The Best Men’s Jewelry for Brighter Days Ahead
There was a time, maybe a decade ago, that the only jewelry a vast swathe of men consistently wore was their wedding ring (great) or their signet ring (great… sometimes.)
That decade now feels like a century ago. In 2026, the best men’s jewelry brands are enjoying better sales than ever, and it takes real, concerted effort to spot a stylish fellow who’s not wearing some shine, whether they’re confidently rocking multiple chains (like summer fit savant Colman Domingo), jeweled earrings (hi, Tyler), or doing whatever Paul Mescal recently did with his cufflinks. Simply put, men the world over have realized that wearing jewelry isn’t just a stealthy way to look put together even in a white T-shirt and jeans—it’s also one of the most enjoyable ways to develop your own look. Not to mention that investing in some fine metal is a proven way to mark a life moment or memory, without the regrettable permanence of a hastily-arranged tattoo.
Let me just add, potential shopper: It’d be a grave disservice to hold back now. Because another part of the reason the men’s jewelry renaissance is happening is that, for once, the options are just that good, from simple chains to whole galaxy of chunky, funky, and impressively-finished rings, bracelets, and earrings.
All types, by the way, that you can discover in our full guide below, where our greediness for the best men’s jewelry has landed us with a Scrooge McDuck-vault’s worth of pieces. To paraphrase one legendarily neurotic gem obsessive: This is how you win.
The Men’s Jewelry Hit List
In This Guide
Necklaces
If you’re more “new to this” than “true to this” when it comes to accessorizing with jewelry, then a chain is a great place to start. Not only is it a real “set and forget” type accessory, but it also can be worn out when you’re in the mood, and tucked under when you aren’t. As for your options: You’ve got silver, which is less expensive than gold, but its overall impact is more subtle (though it stills packs a shine that’s currently missing from your neckline.) That said, if you fall more on the Denzel in Gladiator II end of the jewelry spectrum, few things have the immediate, undeniable, historic allure of gold jewelry.
Bracelets
Like a healthy dusting of parmesan on a meaty New York slice, the best bracelets convert even a basic outfit to a truly eye-catching one. Running errands in a plain white tee and faded blue jeans? Add a gold bracelet to the mix and your top-of-the-hamper look is now date-night-ready. Bumming around the house in a fuzzy sweater and Cheetos-stained Dickies? Nothing will look better jangling beneath your shirt sleeve when you step out for an early-morning caffeine fix.
Rings
It used to be that the metal on men’s rings looked more like the kind you’d find in a pipe-fixing kit. Today, we’re able to adorn ourselves in finishes precious enough to get anyone’s inner Gollum going giddy. Whether you’re on the lookout for a subtle addition of shine, a heirloom-in-the-making signet ring, or some bling with the potential to blind anyone who deigns to peep at it, here are six class leaders on our summer shine wishlists.
Earrings
As interest in men’s jewelry has skyrocketed, so too has the number of guys unabashedly rocking pierced ears, from gold hoops to bejewelled studs, punky silver styles, and just about everything in between. Curious about whether some earrings are for women, and others for men? The formula is simple. Do you have pierced ears? Congratulations: It’s for you.
Jewelry FAQ
What is sterling silver 925?
Much like gold has multiple degrees of purity (9, 18 and 24 karat for example), so too does silver. The ‘925’ refers directly to the percentage (92.5%) of actual silver element contained in the metals alloy. This remaining 7.5% is most often taken up by harder elements like copper, which bolster silver’s relatively softer composition, giving a stronger and longer lasting piece of jewelry.
How do I keep silver clean?
Silver will naturally oxidise and tarnish over time, giving your shiny piece of jewelry a slightly darker patina (which in all honestly often looks great). Still, some simple ways of maintaining the shine of your silver jewelry would be to use a mixture of lemon juice, vinegar and water, either soaking or gently polishing your pieces with a cloth soaked in the solution. Another way is to utilise a quirk of chemistry; line a bowl with aluminum foil, and then add boiling water and baking soda. Leave your jewelry in the bowl for around 3 minutes and then remove, shiny and new. Failing all that, leave it in a bowl of Coca Cola for five minutes. Seriously, it works.
How do I keep gold clean?
Over time, gold plated items over time will show signs of wear, particularly in high friction areas like the back of the neck. This is due to the plating being a very thin layer of gold over a more durable and inexpensive metal, often sterling silver. It’s best to take off any plated items before showering to avoid exacerbating this wearing process with water/chemicals.
The easiest way to clean your gold jewelry is in warm water, with a small amount of mild detergent or baby shampoo. You want to avoid using any chemicals like chlorine or soaps, as this can dull the metal. Polish with a dry cloth to buff out any dirt, and store in a dark place, like the cloth bag that you’ll usually find comes with your piece.
How do I make sure my ring fits properly?
You can order a ring sizer online, but it’s always best to visit your local jeweler IRL—especially if you want to get it right the first time. If you can’t make it to the boutique, James says a sizer will do the trick, just be sure to keep in mind that your fingers swell throughout the day depending on the temperature and (gulp) your diet. “Give yourself some room for any fluctuations, but not too much room, because you don’t want it to slip off easily,” says James. “Don’t be afraid to ask for 1/4 or 1/2 sizes—it can make a world of difference!”
