Our guide to Men’s jewellery
Written by Gemma on Jun 04, 2024 | 0 Comments
Jewellery for men is nothing new. It’s been around nearly as long as we have! The oldest items identifiable as jewellery that were ever discovered were beads made from shells at least 140,000 years ago! From that time to this, jewellery has always held strong as the ultimate decorative flourish, a personal signature, or even a show of status and power, particularly for men.
Gold torcs that are over 2000 years old on display in the National museum of Ireland. They were worn by high status individuals and warriors, particularly men in ancient Irish society.
And so jewellery remains a wonderful investment for men. Some men understand jewellery and wear it with ease. Three famous Irish names that spring to mind are Gabriel Byrne and his signature chunky Claddagh ring; Ciallian Murphy and his sharp Oscar red carpet look capped off beautifully with a sculptural brooch; or Barry Keoghan and his touching tribute to his late mother with a chunky silver ID bracelet bearing her name.
What to do for those that don’t have a Hollywood stylist to guide them? We speak to many gentlemen, or people buying for partners, fathers, sons or friends, who would like to invest in a piece but are not sure where to start.
Below are our top three tips for getting it right when it comes to buying and wearing men’s jewellery. We also share three items of jewellery that no stylish gent should be without for day to day wear. And another three items of jewellery that can take a more formal look to the next level.
Our three tips for getting Men’s jewellery right
1. Do you research & make it meaningful:
Quality jewellery that will last usually has a sizable price tag. So it’s worth researching and investing in pieces that you will wear. There is no sense getting a beautiful and well crafted piece of quality jewellery if you never get around to wearing it! We find that men tend to consistently wear pieces that are meaningful to them. Wedding rings are the obvious example. But our Family Crest range are also pieces that we’re told are ones men wear every day.
Designs like this gold Celtic Warrior band tell a story, with fine detail and craft that elevates it from a simple ring. Perfect for a treasure that will be worn every day.
Whether it’s because it marks a big life occasion or event, like a wedding ring, or is worn for remembrance or connection, or simply has a design that speaks to you - go for something with meaning.
2. Buy good quality
How to put this politely? In our many years of experience, men often wear their jewellery pretty hard! So it’s worth investing in jewellery made with real care and craft, something that will stand up to reasonable wear and tear and can be passed on.
3. Keep it simple
If you are new to jewellery, investing in one or two pieces that have real meaning for you, quality items that you’ll get great wear out of, makes real sense. Buy better, and buy less.
If in doubt, follow the old adage, less is more by wearing one or two pieces at a time. Simple designs will be more versatile, working with several looks. Then just like Gabriel Byrne with his Claddagh, these items may also become a signature look for you.
Three items of jewellery no stylish man should be without
1. A beautifully crafted ring
Men’s Wedding Bands
Wedding rings are one item of jewellery that many men wear. As a piece worn everyday of your life, it’s a good idea to choose a style, width, metal and fit that works for you. If that all sounds a little daunting, we have more tips for picking a wedding band. Or try our virtual concierge to narrow down to a few preferred options. You can also book a free digital appointment to chat to us and check out our rings - we are happy to help. In the meantime, here are just a few of our most popular wedding ring designs for men.
Men’s Signet Rings
But you needn't be married to sport a ring. Signet rings are another timeless ring style for men and one imbued with status and significance over the centuries. Known as “the gentleman's ring," a signet made of rich gold or weighty sterling silver bearing the coat of arms of the family name, or one set with stone, are accessories that can be worn daily.
Signet rings are traditionally worn on the pinky finger of the non-dominant hand reflecting their original function to emboss or seal a document. First worn by Pharaohs and high status individuals in ancient Egypt, they have been a go to for the well heeled ever since and were made famous in the 20th century by style icons like Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley.
Men’s Claddagh Rings
Another ring that is hugely popular with gents here in Ireland and around the world is the Claddagh. A symbol of Ireland and of strong virtues of love, loyalty and friendship. It’s iconic form hasn’t changed in over 400 years, making it a timeless ring you can wear proudly and leave to the next generation.
2. A strong and simple necklace
A silver or gold chain with a well crafted necklace can add an instant polish to a casual look. The very style conscious might want to wear a layered look with multiple necklaces. But for someone testing the waters with jewellery, stick to one special necklace, something with meaning and substance.
Men’s Personalised Necklaces
You can’t get more meaningful than a necklace made for you. Our ogham initial or name necklaces are hand engraved with the initial or name, or another word or phrase of significance in the ancient Irish alphabet. And our Family Crest necklaces celebrate personal heritage and history. These necklaces are unique and deeply personal pieces with a refined and polished look that can be worn every day.
Men’s Celtic Cross
Who doesn’t want a story behind their jewellery? Our Celtic Crosses have wonderful meaning and history, literally embedded in the Irish landscape making them a consistent bestseller for men year round.
Men’s talisman, amulet or medal
For the man that loves his "Irish luck," a medal, lucky talisman or a grounding necklace with a piece of Ireland is a perfect fit. Our handsome necklaces have a meaning and symbolism - with the protection of a saint with a holy medal, a celtic shield, or a grounding piece of Ireland.
3. A precious metal bracelet
An accessory worn by men for thousands of years, bracelets are the height of style for gents of late. They've been spotted on everyone from Hollywood A-listers to royalty. Worn in a stack or solo, they are a great way to show some personality with any look, peeking out from under a shirt sleeve, or paired with a smart t-shirt in summer.
Mens Cuff bangle
With a form that mirrors the jewellery of Celtic kings, torc or cuff style bracelets are a timeless and handsome choice for men, appropriate for any age or style. Worn one at a time or in a stack they add a flash of interest and polish to even a very casual look.
Men’s Bracelets
Men’s bracelets, particularly ID style, are having a moment with young stars like Barry Keoghan spotted wearing them. This young star follows a long line of stylish gents to rock this look including James Dean, Al Pacino, and Paul Newman.
Just like dog tags, their history can be traced back to military service all the way to the time of the ancient Spartans. Our Ogham Name Bracelet is an ID style that is available in several weights and can be inscribed a name or a secret message in the alphabet of the ancient Irish. The iconic symbols of the award winning History of Ireland bracelet show an appreciation for Irish history and culture with space for a personal engraving on the reverse. And for those that like the rugged style of a rope bracelet, our Trinity Knot bracelet, is a more polished version made with sterling silver.
Three items of jewellery that will take a formal look to the next level
For gents that have a job that requires a tailored look, or those looking to impress at their next formal event, these three items of jewellery give a lovely polished finish and are pieces to treasure and pass down as heirlooms.
1. Cufflinks
Almost every gent will eventually need a pair of cufflinks. They are a chance to add a little touch of personality and personal style to a well tailored suit. Perfect for grooms and groomsmen gifts or a wonderful graduation gift for a young man building his future. Invest in a weighty pair with meaning, like our Irish gold and Connemara cufflinks, each made with a piece of Ireland. Have them engraved for the personal touch.
2. Tie Bar or Pin
A wonderful mix of function and style, a bar or pin keeps your tie out of your soup! Traditionally worn on the tie between the 3rd and 4th buttons on a shirt, they are another option or add personality and polish to a tailored look. A little tip - If you are wearing both cufflinks and a tie bar or pin, wearing a matching design keeps the look refined.
3. Brooch or Lapel pin
Not just for formal looks, lapel pins or brooches have been a favored way for men to show off their style and status for centuries, all the way back to our ancient kings and princes here in Ireland. For those just dipping their toe in the water when it comes to accessorizing with jewellery, take a leaf out of Cillian Murphy’s book and keep it simple and sculptural for an unfussy masculine look.
Here to Help
If you have made it this far well done! You are well on your way to being a Men's jewellery expert. If you are keen to source a new piece of Men's jewellery, but still need some help picking that perfect piece please do get in touch. We would be delighted to help.
Get In Touch
Have a question or something you're not entirely sure about when browsing our pieces? Please reach out. You can send us a note or give us a call—the Dublin workshop is here to make sure that you have a perfect experience from start to finish with My Irish Jeweler.
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Gemma
My Irish Jeweler
Gemma is our head jeweler. She is very passionate about jewelry and watches. Her favorite style is Tree of Life "because family and roots are so important to me".
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