it also tends to tangle easily when worn with other chains.

Pavoi 14k Gold Plated Curb Paperclip Necklace

A silver statement

This paperclip-style chain is the ideal way to accessorize.
Best Necklace For Women

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This 14k white gold-plated chain has the look of silver, but the durability of gold. At 16 inches long, the necklace is the perfect length to just skim your collarbones, making it the ideal finishing touch with almost any neckline, from a classic V-neck to a scoop style. It even has a three-inch extender, so you can adjust the length depending on your preference.

Pros:

  • Because the chain is plated in 14k gold, it shouldn’t cause any reactions or irritations. The high-quality materials ensure you can wear it every day, no problem.
  • We love that it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality for a lower price.

Cons:

  • The paperclip-style links make it hard to get the necklace to lay flat.

Miabella  925 Sterling Silver Cuban Link Chain Necklace

A better man

This classic Cuban link chain adds a masculine edge to any look.
Best For Men

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This silver chain necklace is a modern take on a classic style. The flat, diamond-cut, beveled links give off an eye-catching shine, making it an ideal way to draw attention to your face. While the necklace is elegant, it’s also edgy, making it the ideal statement piece when worn alone or a bold layering piece when paired with other necklaces. It’s even made of hypoallergenic .925 sterling silver for a long-lasting design you can wear for years.

Pros:

  • This necklace isn’t only for women. The flat link chain makes it the perfect unisex style that can be worn by anyone.
  • Made in Italy with a focus on craftsmanship, this necklace is well-made and high-quality enough to last for years and years.

Cons:

  • Over time, the chain will tarnish and need to be cleaned with jewelry cleaner.

Miabella 925 Sterling Silver Braided Rope Chain Necklace

On the ropes

Wear this chain alone or in a stack for multiple looks in one.
Best Rope Chain

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This intricate twisted rope is a subtle statement piece. Designed to have a beautiful shine and luster, the necklace can be worn with everything from casual outfits like jeans and a T-shirt to cocktail dresses and anything in between. Crafted by expert artisans in Italy, this necklace is made from .925 sterling silver for the best mix of durability and quality. You can even choose from several different lengths between 16 to 28 inches to find the exact right necklace to suit your style.

Pros:

  • We love that this necklace stays shiny for months and months, even without polishing. You don’t have to worry about a lot of maintenance or upkeep to keep it looking new.
  • Because the necklace is just a few millimeters in width, most charms easily fit on the chain, so it should be easy to personalize your look.

Cons:

  • The chain tends to get kinks easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do silver necklaces rust?

No. If your necklace is made from authentic sterling silver, it will not rust. Metal only rusts when it contains iron and is exposed to moisture. Because sterling silver is mixed with other metals (like copper) and not with iron, it should not rust.

Can silver necklaces go in water?

Wearing silver jewelry in water will not damage the jewelry itself. It can, however, speed up the tarnishing process and cause your silver to oxidize more quickly. This will require you to clean it more often.

Does 925 sterling silver turn green?

Because sterling silver often contains copper, it’s possible that it can cause a slight green tint to your skin. The discoloration should be temporary and is harmless to your health.

About the Author

Hannah has always had an eye for fashion and beauty and is often inspired by the styles she sees on the streets of her beloved New York City. She closely follows the top fashion blogs and icons, and her goal is to help everyone look and feel their best through their clothing choices. Hannah’s work can be found in Boston Magazine, Hamptons Magazine, and more.

Why Trust Us

Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.