Men's Black Chains

Men's black chains: a dark finish that stands out by contrast

A black chain does the opposite of a polished one. Instead of reflecting light, it absorbs it, so the link pattern shows as a clean dark line against the skin or a light shirt. It looks modern, it is easy to wear with dark clothes, and it pairs well with black watches and matte accessories.

The black chains in this collection are steel chains with a black plating. Under the color, the metal is stainless steel: 316L stainless steel for the Franco Link Chain Necklace, and stainless steel for the Cuban Link Chain Necklace. Both models also exist in bare steel (silver-tone) and gold-tone plating, so you can pick the same chain in another color later.

Cuban or Franco: which black chain?

Black Cuban link chain

A Cuban link (a type of curb chain) uses twisted, flattened links that lie flat on the skin. In black, the links read as a smooth dark band. It is the easier of the two to wear every day, and the one to choose if you want a classic shape in a modern color. More Cuban styles are in our men's Cuban link chains.

Black Franco chain

A Franco chain is a four-sided curb: V-shaped links woven tightly into a square profile. It is stiffer and more structured than a Cuban, and it moves like a flexible bar. In black, it looks bold and graphic, especially in the wider sizes.

How to choose the width in black

Black makes a chain look a little slimmer than the same width in polished steel, because there is no shine to widen it. Keep that in mind when you choose.

• 4 mm (Cuban): discreet, works under an open collar or with a shirt.
• 6 mm (Cuban, and Franco in 26", 28" and 30"): clearly visible over a t-shirt. A good everyday width.
• 8 mm (Cuban): a strong statement chain, worn alone.
• 9 and 13 mm (Franco): heavy, bold pieces. 13 mm is the widest in this collection and is best on a broad frame.

Note: in black, the Franco chain in 22" is offered in 9 mm and 13 mm only.

How to choose the length

On an average adult neck:

• 18" (Cuban): close to the base of the neck.
• 20" (Cuban): just below the collarbone, the most common length for a Cuban chain worn alone.
• 22" (Cuban and Franco): on the upper chest.
• 24" (Cuban): mid-chest.
• 26", 28" and 30" (Franco): a longer drop onto the chest, the usual choice for wide Franco chains.

Wider chains look better a bit longer, because they need room on the chest. If you have a larger neck, add 2".

What to wear a black chain with

Black chains are at their best on a white, grey or light t-shirt, where the contrast is strongest. On an all-black outfit they become a subtle texture. You can also mix a black chain with a silver-tone chain of a different length for a two-tone layer. If you want a black chain with a symbol, several of our men's cross chains come in a black finish.

Caring for a black plated chain

Black plating is a surface finish. Friction and chemicals wear it faster than they wear bare steel, so a little care makes a real difference.

• You can keep it on in the shower, at the gym, at the sea or in the pool. Rinse it in clean water after the sea or the pool, dry it, and keep perfume and cleaning products off it.
• Put on perfume and lotion first, then the chain.
• Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive polishing cloths, which can remove the black finish.
• Store it apart from other jewelry so harder metals do not scratch the surface.

Every chain is covered by a 1-year warranty against defects, with 30-day returns.