The wild new era of high-end men’s jewellery

Back in 2019, Jake Gyllenhaal confirmed up to a pink-carpet premiere carrying a slim, tasteful gold chain. It complemented his darkish go well with properly, but Twitter nonetheless experienced an absolute meltdown – prompting a Vogue.com story titled “Leave Jake Gyllenhaal’s Necklace Alone.” We’ve occur a lengthy way in the four many years since. Harry Models rocks pearls on the normal, and a legion of Gen Z fellas have boldly followed in his footsteps. Lil Nas X is hardly ever viewed with out a florid earring dangling from his lobe. And now a lot more than ever, the jewellery market place is flush with daring, spectacular pieces for males – with daring, stunning selling price tags to match – and deep-pocketed style-minded men are snapping ’em up with wild abandon. 

To Olivier Reza, the next-generation head of the luxurious jewelry house Reza, this latest surge in male adornment basically marks a return to the organic – traditionally speaking – get of things. For thousands of years, just before wardrobes took a much more staid and critical switch in the 20th century, he states, “Men would use ornaments and devote in making the things that surround them distinctive and gorgeous, regardless of whether it be their hair, outfits, horse, swords, or carriage. I see this extra embellished way of dwelling little by little returning.” 

That return is partly many thanks to a wave of the two set up jewellers and upstart designers who are respiration new daily life into the upper echelons of ice: ultrafine jewelry, where by treasured metals and stones are deployed with a extra artisanal bent, and high jewellery, akin to jewellery’s haute couture, in which the rarest of gems are positioned in the most showstopping of configurations, resulting in a single-of-a-sort heirlooms frequently truly worth thousands and thousands. There is the old guard, way too, of training course – your Tiffany and De Beers – together with large names like hip-hop favourite Jacob & Co and elusive biker gods Chrome Hearts. There are the designer fashion labels, like Louis Vuitton and Prada, now bringing gusto and creative imagination to the place. And then there are the electric powered up-and-comers, like Frank Ocean’s Homer and diamond grill expert Alligator Jesus, offering fresh new perspectives to an historic artwork type. It all adds up to an audacious galaxy of geometric neckwear, blinding tennis bracelets and rock-delighted rings that a new era of adult men are, at extended previous, embracing wholeheartedly. 

In other phrases: the subsequent time you see Jake Gyllenhaal, do not be shocked if that easy chain has been upgraded to a fireworks screen of rubies and sapphires strung all over his neck.

Yang-Yi Goh is GQ’s Design and style Editor.

A version of this tale initially appeared in the March 2023 issue of British GQ with the title “Secure the Jewels”.

Generation CREDITS:
Pictures by Bobby Doherty
Prop styling by Noemi Bonazzi
Styled by Brandon Tan
Grooming by @valissayoe using Kevin Murphy Hair Treatment
Prada Photograph: Nails by Iridé Baez
All many others: Manicure by Nori working with Dior