The Best Sterling Silver Chains for Women
When it comes to jewelry, nothing beats the versatility and classic look of a sterling silver chain. Whether you're looking to elegantly hold your favorite pendant or you want the understated gleam of the chain on its own, a silver necklace will do the trick. But depending on your desired purpose, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best chain for you. From the thickness and shape of each link to the way they pair up with each other, the design of the chain will determine the level of shine and stability for long-term wear. Below, we've done the research for you to come up with this list of our favorite sterling silver chains to help you look your best.
Honolulu Jewelry Company Sterling Silver Box Chain Necklace
All that glitters isn't gold
While most silver chains feature rounder links, box chains utilize little square links instead, giving the necklace a more delicate look that makes it great at reflecting light. And this quality is precisely why we love this box chain by Honolulu Jewelry Company. With a strong metallic sheen and a rhodium finish to prevent tarnishing, this necklace may very well stay as bright as the day you received it. The 1 mm thickness also makes it great for elegantly showcasing your favorite pendants, though we recommend saving heavier ones for a thicker chain. And should it suffer any damage, box chains can be easily fixed by jewelers thanks to the replaceable nature of the square links.
Pros:
- Great cost value
- Length ranges from 14 to 36 inches
- Comes in a gift box
Cons:
- Spring clasp sometimes comes undone
Jewlpire Sterling Silver Rope Chain Necklace
Refined and reliable
A silver chain shouldn’t just look good — it should also reliably hold up your charms, especially if you wear them on a daily basis. If you’re a lady with a penchant for heavier pendants, then a rope chain necklace like this shiny option by Jewlpire is the one for you. As one of the most popular chain styles, this type of necklace connects its metal segments using a multi-layer twisted rope design. This makes it an extremely durable and sturdy chain, even in thinner varieties like the 1.35 mm option sold by Jewlpire, which means your necklace can support more weight without sacrificing your delicate look.
Pros:
- Strong lobster clasp
- 100% hypoallergenic
- Made in Italy
Cons:
- Silver finish is darker than other sterling silver options
Boruo Sterling Silver Cable Chain Necklace
The classic chain
If you were to imagine a classic silver necklace, most likely the cable chain design would come to mind first, and for good reason. It perfectly toes the line between being a simple, eyecatching design and providing long-lasting durability. One of the oldest types of chains, cable necklaces were inspired by the iron chains used to anchor ships. In fact, that’s where their sturdy design comes from. But despite their firmness, cable chains can still look super elegant and stunning, especially thinner designs like this option by Boruo. Made of platinum-plated sterling silver, this 925-stamped Italian necklace looks great on its own or paired with your favorite charms, be they heavy or light.
Pros:
- 1 or 1.5 mm thickness option
- Nickel-free, lead-free sterling silver
- Comes with an anti-tarnish cloth
Cons:
- Smaller lobster claw clasp may be hard to open
Sac Silver Sterling Silver Flat Figaro Chain Necklace
A sterling silver statement
Choosing the right sterling silver chain can be difficult when there are so many eye-catching designs out there. But if you’re planning on wearing the chain as its own statement piece rather than with a pendant, then selecting something that stands out is key. Here’s where Figaro chains come in. Using an alternating design of flattened links, Figaro chains typically feature one long link followed by two or three shorter ones that are all the same size. This arrangement gives enough complexity to make the chain noticeable while also keeping the look uniform. And this particular Figaro option by Sac Silver lets you select from a 1 to 4.5 mm thickness in a variety of lengths to help you build your perfect look.
Pros:
- Pure 925 sterling silver
- Won’t catch on hair
- Can shower in it without losing shine
Cons:
- Shipping may damage some of the links, but Figaro chains are easily fixed
Miabella Sterling Silver Adjustable Bolo Necklace
Your length, your way
As much as you might love your favorite necklace, you know you can’t wear it with every outfit. Some necklines just don’t work with some necklace lengths, and while this doesn’t seem like the biggest problem, nobody wants to spend heaps of money buying different necklaces to accommodate any ensemble in one’s wardrobe. But what if we told you that you could do it all in one necklace? Ladies, meet the adjustable sterling silver chain by Miabella. Based on the classic bolo tie design, this modern, versatile chain adjusts from 14 to 24 inches, meaning you can wear it as a stand-alone choker one day and as a long pendant chain the next. The perfect gift for anyone who loves maximizing their possibilities, this necklace even comes in a complimentary gift box.
Pros:
- 925 sterling silver won’t irritate your skin
- Secure adjuster stays put
- High, shiny polish
Cons:
- Necklace gets tangled easily
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean my sterling silver chain?
As with all silver jewelry pieces, your sterling silver chain will tarnish over time. But don’t fret, as it’s easy to get that shine back in no time with a bit of elbow grease and the right microfiber cleaning cloth. If your chain has really small segments, then you may have a hard time getting to those tiny, in-between spaces. In that case, you can try a silver dip cleaner or a solution of warm water and dish soap. You can also prevent tarnishing from happening in the first place by storing unworn jewelry in a cool, dark place away from moisture and heat.
Can I wear my chain every day?
Absolutely. Believe it or not, that’s one of the best ways to prevent it from tarnishing over time. Just make sure you wipe it down with a cloth when you take it off at the end of the day. Secondly, try not to shower in it as this will speed up the blackening process.
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