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Back in May people became obsessed with the chain necklace. Not a chain necklace; the chain necklace worn by Paul Mescal’s character Connell in the Hulu series Normal People. The necklace represents the quiet coolness that draws viewers in to Connell–so much so that it inspired men worldwide (myself included) to start wearing similar ones. I was lucky enough to “borrow” a chain from my mother that she hasn’t worn in years instead of hunting down men’s jewelry brands while others have gone so far as to track down the chain worn in the show.
However, chain necklaces are just the tip of the iceberg for men’s jewelry. Take a look at Harry Styles; he’s the king of statement necklaces, pearls, and rings. His style is much bolder than the simplistic elegance that a chain necklace entails. If we think of Connell’s chain as one end of the men’s jewelry spectrum, Harry Styles donning six rings and a pendant necklace is the other. That’s just to say that there’s room for so much experimentation within men’s jewelry. In 2020, we don’t have to stick to jewelry that holds personal or religious significance like wedding rings or crosses; we can wear anything, from pearl earrings to bold pendants.
Vitaly
That said, there are some practical reasons as to why it’s hard to get into men’s jewelry. Jewelry is often expensive and not always produced ethically. Even for sustainable jewelers, striking the balance between ethical production and affordability is challenging. This is especially true for ethical luxury jewelers as it is extremely expensive to source high-quality sustainable materials.But some brands are working hard to make jewelry better, sourcing recycled materials and fighting back against the high mark-ups that have become industry standard. If you’re looking for that classic chain necklace, a simple ring, or even a piece of luxury jewelry that’s fairly priced and sustainably made, check out these men’s jewelry brands.
Pyrrha
Pyrrha combines Victorian-era inspiration with modern, nontraditional style and production to create unforgettable pieces. Their signature line of talismans are cast from antique wax seals and are the perfect personality piece for someone looking to grow their collection. They also craft beautiful chains, rings, cufflinks and much more in reclaimed sterling silver and bronze that are perfect for newcomers. And when you buy from this sustainable men’s jewelry brand, you’re supporting a B Corp certified business.
EdgeOnly
Made in Ireland, EdgeOnly’s jewelry is bold yet simple. From geometric rings to lightning bolt pendants, these are the perfect pieces for everyday or for making a statement on a night out–or a Zoom party. Every piece packs personality with clean, elegant lines. And the best part is, EdgeOnly’s jewelry is made sustainably and ethically by local artisans who set their own hours and wages. Their work ranges from the beginner-friendly pieces mentioned above to high-end fine jewelry, including beautiful engagement and wedding rings.
Mejuri
Mejuri makes fine jewelry–jewelry made of solid precious materials and gems–for everyday use. Think elegant gold chain necklaces and titanium rings. They drop new designs every Monday in small batches, so their selection is always changing. This means you can find something unique that fits your personal style. Because everything is limited edition their prices vary, but they tend to keep a couple pieces at or around the $100 price point in stock, as well as higher end pieces. Regardless, each piece is priced fairly without using the same mark-ups traditional luxury brands use.
Vitaly
Vitaly crafts edgy genderless jewelry from the most recycled material on the planet: steel. From chains in bold colors and every design imaginable to pendants and rings that reference pop culture and street art, their pieces are cool streetwear accessories. They design the kinds of jewelry that people already wear everyday, craft them sustainably, and sell them at an accessible price point. What more could you ask for?
NOUARE
Nouare creates sustainable and affordable jewelry in small batches. Each piece is made from either recycled or scrap silver or recycled gold. Their aesthetic is minimalist and timeless. Of the seven men’s jewelry designs available right now, I desperately want to wear all of them, including the earrings. Yes, I would pierce my ears to wear NOUARE.
Automic Gold
Automic Gold says that their signature is radically wearable fine jewelry. What do they mean by that? Their work is affordable (most of their everyday jewelry ranges from $39-$150); sustainable (crafted only from recycled gold); and gender neutral. Anyone can wear one of their stackable rings, septum rings, or chain bracelets and feel good about it. Of course, you can also venture into high-end jewelry with Automic Gold and buy ethically sourced and beautifully crafted birthstone pieces, engagement rings, and wedding rings.
Alighieri
Alighieri is a brand for someone who wants that one bold piece to incorporate into their everyday jewelry. Their necklaces, earrings, and rings get their inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s Inferno and each piece is wearable art. Alighieri’s jewelry is cast in recycled bronze and plated in gold or made in solid sterling silver. They recycle all of the cut-offs from their casting and offer restoration services for all of their products. While many of their pieces hover closer to the $200 price point, Alighieri guarantees ethical craftsmanship and jewelry that’s made to last.
Meadowlark
Meadowlark is the one exclusively luxury designer on this list. They craft high-end jewelry in-house from ethically sourced gemstones and metals, as well as recycled materials from their own production line. Currently Meadowlark is working on traceability in order to ensure fair and ethical practices all the way down the production line. The jewelry they craft is timeless and elegant; the perfect investment piece for someone with a taste for luxury. As is often the case with luxury jewelry, each design is available in a variety of materials with varying price points.
Read more about sustainable men’s fashion: