The Ultimate Guide to Men's Jewelry: From Classic to Trendy, Find Your Perfect Piece Here

Since it was first created around 3,000 B.C., jewelry has primarily been focused on women. Sure, there were a few pharaohs and kings decked out in necklaces and precious stones, but the decoration and adornment of females have been the primary focus for the craft ever since beads were strung together and metal melted. Even today, as a massive worldwide business, women make up 80% of the global jewelry market. Jewelry for men has always been secondary, and males have mostly shied away from any adornment, sticking to utilitarian options like a watch and wedding ring.

But in 2024, it appears men are finally ready to shine a bit brighter, and donning jewelry is more equitable and appealing than ever before.  An increase in the appearance of men’s jewelry on red carpets (as evidenced at the Oscars earlier this month) as well as the blurring of gender lines has led to a renaissance of sorts, seeing more and more men embrace and adorn themselves in necklaces, bracelets, rings. But even for the average guy who’s not planning to sport an expensive piece, jewelry can be just as appealing in the everyday. The right kind of jewelry can also be the perfect way to add a finishing touch to any outfit or display your personal style. But how do you find the right finery for you? Our comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of men's jewelry - and discover your ideal accessory (or two, or three).

Basic Rules for Wearing Men’s Jewelry

So you may be thinking, “Wait, there are rules for men’s jewelry? Don’t I just put it on?” Not so fast, mister. Wearing jewelry is much like choosing an outfit, a hairstyle, or how to trim your facial hair. It’s both a matter of taste and personal expression. And there are indeed rules to consider so your jewelry looks good and reflects you. Here are a few key things to remember before you put on any pieces.  

Keep It Simple

The first thing you should know about men's jewelry? Only certain guys (like rappers, rock stars, and the sartorially advanced) can pull off wearing a lot of it. A handful of rings and chains can be a lot on the average gent. So, for the rest of us, starting simple is often the best approach. A stylish watch (with leather or metal strap) and simple ring are great foundation pieces to introduce into regular rotation. Once you’ve got those on lock and feel comfortable, feel free to expand your jewelry repertoire. That could mean a necklace, an additional ring, or even a bracelet. Just don’t stack too many bracelets on your arm or you’ll start to look like you’re at a Taylor Swift concert. 

Match Metals

Gold and Silver might be the most common and obvious metals employed in jewelry, but it’s more nuanced than just opting for one or the other. There are actually quite a few different metals – and color tones – to choose from. Stainless Steel, Platinum, Silver, and Tungsten will all be cooler tones than can read either metallic or a dull gray. On the warmer side, Gold or Brass can look either yellow or orange. 

For a more cohesive look, you will always want to match your metals and tones. Mixing up say, silver and brass is a real faux pas, and will look unintentional. There is, however, one exception to the “matching metals” rule. Your wedding ring. Whatever finish your most important band happens to be, you can (and should) wear it regardless of your other jewelry.

Consider The Occasion

Much like you wouldn’t put on a suit to pick up takeout or show up in gym clothes to a party, most jewelry has a time and place for when it should be worn. Sure, some essential pieces can be worn all the time, but most jewelry is dictated by occasion. Depending on your job, you may want to tone down for the workday and stick to subtle pieces that won’t distract. On the weekends, you can certainly get a bit more expressive and pull out a bit of flash. And for formal occasions, well,  you can pull out all the stops. Don’t be afraid to style yourself with rings, a bracelet, tie clips, a watch, a necklace, and cufflinks. 

Different Types of Jewelry for Men – And Our Top Picks

Now let’s talk about the actual jewelry itself. You’ve got options for what you can wear around your neck, on your wrists, and placed on your fingers. From subtle to statement, chunky to slim, polished or matte, we’ve picked some standout necklaces, rings, bracelets, watches, and cufflinks, as well as the info you need to know before putting on - and to pull off -  your new accessories. 

Necklaces

The most popular and pleasing necklaces for fellas are, without a doubt, chains. This versatile piece is available in an array of sizes and styles to select from, including Cuban (flat interlocking links) snake (fluid-like links), rope (twisted links), and figaro (alternating sizes of links). A chunkier-style chain can work for some, but something more slender is probably a better fit for the majority of guys. (A delicate or thin chain is actually ideal for a slim or medium build.) And don’t forget - A necklace can be both a featured accessory when paired with an open shirt or be tucked under a tee or sweater for a more understated accent.