Gone are the days when the first piece of jewellery men owned was their wedding band. Men’s jewellery has never been more wearable or more covetable. Between the relatively subtle nature of Connell’s chain that took over the collective consciousness for a good couple of months, Harry Styles’ long documented proclivity for an abundance of rings that has evolved into donning pearls on the regular, and A$AP Rocky expanding his already-extensive jewellery collection to include a baroque emerald-and-diamond gold necklace, jewellery for men is no longer a foreign concept.
You’ll also enjoy:
Why the Half-zip Sweater Should be Your Quotidian Sartorial Staple
Tie Clips Can Inject Old-World Style Style Into Your Outfit; Here’s How To Wear Them
The Humble Beanie Is This Winter’s Coolest Accessory For Men, Here’s How To Wear It
Although for many guys anything outside a classic watch or perhaps a pair of understated cufflinks may still be a stretch, jewellery isn’t an accessory limited to the more sartorially experimental men. Taking cues from Connell and throwing on a silver chain can elevate even the most staid t-shirt and jeans look, while a simple gold signet ring makes for a classic way to imbue your outfit with a little personality.
Whether you’re already rocking a plethora of rings and necklaces or looking to dip your toe (or more rather fingers) into the water, these are the best interesting jewellery pieces to cop.
1. Chain necklaces
While the baroque stylings of A$AP Rocky may be a little adventurous for men new to the world of jewellery, a simple chain makes for a good start. Worn atop a plain t-shirt or casually peeking out of an unbuttoned collared shirt, the humble chain for men is an ideal style upgrade. An area where length does indeed matter, opt for a thin chain that sits fairly close to the neck, falling just over your collarbones. As for colour? Silver and platinum are failsafe options, however, a classic gold iteration adds interest while still being office-appropriate.
2. Pendant necklaces
For a little more personality, a pendant necklace offers a way to differentiate yourself from the crowd. Ditch the dog tag oft associated with menswear and opt for a gold ring or coin pendant for something understated, or try something with a cut crystal.
3. Rings
Regardless of your approach to phalangal adornment, you can’t go wrong with having a couple of sleek silver and gold bands in your jewellery collection. If you take a maximalist approach to rings like Harry Styles and Liberace and are comfortable with a seemingly endless stack of bling, try teaming understated metal bands with weighty artistic pieces, oversized gems, and statement rings. If you’re more used to bare hands, start small with a thinner band or two and add in a simple signet ring.
4. Bracelets
Simple is often best when it comes to bracelets. Steer (very) clear of string iterations and opt for a chain link or a simple woven bracelet. If you’re a regular watch wearer, look for something that complements the metal tones of your timepiece.
5. Earrings
Now we’re talking. Perhaps one of the pieces of jewellery guys are most hesitant to embrace, earrings for men make an effective style statement when done right. Keep things asymmetrical with a single pierced ear, or opt for a dangly earring in one ear and a subtle stud in the other.
Words by Theo Rosen
Feature image courtesy of Samuel Bradley for Guardian
