Introduction
A truly great necklace for a man is timeless, meaningful, and has a backstory.
This guide will talk about men necklaces with meaning, which goes over spiritual symbols, animal totems, geometric symbols, naval symbols, symbols of metal meaning, and symbols of gemstone power. You will learn all of the meaning behind these symbols and how to use them.
Spiritual Symbols in Men’s Necklaces
The Tree of Life (Yggdrasil, etc.)

The Tree of Life displays roots growing down and branches going up. It shows your connection to all that you are and will be. The roots are your show where are you from. The trunk is your present state. The branches are your future progress.
Who wears it: Men who want to grow as individuals wear it. Religious seekers who think of their place in society choose it. If you give your time to grow as a person, this pendant reminds you that you need solid roots to support your growth.
The Hamsa/Eye of Providence

The Hamsa is represented by the symbol of a hand with a central eye. The Eye of Providence is represented by an eye within a triangle. Both symbols serve to protect individuals from negative energy or misfortune. The Hamsa is of Middle Eastern origin, and the Eye of Providence is represented on the dollar bill.
Who wears it: Men who aspire for peace wear each of these pendants. Wearing this pendant may help remind you when dealing with stressful situations and/or negative individuals that you are protected.
Yin and Yang
The white circle has the opposite color to the black circle – this indicates that they are both opposing forces, but actually rely upon each other. The black circle has a white dot in it, while the white circle has a black dot in it; therefore, this illustrates that there are no pure forms of any one thing – light requires dark, strength requires softness and work requires rest.
Who wears it: Men find this symbol helpful to achieve balance within various areas of their life. This pendant keeps visible the goal to rest more when feeling too over-stressed, or develop more patience when you’re feeling aggressive.
Skull & Crossbones

“Memento mori” is a Latin term that translates to “remember you must die.” This may sound gloomy, but it’s a reminder to live your life to the fullest, as time is always running out. A skull serves as a focus, not on death but as a reminder not to waste your life.
Who wears it: Nonconformists wear this. Those men who do not conform to social norms, who live in a way that allows them to be true to themselves. If you have a philosophical mind that contemplates the meanings of life, the pendant would suit you.
Cross/Crucifix

The cross symbolizes faith, sacrifice, and hope. It stands for Christians as a sacrifice made by Jesus, and it’s also a sign of hope for salvation. There are different meanings when you look at the different crosses; a plain Latin crossing describes simple faith, and a Celtic crossing explains Christian faith entwined with ancient customs.
Who wears it: Followers of religion wear this item to show their faith. Some men put it on to follow family traditions and also to honor their deceased loved ones. Almost all the guys wearing cross jewelry are religious.
Animal Symbols in Men’s Necklaces
Lion
The lion symbolizes courage, strength, and leadership– the king of the jungle, a symbol of authority & protectiveness. The lion protects its pride, representing the idea of protecting your family and the ones you love.
Who wears it: Lion pendants will also appeal to those who are natural leaders. The symbol of the lion appeals to those men who take charge or protect others during times of difficulty.
Eagle
The eagle depicts freedom, vision, and spirituality. Eagles fly higher than other birds and have a wider view of things. Hence, eagles symbolize a more holistic perspective and see the bigger picture.
Who wears it: Most soldiers and veterans wear eagle charms. If you are a male who likes freedom and despises comfort, then this item best suits you. If you are a person with a vision who foresees possibilities in things, then eagle suits your philosophy.
Dragon
Dragons are symbolic in different ways depending on your culture. In the East, they are associated with luck, knowledge, and power. In the West, they represent obstacles.
Who wears it: Gentlemen with life transitions are Dragon-wearing. If you are going through a transformation or major conflict in your life, this symbol is appropriate.
Owl
The owl symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and insight. Owls are nocturnal creatures, representing the ability to see past what others cannot. In Greek mythology, owls are associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
Who wears it: Scholars and thinkers wear owl pendants. Men who value intelligence over physical strength connect with this symbol.
Tiger
While tigers and lions both represent power, strength, courage, and fierce independence, tigers represent an individual huntress; they represent personal strength and bravery.
Who wears it: For those who are confident in their individual ability, who do not rely on the success of others to be powerful, they wear this symbol pendant as a reminder that it’s okay to be alone but still have confidence in themselves.
Elephant
The elephant symbolizes wisdom, good luck, and retention of information. Even though they are so big and strong, elephants treat their babies very tenderly. Therefore, this combination of power and softness gives the elephant pendant a special meaning.
Who wears it: Men who care about family and fatherhood wear elephant silver necklaces. A man who is powerful yet tender-hearted toward his child connects closely to the image of an elephant.
Geometric Pendant Meaning
Geometric shapes necklace carries meaning through their structure. These symbols appeal to logical minds and modern style preferences.
Circle
The symbol of eternity and wholeness has no beginning or end, representing cycles and the ongoing relationship between the elements. Men who appreciate a sense of attunement and completeness wear a circular pendant.
Triangle
The upward peak signifies the masculine energy used to reach goals. The downward side represents grounding. The three sides signify the body, mind and spirit. Practical men show their commitment to direction by wearing triangular pendants.
Square
Represents the foundation of all things, stability and the four sides are equal, creating balance and connection to each of the four directions and the seasons. Men who live in reality chose square symbols pendant.
Hexagon
Found in nature in honeycombs. It symbolizes balance, harmony, and natural order. Engineers and architects love that shape.
Pentagram
The five-pointed star symbolizes five elements: the earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. The symbol stands for protection and spiritual connection. Men who embrace spirituality wear it as a symbol.
Infinity
The sideways eight symbolizes eternal possibilities and infinite potential. Men who have a big vision that has no limits will wear an infinity pendant.
Sailor Symbols in Men’s Necklaces
The Compass
The compass symbolizes direction and navigation. Sailors used compasses to steer their ships across the seas, and this device has become a metaphor for finding one’s way in life.
Who wears it: Explorers and travelers wear compass icons. Planners and people who map out aspirational goals often use this symbol. If you’re contemplating some serious directional decisions, then choose the compass as your guide and remember that you can always find your way.
The Anchor
The anchor symbolizes stability, hope, and staying grounded during storms. When a ship drops anchor, it stops drifting.
Who wears it: Family men wear anchors. Men who survived difficult times and stayed strong choose this symbol. If you’re the stable person others depend on, the anchor represents your character.
Nautical Star
The five-pointed nautical star stands for safety, guidance, and hope. The North Star guided sailors before GPS through the waters. The nautical star became the symbol of finding your way home.
Who wears it: Nautical stars are worn by modern travelers. Men embarking on “new adventures” – relocations, career changes, or life transitions – wear the nautical star as a symbol of protection and guidance.
Poseidon’s Trident
The three-prong spear of Poseidon illustrates dominance over feelings and the mind. The trident is a sign of strength over potent, underlying forces. Body, mind, and soul unity is illustrated with the three prongs.
Who wears it: Tridents are for dominant characters that have tamed their emotions. Men who have mastered their rage, anxiety, and other strong emotions fit this pendant.
Other Symbols
Military/Dog Tags
People associated with the military wear dog tags with their name, blood type, and religion. They also make a huge statement in culture about identity, sacrifice, service, and brotherhood.
Who wears it: Veterans wear the original dog tag around their neck as a reminder of their service. The family members of armed forces wear dog tags for companionship. Men sometimes wear the dog tag-styled necklace to show respect for the military ethos of loyalty, sacrifice, and duty.
Buddha
Buddha pendants mean enlightenment, peace, and mindfulness. Buddha poses have different meanings: the meditating Buddha means inner peace and the laughing Buddha means joy.
Who wears it: Men who meditate wear Buddha pendants. This symbol attracts men who want peace in a stressful lifestyle.
Claddagh
The Claddagh depicts a crowned heart held by two hands. Hands mean friendship, heart means love, and crown means loyalty. The Claddagh symbol covers the three most important things in a relationship.
Who wears it: Men of Irish descent wear Claddagh pendants. Committed men wear Claddagh pendants to signify their commitment.
Initial
A simple letter carries a lot of significance. Initial necklaces represent you or commemorate a loved one.
Who wears it: Dads wear their children’s initials. Men wear a lost one’s initial. Your initial, a child’s, or a deceased one could be your pick.
Men’s Necklace Meaning in Different Metals
Sterling Silver
The moon, emotion, and reflection can be associated with silver. Due to its cooler tone, silver has less emotional warmth than gold does. Modern design likely favors the use of silver because of its versatility.
Who wears it: Because of silver’s understated elegance, men tend to wear it. When a man is able to express feelings comfortably and reflect on himself inwardly, he may associate these qualities with the moon/energy of silver.
Gold (Yellow/White)
Gold has been the symbol of wealth, confidence, and permanence since ancient times. Because gold does not tarnish or corrode, it is a perfect representation of lasting and enduring items. Yellow gold represents a traditional style and a warm look, while white gold represents modern luxury.
Who wears it: There are many confident males who wear gold as a statement of boldness. They wear their achievements with pride by wearing gold pendants. Additionally, many men combine gold and silver jewelry to create their own unique look and feel.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel jewelry embodies lasting quality, power, and contemporary simplicity. It doesn’t get discolored, is scratch-resistant, and is cheaper than gold or silver. Stainless steel ornaments are low-maintenance and impervious to water.
Who wears it: Men with active, healthy lifestyles who enjoy nature and sports choose steel. Those who prefer function over form, who would choose cording over platinum, relate to steel.
Stone and Gemstone Necklace Meanings
Black Onyx
Black Onyx provides protection, resilience, and endurance. This opaque stone protects against negativity. Onyx is not shiny or glitzy – it is a serious, dull stone.
Who wears it: Men endure bad situations while wearing black onyx pendant. If you are dealing with toxic people or stressful situations, onyx protects you with its good energy.
Tiger’s Eye
Tiger’s Eye enhances concentration, bravery, and willpower. The golden brown stripes resemble a tiger’s eye. Warriors in ancient times took tiger’s eye into battle in order to be courageous and see better. The definition of tiger’s eye relates to looking beyond a facade and to confidence.
Who wears it: Goal-oriented men wear tiger’s eye.
Lava Stone
Lava Stone is an effective grounding stone that helps calm emotions and increase emotional stability. Lava Stone is also a natural diffuser because it is a porous stone that absorbs essential oils.
Who wears it: Lava stone necklace is a popular choice among men who want to create a sense of calm amid the chaos of daily life. Grounding energy can help you manage stress and anger by helping you remain grounded and focusing your thoughts on present moment awareness.
Hematite
Hematite is a stone for grounding and balance, as well as the transmutation of negative energies into positive vibes. This shiny metallic grey stone has a slightly masculine and industrial feel. Warriors of old loved the hematite because it protected them and made them invincible.
Who wears it: Men wear hematite to bring mental balance and stability. The industrial, masculine vibe appeals to men who prefer something subtle yet forceful.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli symbolizes knowledge, honesty, and self-disclosure, having a deep blue coloring with a gilding effect like the stars at night over an ocean. This gem is great for improving the ability to communicate and articulate one’s thoughts and feelings.
Who wears it: Individuals designed to lead and communicate will typically wear lapis lazuli. Men who have played roles in teaching, coaching, or directing, so they will rely on the energy from the stone for guidance.
Conclusion
The pendant you wear is a visualization of your values and serves as a constant reminder to uphold them. Choose your symbols carefully and think about what they mean to you, not only focus on how fashionable they are. Your necklace should be a reflection of you and what you want to become.
If you’re a business seeking a trustworthy jewelry manufacturer in China, OOTB Jewelry provides over 300 unique men’s necklace jewelry designs and has a decade of export experience. Reach out to us for inquiries and quotes on custom-made jewelry.
FAQs
How Can I Choose A Men’s Necklace With a Symbol That Resonates With Me?
Consider your values when selecting a symbol for a pendant. Family is the most important to you; consider an initial or Claddagh design. If you’re more spiritually inclined, consider a cross, a Buddha, or a tree of life symbol. If you find yourself facing challenges and need a constant reminder of your strength, use a lion, tiger, or any other animal as your tattoo symbol.
What is the most attractive type of chain for men?
Curb chains have a timeless, masculine design that allows for almost any pendant to be worn with them; rope chains have more texture and weight, giving men who prefer the heavier look of jewelry an option. Box chains are better suited to modern minimalist-style shirts or sweaters.





