In recent years, men’s jewelry has seen a notable rise in popularity, extending beyond traditional pieces like wedding bands and simple chains. To explore this trend, a group of industry experts gathered recently at Moss New York, a Midtown Manhattan members’ club, to discuss evolving male consumer preferences in jewelry design, marketing, and style.
The conversation included prominent figures such as Colin Browne, president of David Yurman; Frank Everett, vice chairman of jewelry for the Americas at Sotheby’s; and Marissa Galante Frank, fashion director for accessories and beauty at Bloomingdale’s. Two designers known for their unisex collections, Emilie Poulin of Ilyayers and Presley Oldham, also contributed to the discussion.
Designers emphasized that many contemporary pieces are created without a specific gender in mind. Poulin and Oldham explained that their focus lies on form, material, and texture rather than distinguishing explicitly between men’s or women’s jewelry, although marketing efforts may reflect different approaches to appeal to both groups. Scale and material are often the main differentiators, with larger or chunkier designs skewing towards male buyers.
The experts noted the influence of celebrity culture and social media in encouraging younger men to experiment with jewelry. Marissa Galante Frank highlighted that athletes and public figures have helped normalize men expressing themselves through accessories, leading to increased demand among younger generations. Browne added that jewelry offers a way for men to personalize a generally simpler, classic style in fashion.
Brooches have gained renewed attention, especially on red carpets, where they provide a distinctive accessory option for formal events. Everett remarked that brooches are also increasingly collected by ordinary men, moving beyond elite circles of celebrities and artists. However, he expressed cautious optimism about the trend’s longevity.
Regarding popular items, beaded bracelets remain a staple introduction to men’s jewelry, often worn alongside watches or stacked with other bracelets. Experts suggested that this familiarity can lead men to try other accessories like necklaces or rings. Pinkie and signet rings were identified as emerging favorites, valued for their personalization potential through engravings and meaningful symbols.
Price accessibility also plays a role in current trends. Oldham pointed to the growing appeal of sterling silver paired with diamonds, partly due to shifts in diamond pricing and the rise of lab-grown alternatives, which make such pieces more attainable.
Overall, Browne characterized the men’s jewelry market as being in an early stage of development with significant room for growth. As more men explore ways to express individuality through their collections, the industry anticipates continued expansion and diversification of styles aimed at male consumers.