SHARP-DRESSED MAN

Pendant in sterling silver set with black diamonds by David Yurman.

John Hardy Wing Pendant.

by DEBORAH YONICK

Gents 10k Yellow Gold 2.25 Carat tw Diamond Cross, $2,799. Chain sold separately.

MORE MEN ARE TAKING STYLE SERIOUSLY, AND THEIR FOCUS DOESN’T END WITH CLOTHING

ewelry is becoming the accessory of choice for men who want to express their individual style and personality. It’s a trend that continues to grow, especially among millennials. In fact, millennials are driving men’s jewelry sales in the United States today, generating half of the growth in this burgeoning category, with Generations Z and X following, according to the market research firm NPD Group.

“Images of hyper-masculine men in business clothing but not wearing any jewelry are fading fast,” says Paola De Luca, founder

Jand creative director for the luxury trends forecasting firm, The Futurist. “Men have become more image-conscious, especially the millennials.” De Luca includes Instagram and Snapchat among the factors influencing the growth of men’s style, noting that young men are getting style cues from social media, as guys post selfies showing what they’re wearing. She also notes that fashion’s focus on gender fluidity is producing more genderless styles, opening up the options even further.

14k Rose Gold Gordian Rome Cufflinks.

Gents 10k Yellow Gold 5.61 Carat tw Diamond Miami Cuban 8.5” Bracelet, $17,499.

IWC PILOT’S. ENGINEERED FOR NEW HORIZONS.

Big Pilot’s Watch Edition “Le Petit Prince”. Ref. 5010: The little prince tells the pilot he will give him a friendly laugh from the countless stars in the night sky. The sight of this watch inspires similar sentiments, for every single detail is a joy to behold. The timepiece is not only an imposing 46 millimetres in diameter but also impresses with classic elegance that sets off the midnight blue dial to perfect advantage. Technical perfection, on the other hand, is guaranteed by the IWC-manufactured 52110-calibre movement with its seven-day power reserve. Time enough to forget time and follow the dream-like journey of the little prince.

Mechanical IWC-manufactured movement 52110 calibre · Pellaton automatic winding · 7-day power reserve · Power reserve display · Date display · Central hacking seconds · Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields · Screw-in crown · Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides · Special back engraving (figure) · Water-resistant 6 bar · Diameter 46.2 mm · Stainless steel · Calfskin strap by Santoni

18k White and Yellow Gold Ring with 4.01 Carat Brown Diamond Center Ring, $34,500. Various Styles of Gold Chains.

Gents Stainless Steel Link Bracelets.

WHAT MEN WANT

It’s an exciting time for the men’s jewelry category, with more options to choose from than ever before, with a range of materials, designs, and increasing diamond options to choose from. Also popular are gemstones, like tiger’s eye, turquoise, coral, lapis, labradorite, sodalite, agate, and obsidian. We are even seeing lava, meteorite, and dinosaur bone incorporated into men’s jewelry. Men are also embracing yellow and rose gold, alone or set with diamonds (especially cognac to black shades).

Silver is a preferred metal for men that pairs well with leather, gold, gem inlay, beads, and diamonds, in accessories that are easy to wear. However, other strong materials, such as carbon, steel, titanium, ceramic, and enamel are gaining ground in men’s jewelry designs, mainly because of their robustness.

Men have fully embraced the stacking trend when it comes to bracelets — a style staple now — and they are starting to explore wearing rings and necklaces in multiples as well.

The signet appears to be the most coveted ring style, no longer limited to just initials and crests, but also showcasing iconic symbols such as the lion for strength, horse for valor, and scarab for creativity.

In necklaces, gem-inlay pen-dants, amulettype medallions, and dog tags are among the most popular styles on chain and leather. In fact, leather was a key trend on the fashion runways for men this year. Inspirations are varied, from sailing and Spartans to architecture and travel. While some brands are little more edgy, the most sought after styles trending are bold, yet refined.

Ashley Lauren Collection Gents Sterling Silver and 18k Rose Gold Fossil Purple Dino Bone Ring, $1,495.