Men's Fine Jewelry Guide

Where to start

Most men build a jewelry wardrobe from three pieces: a chain, a ring, and a watch or bracelet. Start with the piece you will wear most, in a metal that matches your watch or wedding band, and add from there.

Fine jewelry, meaning solid gold, sterling silver, platinum, and durable alternative metals, lasts for decades where costume jewelry tarnishes or breaks. Browse the full men's jewelry aisle as you read.

Chains: width first

For men's chains, choose the width first. 2 to 3 mm is a clean everyday chain that works under a shirt or with a pendant. 4 to 5 mm is visible and substantial, and 6 mm and up is a statement chain worn on its own.

Curb, figaro, rope, and Cuban are the classic men's styles. Most men wear 20 to 24 inches. Compare them in gold chain styles and the chain length guide, and browse curb chains, figaro chains, and rope chains.

Signet rings

A signet ring has a flat face on top, traditionally engraved with initials or a family crest. It is worn on the little finger or the ring finger, most often on the non-dominant hand. A smaller face suits a slimmer hand; a larger face is a bold statement.

Signets need a measured finger size, and many are made in the size you choose, which makes them final sale. Pieces ship blank; a local engraver can personalize the face after delivery. Browse men's rings and measure with the ring size guide.

Wedding bands and alternative metals

Men's wedding bands usually run 5 to 8 mm wide. Comfort-fit bands are rounded inside and slide over the knuckle more easily, so many men wear a quarter to a half size smaller in them.

Gold and platinum bands can usually be resized later by a local jeweler, though a resized ring can no longer be returned. Tungsten, titanium, and cobalt bands resist scratches, cost less, and are very durable, but they generally cannot be resized, so the size is final. Tungsten is very hard but can crack on a hard impact against stone or tile. Browse wedding bands.

Bracelets

Men's bracelets are usually 8 to 9 inches long. Measure your wrist snugly and add about three-quarters of an inch to an inch for a comfortable fit. Wear a bracelet on the wrist without a watch, or beside a watch on the same wrist if they share a metal.

Chain bracelets in curb or figaro links match chains of the same style. Leather and cord bracelets are casual and light, with the metal in the clasp and fittings. Browse bracelets.

Cuff links, tuxedo studs, and tie bars

Cuff links need a shirt with buttonholes on both sides of the cuff, usually French cuffs. Tuxedo studs replace buttons on a formal shirt made for studs. A tie bar sits between the third and fourth shirt buttons and should be shorter than the tie is wide.

Match these to one metal and to your watch case. Plain and engraved faces suit the office; onyx and mother-of-pearl read as formal. Cuff links make a traditional groomsman, graduation, or Father's Day gift. Find them in men's jewelry.

Metals for men

Sterling silver is bright, affordable, and precious, and it tarnishes slowly with air and skin contact; a polishing cloth brings it back. 14K and 10K gold are durable and hold their color. Stainless steel, tungsten, and titanium resist corrosion and scratches and suit hard wear.

Match your jewelry to the metal of your watch and wedding band for a consistent look. More on gold in 14K vs 18K gold.

Care and wear

Take rings off for the gym, heavy work, and cleaning chemicals. Clean gold and silver in warm, soapy water and dry them well; polish sterling with a silver cloth. Store chains fastened so they do not knot.

Every piece is covered by our one-year Limited Warranty against manufacturing defects. Full care instructions are in the jewelry care and cleaning guide.

Building a collection over time

Most men's collections start with one piece worn every day, usually a wedding band or a chain, and grow slowly. A sensible order is a band or signet ring first, then a chain you can wear alone or with a pendant, then a bracelet in the same metal, then accessories such as cuff links or a tie bar for dressier days.

Keeping to one metal color at first makes every new piece work with the ones you have. Once the basics are set, a second metal or a textured finish adds variety. Browse men's jewelry and men's rings.

Common questions

What chain width should a man wear? 3 to 5 mm is the everyday range for most men: visible without being heavy. Go finer for a chain under a shirt or with a pendant, and wider for a chain meant to be the focal point.

Which hand does a signet ring go on? Traditionally the little finger of the non-dominant hand, but any finger works. Many men wear a signet on the right hand to keep the left for a wedding band.

Should jewelry match my watch? It helps to keep metals close, such as a steel watch with white metals or a gold watch with yellow gold, but mixing is common. Keep a bracelet on the wrist without the watch so they do not knock together.

I work with my hands. What should I wear? Tungsten and cobalt resist scratches, titanium is light, and silicone bands are made for work and the gym. Take any ring off around machinery; a ring that catches can injure a finger. See wedding bands for the full range.

Can men wear diamond studs? Of course. Diamond studs are worn by men and women alike; many men choose a single stud or a smaller pair, around 1/4 to 1/2 carat total weight, in white or yellow gold. Browse diamond studs.