The best men’s jewelry brands prove there’s never been so many options for fellas looking to flex some gems. As someone who’s started to consistently rock a bracelet and hoop earring myself for the past year, it’s a wave I’ve been happily swept up in—and after a few months spent cautiously, then confidently shining, the appeal of a category I ignored for far too long suddenly makes total sense.
Because I increasingly only want to wear my unassuming basics every day, having a couple of glinty bits on me at all times communicates effort, even if I truly just threw on the nearest items of clothing before rushing out the door. Additionally, as someone who loves to know the stories behind the things they own, I’ve loved how most pieces of jewelry are accompanied by a clear explanation of their origin—whether it’s a ring that replicates the flow of a stream near the designer’s childhood home, or a necklace inspired by Roman medallions. Wearing something when you know the story behind it just means more, and that gravitas can ground an entire fit.
Of course, there’s also the heirloom element. Unlike clothing fabrics that weaken over time, 925 sterling silver and gold can be endlessly returned to their original polish, while necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets can all be adjusted to suit any wearer you might one day wish to pass your piece onto.
The universe of jewelry options available to men has never been so crowded, so to help you make sense of it all, I’ve narrowed it down to the designers you need to know right now—from the more wallet-friendly upstarts to the wedding day-worthy jewelry wizards.
The Best Men’s Jewelry Brands, According to GQ
- The Affordable Stalwarts: Maple, Mejuri, Miansai
- The Household-Name Heritage Acts: David Yurman, Cartier, Tiffany & Co.
- The Heirloom-Worthy Upstarts: Bernard James, Foundrae, L’Enchanteur, Prounis
- The Restrained Independents: All Blues, Bunney, Gottlob, Sophia Buhai, John Hardy
- The Kooky Craftsmen: Alighieri, Beepy Bella, Bleue Burnham, The Ouze, Éliou, Santangelo
- The Rock-God Resurrectionists: The Great Frog, Johnny Nelson, Martine Ali, Tom Wood
The Affordable Stalwarts
If you’re new to the jewelry game, chances are you’ll want to keep costs down. The good news is that there are many approachably-priced pieces that are good-enough quality to be worn for years to come. That’s where the affordable stalwarts excel. Because they work at a scale that allows them to keep prices lower, they can offer long-lasting designs in fine materials, miraculously often for under $100.
Maple
Austin McMahon created Maple in 2014 with the guiding focus of being a “culturally-relevant” men’s jewelry brand. That desire manifests in his satisfying cultural references, including rings inspired by the Grateful Dead’s bear and the Nirvana’s smiley face logo. Because Maple uses recycled silver, all of its designs feel a touch edgier and heftier.