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Jewelry has long been heralded as the ideal gift for women, a fail-safe way to win the holidays and instantly earn yourself a spot in her good graces (especially if diamonds are involved). But while women are showered with rings and necklaces and bracelets, men are often shut out from the thrill of receiving a fine piece of jewelry.
You might think men don’t want to receive as “feminine” a gift as a ring or bracelet, but that kind of thinking only reinforces notions of toxic masculinity. Besides, if 2020 has proven anything, it’s that men can and should wear jewelry, most notably evidenced by Paul Mescal in Normal People and Harry Styles, who sports a frequent rotation of rings as well as the occasional pearl necklace.
Even if the guy you’re shopping for hasn’t explicitly expressed a desire to expand his everyday jewelry collection (or start one), that doesn’t mean he’s entirely opposed to the idea. Which is why this holiday season you should take the initiative, whether it be with a signet ring or a simple chain necklace. Below are 15 pieces of jewelry perfect for gifting the jewelry-curious guy, all relatively understated and easy to wear and all timeless pieces that’ll never go out of style.
Mejuri Flat Curb Bracelet
You’re likely familiar with Mejuri for their wildly popular women’s line, but just a few months ago the brand decided to throw the guys a bone with their line of men’s jewelry. Included in the collection is this gold chain bracelet which is neither too bulky nor too delicate, making for the ideal layering piece.
Miansai Signet Ring, 14k Gold
Arguably one of the most classic and lasting pieces of jewelry, it’s time we re-establish the signet ring as an everyday accessory. Miansai’s version stays true to the traditional signet silhouette and can be personalized with a circle monogram on the ring’s face. It’s the kind of piece he’ll never take off and one that’s worthy of being passed down through the generations.
Tom Wood Boa Sterling Silver Chain Necklace
If you happened to have watched Normal People (the tv adaption of Sally Rooney’s novel by the same name) then you’ll probably recall Connell’s now-famous chain necklace. The wildly simple piece of jewelry had quite the effect, sending many (mostly women) into a tizzy. Why a chain necklace provokes such a response remains unknown, but what we do know is that it’s a one-way ticket to being hot, and what guy doesn’t want that?
A.P.C. Darwin Bracelet
While the original purpose of the ID or Identification Bracelet is a bit somber (servicemen during WWII wore them as part of their uniform in the even their body needed to be identified) it’s only natural that the fashion industry would co-opt them as a chic accessory. A.P.C.’s version of the bracelet features a thick curb chain and ID plate perfect for engraving.
Alighieri Capricorn 24kt Gold-Plated Necklace
Whether he believes in astrology or not, he can still rep is zodiac sign via Alighieri’s gold-plated medallion necklaces. Each zodiac necklace bears a design meant to reflect qualities and attributes specific to each sign. Take the above necklace as example, which features a Capricorn-embossed pendant that evokes the luck and courage unique to the sign. Who knows — maybe he’ll even start reading his horoscope.
Le Gramme 9g Sterling Silver Ribbon Ring
If his wedding ring finger is already taken, it’s time to explore all those other neglected digits. This sterling silver ring from Le Gramme would make a nice addition to one’s pointer finger, or wear it on the middle finger and flip someone off in style.
Craighill Uniform Square Cuff Bracelet
If he can’t be bothered with all those annoying clasps that accompany most pieces of jewelry, gift him Craighill’s Uniform Square Cuff Bracelet, which easily slides onto the wrist. The architecture-inspired cuff is minimalistic enough in design and wear that he’ll be able to pair it with watches and any other wrist accessories.
Spinelli Kilcollin Micro Hoop 18kt Gold Single Earring
Maybe the guy you’re browsing for suffered an ill-fated drunken night in college that left him with regrettable ear piercing that some-odd-years later has yet to close up. While this might take some heavy convincing, why not encourage him to re-embrace the earring with this micro hoop by Spinelli Kilcollin? The earring is meant to hug the ear so as to remain subtle and probably unnoticeable to most, all the while making him feel like he’s reliving his glory days.
Maria Black Harold Gold-Plated Garnet Ring
Sport this bad boy on your pinky and channel your inner royal or Soprano — it’s a look that could go either way, a testament to its versatility.
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Bracelet
For the guy who’s not a fan of flashy metals, there are plenty of leather options on the market, including this quietly luxurious Intrecciato bracelet from Bottega Veneta. The bracelet features the Italian brand’s iconic braided style and comes in a buttery soft yellow. Once he slips it on, he’ll hardly notice it’s there, and soon he’ll find himself wearing it everyday.
Northskull ID Tag Necklace
Northskulls ID Tag Necklace is perfect for marking your territory whether it be with your initials or name. But, if you’re feeling generous, you could always go the route of his initials.
Shaun Leane Arc Sterling Silver Ring
A ring that’s like a tiny sculpture for your finger.
Kingsman x Deacon & Francis Gold-Plate Heliotrope Lapel Pin
Largely considered a thing of the past, maybe it’s finally time to bring back the lapel pin. While the accessory serves little purpose other than pure decoration, it’s an elegant yet discreet way to add a little pizzazz to one’s outerwear or suiting. This lapel pin featuring inlaid with a heliotrope stone comes from Deacon & Francis, one of England’s oldest family jewelers.
King Baby Studio Lapis Beaded Necklace
Maybe your guy isn’t into the traditional metals and is better suited to something a little different. But before you decide that it’s time to try and bring back puka shell necklaces, consider this lapis bead piece by King Baby Studio. The necklace lends itself well to being layered with other pieces or looks just as good on its own, adding just a touch of color to his outfit.
The Last Line Diamond Perfect Tennis Bracelet
The saying goes “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” but why can’t they be everyone’s best friend? The Last Line’s diamond tennis bracelet is “quaint” (by tennis bracelet standards) enough to wear everyday without drawing too much attention to oneself, while still providing a sufficient amount of bling.
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