Editor’s Note
The global jewelry market is expanding, with men’s jewelry emerging as a key growth driver. This article explores the shifting consumer mindset and market dynamics behind this trend.
Traditionally confined to functional and ceremonial items like cufflinks and wedding bands, men’s jewelry is undergoing a structural rise. According to the latest data from market research firm Polaris Market Research, the global jewelry market reached $286.15 billion in 2025 and is projected to continue expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% between 2026 and 2034. Notably, the men’s jewelry segment is growing at a significantly higher CAGR of 9.9%.
This growth is driven less by gifting and more by a sustained increase in men’s proactive purchasing. As gender boundaries blur and modern masculinity is reshaped, jewelry is transforming from an accessory into a vital medium for self-narrative and identity expression. Bertrand Mak, founder of the art jewelry brand SAUVEREIGN, observes:
Laura Kay, owner of the London boutique Tomfoolery, notes that jewelry is evolving towards an “architectural” direction. The flow of lines, rhythm of undulations, and relationship between volumes are no longer mere visual rhetoric but a joint expression of craftsmanship precision and formal tension. Curves from nature, asymmetrical constructions, and irregular contours are systematically translated into jewelry design, imbuing pieces with artistic tension while fulfilling their wearable function.
The core of this design philosophy is not complex accumulation but emphasizes the aesthetic logic that “form is power.” Whether drawing inspiration from Art Deco in a vintage context or reconstructing structural order with contemporary expression, men’s jewelry with larger volumes and clearer contours is blurring the line between decoration and art, shifting from a supporting role to a dominant element in styling.
Once viewed as a highly gendered gemstone linked to weddings, elegance, and conservative aesthetics, this perception of pearls is being completely rewritten. As Bertrand Mak states, “The charm of a pearl comes from its imperfection. Today it represents individuality, not perfection.” The natural texture, irregular shapes, and complex luster of pearls inject a warmth and tension distinct from metals into contemporary men’s accessories.
Compared to traditional white pearls, more men are opting for pearls with iridescence and darker tones, often layered with industrial elements like thick chains and aged metals, creating a unique language that balances strength and softness. Pearls are becoming one of the most culturally contrasting yet attention-grabbing materials in men’s accessory systems.
Once considered a retro formal accessory, brooches are making a comeback in men’s fashion in a more contemporary way. According to Pinterest’s 2026 trend forecast, searches for “brooch aesthetic” increased by 110% year-on-year, primarily driven by Millennial and Baby Boomer men.
In an era dominated by minimalist daily wear, brooches are gradually becoming an important accessory for highlighting personality and style discernment. This trend is not just data-driven; at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards red carpet, brooches became one of the most recognizable visual focal points in men’s styling. They provide more expressive space for otherwise restrained suit lapels, becoming a key carrier for showcasing sartorial details and taste.
Contemporary men’s jewelry design is gradually moving away from reliance on a single metal, with mixed metals becoming a new path to building stylistic layers. Gold is no longer the sole protagonist; the juxtaposition and combination of white gold, silver, rose gold, and other materials enhance the flexibility of accessories in styling and expand wearing scenarios and possibilities.
The popularity of the layering trend has further propelled the development of mixed-metal styles. The material contrast and tonal differences between multiple metals add rhythm and depth to a look. Marisa Hordern, founder of the British jewelry brand Missoma, points out that the strong return of silver to runways and red carpets has sparked consumer interest in metal mixing. Mixed-metal designs not only blur gender boundaries but also serve as an entry-friendly, freely combinable wearing strategy.
This cultural and consumer mindset shift is pushing brands to accelerate their tilt towards male consumers in design language, material selection, and market communication, gradually giving rise to a series of trends with long-term influence.
Eliza Walters, founder of the sustainable jewelry brand Lylie Jewelry, notes that an increasing number of male clients proactively inquire about material sources, production methods, and brands’ environmental commitments when selecting jewelry.
She emphasizes that behind the consumption behavior of this generation of male consumers lies a more mature social consciousness and aesthetic judgment.