In general, men are getting more playful when it comes to jewelry. Cases in point: in wedding bands we’re seeing a shift away from plain, unadorned wedding bands to more opulent styles—and though gold prices are surging, it’s not deterring guys from spending on gold chain necklaces, bracelets, and signet rings, not to mention pearls, which are popular with Millennial and Gen-Z men in metropolitan regions.
But what specific styles are selling well in men’s jewelry? We asked five trend-setting jewelry retailers to share their top-selling men’s style.
Susie Obungen, sales associate, MJ Christensen Diamonds, Las Vegas. King Baby large Handcuff Clasp silver bracelet, price upon request. “Men’s bracelets are doing well for us, like the silver-link tough-guy look. The heavier chains in silver are selling because the price of gold is so high. Prices range anywhere from $400 to $2,000. Other than that, 10k gold chains are selling, and any kind of signet ring in silver and gold.”
Alexis Padis, president, Padis Jewelers (five stores in San Franciso, Walnut Creek and Napa Valley, Calif.). Henri Daussi Gents black and white diamond band, $6,160. “We’re heavily into bridal and the real trend we’re seeing now is that’s there’s been a shift from plain, simple, and not-too-shiny [wedding band] to a lot of design details and stones. Men are buying much larger rings, diamond-intensive, and even with colored stones including sapphires and rubies. Platinum is still king, but we’re also seeing mixed metals such as yellow gold with carbon fiber. We’ve seen men’s rings sell between $7,000 and $9,000. Men increasingly are wanting something unique that commemorates their love.”
Hays Pickens, vice president, Pickens Jewelers, Atlanta, Ga. Gold-encrusted onyx fraternity ring in 14k yellow gold, est. $3,000. “We do a fair amount of signet rings. I’ve got one, my dad has one. Occasionally we get requests for signet rings in different metals, but they’re mostly in 14k yellow gold. We had an archbishop request his bishop crest in a signet ring.”
Kimberly Straub, second-generation owner, Treiber & Straub Jewelers, Brookfield, Wisc. David Yurman Box Chain necklace in 18k yellow gold, $1,425. “We’re fashion-forward and do well with designer lines like David Yurman men’s jewelry. Gold chain necklaces are huge for us, sometimes with dog tags. Cufflinks are dead. $1,000 is the magic price point. Other than that, it’s more [genderless] jewelry like spiritual bead bracelets and amulet necklaces.”
Jillian Hornik, partner at Jae’s Jewelers, Coral Gables, Fla. 6mm Cuban-link chain in 14k gold, $5,025. “Our top sellers for men are Cuban-link necklaces and pre-owned Rolexes. I would say the Cuban link necklaces are driven by social media. And you can do them in any length and any thickness to fit your budget. We stock the standard 24-inch length, and we carry thicknesses ranging from 1-8 mm.” —Kristin Young
Top photo: King Baby jewelry, courtesy of King Baby
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