Need a new look? Consider upping your jewellery game. Once considered a niche market, men’s jewellery has now exploded onto the fashion scene, with sales booming over the past few years. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have given guys the confidence to wear jewellery more boldly than they have in decades, with influencers and celebrities showing how these accessories can transform an outfit from basic to eye-catching.
It’s worth remembering that throughout history, men adorning themselves with jewellery was not only common but expected among those of status. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs with their elaborate gold collars to European monarchs dripping in precious gems, jewellery has long been a thing for men. Just look at King Henry VIII – fingers loaded with rings, neck wrapped in gold chains, and clothes studded with jewels. Today’s trends are merely a contemporary revival of this long-standing tradition, adapted for modern sensibilities.
With this in mind, here are some men’s jewellery trends to try, ideal for enhancing your personal aesthetic…
Rings Rules
The ring renaissance is well underway, with celebrities sporting some seriously impressive finger bling. Bold cocktail and signet styles are particularly hot right now, often worn in multiples across both hands for maximum impact. A-listers are increasingly ditching the minimalist look in favour of more expressive, character-filled pieces.
Textured and rough-hewn rings with organic finishes are catching on too, offering a more rugged alternative to super-polished pieces. These artisanal designs often feature hammered metals, unique stone settings, or deliberately imperfect finishes that celebrate craftsmanship over perfection. Materials like blackened silver, bronze, and even titanium are becoming popular choices for guys seeking something beyond traditional gold.
These statement rings work as conversation starters rather than just accessories. Many men are picking rings that reflect their interests or values – perhaps incorporating materials or symbols that mean something to them. Whether it’s a family crest, a meaningful symbol, or just an eye-catching design, today’s rings make deliberate statements about who you are.
Read: The Symbolic Significance Of Gemstones In Men’s Wedding Jewellery
Pearls Are A Boy’s Best Friends
The pearls comeback in men’s fashion owes a lot to Harry Styles, who helped reintroduce modern men to this classic gem. But this isn’t actually new – it’s more like we’re going back to how things used to be. Pearls were treasured by men across many cultures throughout history, symbolizing wealth, power, and sophistication. Among the earliest men to wear pearls were those of royalty and nobility, from Chinese royals in 2300 BC to Indian Maharajas, who adorned themselves with magnificent pearl necklaces and elaborate headpieces.
Once pigeonholed as strictly feminine in recent Western fashion, pearls have now jumped gender boundaries to become a sophisticated option for today’s man. Whether worn as necklaces, bracelets, or solo earrings, these lustrous orbs add an elegant touch that sits perfectly between traditional and contemporary.
Modern takes range from classic white strands to more experimental designs with baroque pearls in various shades – black, grey, and even iridescent options that challenge what we expect from pearl jewellery. Some designers are working pearls into unexpected pieces like cufflinks, tie pins, or even as accents on leather bracelets, offering subtle ways to embrace this refined trend.
Hip Hop Chains
The chunky chain necklace owes its place in modern fashion to hip hop’s pioneering artists who transformed these pieces from mere accessories into powerful symbols of success and cultural identity. Legends like Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, and Salt-N-Pepa established the trend of wearing layered, substantial chains as a defining style statement,
Worried about looking over-the-top in everyday settings? No need – modern interpretations offer surprising subtlety and sophistication. Monissanite chains for men give you the sparkle without going overboard, letting you make a statement while keeping it tasteful. Think about thickness and length carefully – a moderately substantial chain worn at mid-chest can add interest to even a basic white tee without looking excessive.
If you’re new to this trend, start with a single, well-crafted piece. Focus on quality rather than size, and consider chains with interesting link patterns instead of excessive width. Cuban links, curb chains, and rope designs offer distinctive character without needing diamond embellishments to stand out. The right chain can become your signature – something instantly recognizable as uniquely yours.
Layered Necklaces
Taking a page from Brad Pitt’s recent style playbook, layering multiple necklaces creates depth and visual interest that a single piece just can’t match. This technique has caught on with style-conscious men who appreciate how layering can transform even the simplest outfit into something with personal flair.
The trick to good layering is varying lengths and textures – maybe combining three gold chains featuring cool gemstones and meaningful pendants. Start with a shorter chain that sits near the collar, add a medium-length piece with a small pendant, and finish with a longer chain to create a cascading effect. This graduated approach creates a sophisticated look while making sure each piece stands out.
Think about building a collection of chains you can mix and match depending on the occasion, your mood, or seasonal wardrobe changes.
The Connell Chain
Looking for something more low-key? The thin silver chain made famous by Paul Mescal’s character Connell Waldron in ‘Normal People’ is your perfect starting point. This minimalist piece proved that sometimes less really is more, creating such a cultural moment that searches for similar items went through the roof when the show aired in 2020. The chain even got its own Instagram account with thousands of followers devoted just to this simple accessory.
The beauty of the “Connell chain” is its effortless simplicity – a subtle accent that enhances rather than dominates your look. The understated nature of the thin silver chain makes it work for practically any situation, from office environments to casual outings. You can wear it with everything from formal shirts to basic tees without it ever feeling out of place.
For guys new to jewellery, this subtle chain is the perfect entry point – noticeable enough to enhance your appearance without requiring the confidence needed for chunkier pieces. It’s proof that dipping your toe into men’s jewellery doesn’t have to involve bold statements or spending loads of cash.
Stacking Bracelets
Wrist bling has really taken off, with style icons like Ryan Reynolds and Brad Pitt regularly spotted wearing multiple bracelets at premieres and casual outings. This trend is one of the easiest ways into men’s jewellery, with endless options for personalisation.
Combining two or three complementary pieces – maybe mixing leather, metal and beads – creates a personalised stack that adds interest without going overboard. The contrast between different textures and materials is what gives this look its character; a woven fabric bracelet next to a metal cuff creates much more impact than wearing several similar pieces together. Think about building your collection around a signature piece – perhaps a quality watch or a meaningful heirloom – and adding bracelets that enhance rather than compete with this central item. Balance matters; if one bracelet has bold colours or chunky hardware, pair it with more subtle companions to keep things harmonious.
Worried about workplace appropriateness? Start with subtle options like thin leather bands or understated chain bracelets in neutral metals. These show personality while staying conservative enough for most work environments. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually add more distinctive pieces.
Stacking also lets you incorporate meaningful items – perhaps bracelets picked up during travels or gifts from important people – creating a wearable collection of memories rather than just decorative accessories.
Single Earrings
The lone earring continues to make a serious style statement, with icons like Bruce Springsteen and George Michael showing just how timeless this look can be.
Whether you go for a simple stud, a small hoop, or something more eye-catching, the single earring naturally communicates nonconformity while remaining surprisingly versatile. The key is picking something proportionate to your features – too large and it can overwhelm, too small and no one will notice it. Think about your face shape, personal style, and where you’ll typically be wearing it when making your choice.
If you’re new to ear jewellery, a small, simple design in sterling silver or gold is a great starting point. Those feeling more confident might explore distinctive options – perhaps a small dangling design or something with a meaningful symbol or subtle gemstone. Whatever you choose, quality matters with this highly visible accessory.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re new to men’s jewellery or looking to refresh your current collection, there’s never been a better time to explore the possibilities. Remember, the key to wearing jewellery successfully lies in authenticity – choose pieces that genuinely resonate with your personality and lifestyle rather than simply following trends. You want to enhance your personal aesthetic without feeling forced or unnatural.
