How we choose the best jewellery brands for men
We’re obsessed with rather a lot of things here at British GQ. And yes, men’s jewellery is on our list. Like hyper-focused magpies, our team of dedicated style gurus is committed to keeping up with the latest and greatest brands in the world of men’s jewellery. With decades of combined experience under our belts, you can rest assured that our picks below weren’t made lightly. We regularly update our buying guide pages, too, so feel free to check back every so often for your next jewellery fix.
What types of jewellery for men are there?
1. Rings
The ring market is a pretty saturated one – and not just for wedding pieces. While marriage bands are designed to match those of your significant other, those for every other finger allow or more personal and playful touches, and look particularly excellent when stacked up on top of each other. Rather than wearing a ring on every finger, consider choosing a couple of bases and contrasting your designs in pairs. A simple gold or silver band, for example, works brilliantly layered underneath more sparkling, ostentatious gems. When it comes to this segment of jewellery, the key is to simply have fun.
2. Necklaces
Necklace designs stretch far and wide, but if there’s one thing to keep in mind before purchasing one, it’s the understanding of how much this can make or break your attire. It’s the central piece that the eyes see, so it’s important to make sure that it really reflects your approach to style. If you’re the kind of man who likes to serve statements across your silhouette (big yes from us if so), go for a design that oozes pizzaz – for example, a pearl-constructed piece like Vivienne Westwood’s signature style which we referenced earlier. And if you’re a minimalist lover, you can’t go wrong with a slim metal chain complete with a pendant at the base.
3. Bracelets
Unlike necklaces which can be embraced with more of a statement in mind, bracelets should be always be bought with the opposite intention: simple and sophisticated. They’re aligned with your gestures, after all, so it’s important to keep your choices subtle in order to enhance the etiquette of your expressions. If you ask us, failsafe examples to invest in would be a brushed metal band or a refined chain link. We advise staying clear of overly colourful string-made pieces, as these look more like friendship bands than a thoughtful (and therefore stylish) jewellery stance.
4. Earrings
Gone are the days when ear piercings were seen as a bit of taboo for men. Now, they’re pretty much the norm, and we couldn’t be more pleased about it. Fashion brands and jewellers are clearly hyped too, as the piece is now served in all kinds of styles – from studs to dangling pearls. The perfect way to communicate a strong dose of confidence, the best way to embrace the design from a fashionable point of view is by wearing one earring only. Trust us when we say, it’s imperfectly perfect.
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What is the highest quality jewellery brand?
There’s no shortage of quality jewellery brands out there, with brands like Cartier and Vivienne Westwood both serving up excellent choices with decades of experience behind them. With plenty of brands in the luxury jewellery market, it all boils down to your personal tastes and preferences. As long as you check to ensure the materials are quality (and, of course, they fit your budget), you’re – quite literally – golden.
What kind of jewellery looks best on men?
There’s no such thing as a Magical Amulet of Attraction. At least, not that we’re aware of. And you don’t need to don a shiny object to increase your worth. But if you need some guidance on where to start, you can’t go wrong with something like a simple chain necklace, or understated cufflinks. They are the simple yet impactful sort of pieces that can really tie an entire look together and appear effortless in the process.
How do jewellery makers buy their own jewellery?
Not ready to take my jewellery-buying advice? Okay, no hard feelings. Here to offer you her expert advice, Eliza Walter of the unisex Lylie Jewellery answers the biggest questions facing men’s jewellery…
Should I wear silver or gold?
“Choosing between silver and gold largely comes down to your skin tone and personal style. While there are no hard rules, understanding how different metals complement your complexion can elevate your look. As a general guide: yellow gold tends to flatter lighter skin tones by adding warmth, while silver and white gold work beautifully with olive or medium complexions. Rose gold, with its rich, coppery hue, looks striking on deeper skin tones.
“That said, the best way to know what suits you is to try different metals in person – see how each tone interacts with your natural colouring. Confidence is key, but harmony between your jewellery and your skin tone can make a subtle yet powerful difference.”
What jewellery should I wear in 2026?
“Men’s jewellery is all about personal expression and subtle impact. A slim chain with a small, meaningful pendant remains a timeless piece – it’s effortlessly cool and works across virtually every style. Worn over a T-shirt, it adds edge; tucked under an open-collar shirt, it suggests intention without being loud.
“For those who want to go a step further, consider adding a ring to your rotation. Signet rings are having a moment – not as a throwback, but as a canvas for individuality. Customise yours with a personal crest, a symbol that resonates with you, or even just your initials. It’s not just jewellery – it’s identity, worn well.”
What jewellery should all men own?
“Every man should own a chain – it’s a versatile essential that bridges casual and considered style. You can wear it solo for an understated look, or thread on a pendant to add a personal touch. A pendant doesn’t have to be flashy—something meaningful or minimal makes the strongest statement.”