Featuring the man who knows more about Italian silver than most people know about their own family.

Finding good men’s silver jewelry shouldn’t feel like detective work… but here we are.
Between fakes, hollow chains, mystery alloys, and sellers who think “925” is optional, most guys just want clear answers and real silver.

So we asked Mark Petrucci, the owner of ItaliaChains, one of the most trusted names in Italian-made 925 silver, to give his real thoughts — unfiltered, practical, and occasionally funny.

Below are the best places to buy men’s silver jewelry, why they matter, and what Mark actually says about them.

1. ItaliaChains – Best for Authentic Italian-Made Men’s Silver Chains

ItaliaChains is the go-to for men who want real 925 sterling silver made in Italy, not “Italian style” chains mass-produced somewhere… else.

Why men love it:

• Consistent Italian quality

• Strong clasps

• Heavy, accurate silver weight

• Classic men’s designs: Miami Cuban, Franco, Rope, Box, Figaro

Mark Petrucci:

“If I wouldn’t wear it myself, it doesn’t go on the site. I work directly with Italian factories — real silversmiths who’ve been doing this for generations. None of that vague ‘Italian inspired’ language you see everywhere. My pieces are Italian because they’re actually from Italy. And men appreciate that honesty — they want durability, weight, and real craftsmanship, not costume jewelry with marketing fluff.”

2. Local Jewelry Stores – Best for Seeing and Feeling the Chain in Person

Nothing beats holding the chain in your hand and seeing it on your neck.

Why men love it:

• You can check the shine vs. polish

• You can feel the weight

• You can test the clasp

• You know immediately if it’s solid or hollow

Quote from Mark:

“Local jewelers are still valuable. You can’t Photoshop weight — you pick it up, and your hand tells you if it’s real or not. I tell guys all the time: if you like the convenience of online shopping but want peace of mind, go look at silver in person first. Learn what real sterling feels like. Once you know the feel, nobody can trick you.”

3. Reputable eBay Sellers – Best for Deals and Vintage Italian Pieces

eBay is hit-or-miss, but when you find the right seller, it’s gold… well, silver.

Why men love it:

• Amazing prices

• Vintage Italian chains

• Older styles no longer manufactured

• Deals far below retail

 Quote from Mark:

“eBay can be great if you stick to sellers with a serious track record. You want thousands of reviews, clear photos, stated weights, and return policies. If a listing says ‘925?’ with a question mark, or doesn’t list the weight, or looks like it was typed half-asleep — skip it. Good silver sellers always show weight. Always.”

4. Independent Silversmiths – Best for Handmade and Custom Men’s Pieces

From custom Cuban bracelets to hammered rings, silversmiths create one-of-a-kind work.

Why men love it:

• Custom cuts

• Personalized sizing

• Unique textures and finishes

• Heavy, handmade quality

Quote from Mark:

“Handmade silver has soul. Italian factories are incredible for precision and consistency, but a good silversmith? They can make you something that nobody else owns. I love when customers mix my Italian chains with a handmade pendant — it’s the best of both worlds.”

5. Verified Online Jewelers – Best for Convenience

Many online jewelers offer legit sterling silver — fast, simple, and reliable.

Warning signs to avoid:

• “Silver tone”

• “Silver overlay”

• “925 plated”

• No listed weight

• No clear photos

Quote from Mark:

“The big red flag is when a seller hides the weight. Real silver is sold by grams. Period. If a website won’t tell you the weight, they’re hiding something — usually hollow links or plated garbage. A trustworthy jeweler shows close-ups of the clasp, the links, the polish, the weight, the stamp — everything. Transparency is the foundation of real jewelry.”

FAQ: Buying Men’s Silver Jewelry

1. Is 925 sterling silver good for men?

Yes. It’s the gold standard.
Strong, shiny, masculine, and durable.

Mark adds:

“925 is the perfect metal for men. Strong enough for daily wear, real enough to hold value, and classy enough for any style.”

2. Will silver tarnish on men?

Eventually, yes — especially if you sweat, work out, or live in humid areas.

But it’s not permanent and not a flaw.

Mark says:

“If your chain darkens, don’t panic — it’s normal. A wipe with a polishing cloth and you’re back to day one. Tarnish isn’t damage; it’s chemistry.”

3. What chain styles look best on men?

Top 5 men’s favorites:

• Miami Cuban

• Rope

• Franco

• Box

• Figaro

Mark says:

“For men, it’s all about clean lines and solid weight. A well-made chain doesn’t need diamonds — the craftsmanship speaks for itself.”

4. Should men buy hollow or solid silver chains?

Always solid.
Hollow chains bend, collapse, and dent easily.

Mark says:

“I refuse to sell hollow chains. They look good for a week and then fold like paper. Men want something that lasts, not something they need to baby.”

5. What mm thickness should men choose?

• 3–5mm: classic, everyday

• 6–7mm: noticeable

• 8–10mm: strong presence

• 10mm+: statement / hip-hop style

Mark says:

“If you’re unsure, go 6mm or 7mm. Those sizes look good on literally everyone.”

6. Should I avoid silver-plated jewelry?

Yes — plated metal wears off fast.

Mark says:

“Plating is temporary. Real sterling is forever.”

7. How do I know if silver is real?

Check for:

• 925 stamping

• weight

• non-magnetic

• reputable seller

• real photos

• proper polishing marks

Mark says:

“If it’s too shiny and weighs nothing — yeah, no. Real silver has weight and warmth.”

Final Thoughts: Where Men Should Actually Buy Their Silver Jewelry

If you want the cleanest, strongest, most reliable men’s silver jewelry, the best choice is Italian-made 925 sterling silver from reputable sellers like ItaliaChains.

But great options exist at:

• local jewelers

• reputable eBay sellers

• independent silversmiths

• verified online shops

Just avoid sketchy descriptions, missing weights, or anything that starts with, “This chain looks like silver.”

Mark Petrucci summarizes it perfectly:

“Men don’t want complications — they want something real, something strong, and something that looks good every day. Buy real sterling, buy from people who actually know silver, and you’ll never regret the purchase.”