The Upward Trend of Men’s Jewelry

If the upward trend in Men’s Jewelry sales globally are any indication, it would seem that the “Boys are trying to catch up with the Girls” in terms of broadening their style and fashion options when it comes to jewelry. Cufflinks, timepieces, and rings have always been the norm, but over the last decade the need for men to further express their style and have more of a creative impact are more overtly evident.

The Men’s Jewelry market globally has shown sustained growth, with much of it influenced by factors such as the internet—and especially Social Media. Just a few years ago, the Men’s Jewelry business increased about 22% over the prior year, and has continued a sustainable growth due to the fact that many designers are now seeing so much potential in the marketplace.

Not only are influencers dictating market trends, but men are looking to Social Media to express their style…and everyone is watching! The Instagram platform is rife with style strutters, with men taking selfies and making a huge fashion splash. In hip, fashionable cities such as Tokyo and Milan, you can really feel the influence of men’s fashion as dictated through Social Media. The Rap music industry has always flaunted bling rings, chain necklaces, and diamond-encrusted watches, but this new era in Men’s Jewelry is being flaunted by the more mainstream male as well.

So what exactly are men wearing? The top Men’s Jewelry category and item is the ring, which makes up roughly one third of sales globally. Brands like David Yurman have catapulted sales for men not only in rings but in other classifications as well, such as bracelets, necklaces, and chains. From London to Milan, Men’s Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020 saw Saint Laurent, Kenzo, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy, et al., strutting their wares from surfer bracelets to single stud pearl earrings, to summer bracelets and exotic chain necklaces.

We are seeing a proliferation of materials such as Platinum, Palladium, Cobalt, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Tungsten, Ceramic, Stainless Steel, Titanium, and Carbon Fiber being used in ways never before seen. In fashion jewelry, the focus has been predominately skewed towards females, but now men want to also express their individuality and fashion sense both in their business and personal worlds. And the multitude of choices now available make it more accessible and convenient for the men to execute their personal style.

As the trend in Men’s Jewelry continues to grow, so will the entourage of designers and manufacturers willing to jump on the bandwagon. The future is bright for the Men’s Jewelry business, and long overdue. It will be an exciting segment to watch over the next decade—so watch out, ladies! Diamonds are no longer just a “Girl’s Best Friend,” and you never know what exciting new developments will arise in this arena.

About The Author

Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry. As an executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological facilities on four continents. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewellery Council, and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. She has been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Fox5, CBS2, BOLDTV, Varney&Co, The Street, and NASDAQ, among others.