Beyond Wedding Bands, The Best Men’s Jewelry Ideas

When you think of men’s jewelry, you might picture a solid gold wedding band, since that’s what most men traditionally wear. These pieces are timeless and meaningful.

Over the past decade, other types of men's wedding bands have grown in popularity. These include alternative metals, wood inlay, and gemstone bands.

But wedding bands are far from the only jewelry men can wear—there’s plenty of room for personal expression. From wide chains to signet rings, men can showcase their style, interests, and even their family or cultural identity through the jewelry they choose.

Let’s take a look at the wide world of jewelry options available for the men in your life. 

The Rise of Men’s Jewelry

For many years men tended to limit their jewelry to watches, wedding rings–or perhaps cufflinks for a special event. Anything other than that was not considered typical.

Thankfully, things have changed. Celebrities have certainly helped normalize bold jewelry for men—like wide chains, pearls, and diamond-studded pendants or earrings—though most men opt for less extravagant styles. Men today are free to show off their style through jewelry–and not just for special occasions. 

Necklaces and Chains

Chains were one of the first types of jewelry to gain popularity with men. This trend is  likely to continue.

From narrow rope chains to chunky Cuban links, men's necklaces are highly versatile accessories that can be worn casually or dressed up for special occasions. Currently, men are pairing different lengths and chain styles to create a more textured look. Pendants are also becoming more popular–think along the lines of dog tags and religious symbols.

Rings Beyond the Wedding Band

The possibilities for rings go well beyond the wedding band.

On the simpler side are signet rings, which can feature religious symbols, initials, a family crest, or some other symbol of your choice. Statement rings have also become popular and can be set with stones like black onyx or turquoise, in addition to diamonds (white or different colors). Men’s rings have also become popular in mixed metal designs, such as white and yellow gold combinations, or white gold accented with black rhodium plating for a darker, edgier look.

Bracelets

Bracelets have made a strong comeback recently, for both men and women. They offer a wide range of styles appropriate for different types of personalities. Men’s metal bracelets are available in gold, stainless steel, and alternative metals like tungsten, often featuring details such as wood or carbon fiber inlays or braided accents.

Leather bracelets are another popular choice, with woven designs that can be combined with metal elements.

While beaded bracelets were once less common for men, they’ve made a comeback—especially with the rise of friendship bracelet exchanges during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. For a more flashy option, men can opt for bracelets with beads made of gemstone, metal, or even carved wood. These can also be personalized with charms to reflect your faith, family, or hobby.

Earrings

Diamond stud earrings are the most popular choice for men because they are timeless and versatile. While classic round brilliant diamonds are the common option, there are plenty of other shapes to consider such as princess, pear, marquise, asscher, oval, and even heart-shaped diamonds. As with any diamond purchase, it’s important to keep the 4Cs in mind (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight).

Beyond diamond studs, gemstones and pearls have been rising in popularity for men. Some are even experimenting with drop earrings or mismatched designs for a more interesting look.

Watches

These days, it seems like almost every guy has a health tracker on his wrist—like an Apple Watch or Garmin. While these are great for tracking workouts and staying connected, every man should also have a classic, dressier watch in their collection.

There are endless options out there at all different price points, so finding a style that feels right doesn’t have to mean spending a full month of your salary. Men who appreciate a vintage aesthetic might enjoy exploring estate collections for classic timepieces like antique Rolex watches. For a more modern look, popular brands include Omega, TAG Heuer, and Longines.

Whether you choose a leather or metal strap, the right watch can really elevate your look. 

What Materials are Popular Right Now?

Men’s jewelry has moved well beyond gold and silver, with today’s options embracing a wide range of materials and finishes.

Stainless steel and titanium are common choices due to their durability and affordability. Blackened metals such as black rhodium, matte textures with satin or hammer finishes, and mixed-metal designs are popular for rings and bracelets. Natural elements like leather, wood, and stone are also being utilized more often and create a more rugged look for men who don’t have a purely polished style. Rose gold and platinum are slowly making their way into the men’s market, giving men options beyond the traditional yellow gold or white gold.

Men’s jewelry today is clearly headed towards a more diverse and customizable future. 

Cultural and Spiritual Jewelry

Another major trend in men’s jewelry is the growing popularity of pieces with cultural or spiritual significance, such as hamsa hands, crosses, Stars of David, and Celtic knots. These pieces aren’t just decorative—they serve as personal reminders for the wearer and can even spark meaningful conversations. They’re an expression of history, faith, and individuality.

Final Thoughts

Men’s jewelry has come a long way from the days when wedding bands and watches were essentially the only options. Though such classic pieces are still popular and timeless for a reason, today men are experimenting with a wide variety of jewelry styles. These range from chains and signet rings to gemstone and statement rings, pearl or dangle earrings, leather and beaded bracelets, and even pieces with cultural or spiritual significance.

There’s truly something to suit every personality, whether you prefer a clean, minimalist style or bold, attention-grabbing designs. Jewelry can also be personalized in countless ways through different materials such as yellow, white, or rose gold, alternative metals like titanium or stainless steel, and natural elements like wood, leather, or stone.

Men’s jewelry now allows for self expression, whether it’s a meaningful charm, a family crest, a favorite hobby, or a spiritual symbol. With so many options available, men are free to choose pieces that reflect not only their personal style but also their individuality.