Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen was asked:

Question:

Oh Virtuous Shaikh, we see that some of the teachers and students sometimes key chains that has something of gold, so is that allowed? Likewise, some of the school supplies have pictures or crosses, so what is your advice?

Answer:

“As for chains that are made from gold, if a person does not wear it, then it is from extravagance. If he wears it, then it’s the women who wear gold customarily and it is not permissible for men to wear something of gold at all. However, no doubt that a medal made of gold is extravagance. Allah says:

وَلا تُسْرِفُوا إِنَّهُ لا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِين

and waste not by extravagance. Verily, He likes not Al-Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance),

[6:141]

As for pictures on the school supplies like those in the Cartoon Building Machines or on some pencil sharpeners or on some pencils, these do not have a ruling, meaning: there this no harm in it. However, avoiding them is better without doubt”.

[Reference]

Translated by

Faisal Ibn Abdul Qaadir Ibn Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan