What Are the Differences between Men's and Women's Jewelry?

The lines between men's and women's jewelry is often blurred; men's jewelry has become

more refined and sophisticated, while women's jewelry is increasingly designed with a

bolder flair rather than the stereotypical dainty look. However, there are still jewelers

catering to the man's man, offering sturdy, bold, durable men's jewelry options. Here's

how to tell if the jewelry piece you’re looking at is designed for a man or a woman.

Men's Versus Women's Rings

Men's rings are typically flatter and wider than women's selections. This design allows

men to maintain their active lifestyle, even when wearing fashionable rings. Stones that

protrude from the band, such as solitaire diamonds, are reserved for women's jewelry

designs, though men's rings often feature an inset stone or group of stones. Men's rings

are generally more squared than women's, heavier, and more durable. You can also

distinguish between men's and women's rings by the sizing. The typical woman's ring is

sized between 6 and 8, while the standard size for men is a 10.

Modern men's jewelry often incorporate masculine themes like skulls, snakes, and Native

American tribal markings to distinguish them from female designs. Look for bold stylish

patterns, such as woven, chain, or tribal markings. Men can wear a single ring as a

fashion statement, or multiple rings for a trendier look. It's not uncommon for men to

wear as many as two or three rings per hand.

Men's Versus Women's Chains

When shopping for chains and necklaces, men's designs are typically longer, fuller, and

more durable than women's necklaces. Women's designs often feature numerous stones,

while men's designs usually feature no stones, or prominently display a single stone or

pendant. Both men's and women's chains can vary greatly in length, however. Men's

chains and necklaces fall anywhere from just below the neckline to down on the chest.

Some of the more stylish men's necklaces feature a bold stone or pendant.

Like rings, men's chains and necklaces can be worn singly or in a pair or group. The trick

to wearing necklaces in a group is to stagger the length of the chains. For instance, try

one chain that falls just above the collar, one chain that hangs just below the collar, and a

pendant that falls a couple of inches lower than the collar line. Staggering the lengths

makes all of the chains visible, and helps prevent the chains from becoming entangled

during wear.

Men's Versus Women's Bracelets

More than ever before, men's jewelers are offering wrist wear. The selections for men are

typically bolder than the dainty bracelets worn by women. Men can choose durable yet

stylish bracelets in designs like chain links, metal snakeskin patterns, and Native

American beading. In addition to the larger sizing of men's bracelets, you can always tell

men's selections from women's by the heavy, durable look. Men's bracelets are made to

endure a rugged lifestyle.

Try a single bracelet to spice up a special outfit, or a bracelet on each wrist. When

grouping multiple bracelets on the same wrist, always group in threes for the best look.

You can vary the colors, but be sure to stick within a single color family or coordinate the

colors with the outfit.

Other Men's Jewelry Selections

Men's jewelry has evolved over the years and now includes an array of engraved cuff

links, money clips, key chains, and other accessories. Men can now make their own bold

personality statement with jewelry and accessories. Fine jewelers catering to men often

offer a variety of luxury pens, knives, knife cases, and other accessories to create a

personalized look.

Men's jewelry adds flair to any outfit. Use jewelry to spruce up a dress suit, add pizzazz

to a casual outfit, or trick out a dress-casual ensemble on casual Fridays. The durable

selections allow men to enjoy jewelry on the golf course, at a club, for parties, and even

in the office.