Sure, this paperclip chain falls slightly more on the chunky end of the spectrum, but Our Legacy’s controlled design means the look is still plenty understated—it’ll just catch even more light. You could even layer it nicely with some simpler styles to build up interest.

This is the closest to Connell’s chain on our list. Purposefully lacking in design elements outside of the (sterling silver) chain itself, this option is the perfect entry point into a life-long jewelry love affair.

It rarely gets more subtle than Mejuri’s jewelry offering—the brand has simply turned the creation of simple, quality accessories into a fine art. Still, this particular sterling silver necklace, with its alternating link styles, offers just a touch more visual interest than the rest of their chains.

To the untrained eye, sure, this is another light, easy necklace. And it is! But it’s also accented by an 18k gold accent bar, and built from 925 sterling silver. Which is shorthand, as you’ll come to read, for heirloom status.

Cast in the rising brand’s signature rough finish, this uneven pendant doesn’t look like anything special at first, but the more you look, the more handmade touches you’ll see. The simple rectangle is punctuated by dark, raw gems that contrast nicely against the more rule-following shape.

If you’re going to wear a pendant, why not wear one that depicts the North Star with a single diamond. Polished to a high-shine finish and made from sterling silver, it’s designed to give you constancy, guidance and direction. Who wouldn’t want that?

This squash blossom at first appears one of the more playful pendant styles on this list, but it’s actually modelled on traditional Navajo and Southwestern Native American styles—for those tribes, the squash blossom symbolised abundance and protection.

Okay, so the above North Star necklace isn’t quite directional enough. Go all the way with this sterling silver amulet, punctuated with a centre black diamond, and featuring all four directions that the winds may flow.

Our Legacy’s romantic Riddle Necklace features exactly that on it—a riddle! Even better is that it’s actually two necklaces, so that both you and your beloved can wear one each. But don’t worry—the model shot shows how good both look when worn together by just one fella.

What makes more of an impact than your average playful pendant? One you can actually play. This collaboration between Lemaire and the harmonica company Horner is entirely functional: A marriage of whimsy and punk.

Ok, so you’re more of a key man than a lock lad. Vetements has you covered.

Bleue Burnham’s floral bouquet rings are already a modern classic, but the British fine jewelry designer also stays looking out for our necklines. Gilt yours in this 925 sterling silver and sapphire combo.

As simple as they come, like most things from the ten-year-old Norwegian label Tom Wood, whose collection consists of some of the most tasteful and simple pieces of jewelry out there. This effortless curb chain would serve as a perfect simple standalone, or just the right base for a layered selection of necklaces.

Now we’re talking. More along the lines of the chunkier Cuban link necklaces, this option from All Blues is a prime example of how simplicity can still make a statement. Like most of the more tasteful things in menswear, this necklace is crafted in Stockholm, and the scale of its links allow it to be noticed even when barely visible under a tee.

This option from John Hardy is unmissable, but in a good way. The designer took the classic curb chain and curved the links ever so slightly, for a softer take on the style. Sit it neatly above the neckline of any jumper or t-shirt, helping you look like you’ve made an effort even on your most tired days.

For under $100, you can see if the curb life is really for you with this Justine Clenquet design that combines the best of curb and rolo chains.