Since men often have less opportunity than women to express themselves, jewelry is a great way to define their personal style and wear something that represents who they are and their sentiments. This post includes some of my favorite men’s pieces from awesome shops, designer friends, and of course from the MeritMade collections. Click on any of the photos to purchase or learn more about each of the featured items.
How to know if the man in your life would love a piece of handmade jewelry
Obviously, if he already wears jewelry, he’d probably love to have more! Especially if it is handmade and from you. If the man in your life doesn’t already wear jewelry, you can probably tell if he’s the type that would. Typically men who have an interest in music, the arts, or if they put some effort into their appearance, you can bet that they would appreciate a unique piece that compliments their style.
4 Basic Categories of jewelry for men. (obviously there are lots more, but this should get you started in the right direction)
Earrings
I think most of us can agree that guys with earrings are usually pretty hot. Men’s earrings are fairly easy to find. Even if the jewelry is designed for women, there’s often gender neutral styles, like stud earrings, that will work well for men. We really love the small Bar Earrings and Large Helios from our essentials collection as a staple jewelry piece.
Bar Earrings (Small) from the MeritMade Essentials Collection
Helio Earrings (Large) from MeritMade Essential Collection
Petal Stud Earrings by Edna Madera
Skull Earrings by Amuck Designs
Necklaces
Yes, of course men can wear necklaces too. The dog tag necklace or bolo tie are both timeless examples of a men’s necklaces that have been worn for decades. A pendant style necklace, whether metal or leather is a classic look for a guy. Layering necklaces can also create a good look for men. One or two chains with a third that has a pendant looks great with a simple t-shirt. The bar necklace from our essentials collection is an everyday piece that can easily be worn on its own or layered.
The Bar Necklace from MeritMade’s Essential Collection
Brass Toggle Necklace by Cat Bates
Bolo Tie from the MeritMade Artisan Collection
Rings
Rings represent many things that men identify with, like sports championships rings, wedding bands, and chunky statement rings. Depending on their personal style, men can easily wear multiple rings and even a ring stack of bands.
Rings are very personal, especially to men. If you’re unsure how to select a ring for your guy you can invite him to a workshop at our sister company, Alloy: A Metalsmithing Community. We host metalsmithing classes in Kansas City, MO throughout the year including the original, Make a Ring Workshop, Stacker Ring Workshop, and DIY Wedding Band Workshop. It’s the perfect opportunity for your guy to make the ring he really feels represents him!
Custom made MeritMade ring
A couple MeritMade custom rings on my friend John Creagar
The Carpe Diem Ring by Alex a Mano from Visual Index (this awesome little shop in North Carolina carries MeritMade jewelry too)
Wedding Band made in the Alloy Metalsmithing Workshop
BRACeLETS & CUFFS
Cuffs may be my favorite men’s accessory. They look great as a stand alone piece or paired with a watch. A leather or beaded bracelet can add a casual edge to any look, but we also really love our solid sterling silver heavy cuff. It comes in various sizes. We recommend the large or extra large for men. It’s a classic statement piece worn on its own with jeans and t-shirt or as an accessory to a more elevated look. If your guy is daring enough to tread into advance styling options, layering cuffs of different materials such as sterling silver paired with a leather bracelet can be a really fun look.
We especially love the Heavy Cuff as a Father’s day gift. You can easily customize the cuff with a personalized message (something like your kiddos’ names, birthdates, or coordinates of your home would be sweet). The custom stamping option can be placed on the inside, outside, or side of the cuff. You’ll find the option to select custom stamping towards the bottom of the page.
Heavy Cuff Bracelet from the MeritMade Essentials Collection
Channel Cuff by Cat Bates
Twisted Cuff Available at Guevel (one my favorite menswear shops in KC)
Why we love jewelry as a Father’s Day gift
Father’s Day is so special because it gives us the chance to show the men in our lives how loved and appreciated they are for their hard work and all that they provide. We love handmade jewelry as a Father’s Day gift. It’s the perfect combination of sentimentality and personal expression! Men don’t often ask for styling help, but deep down they appreciate a gift that elevates their look and that they are proud to say was a gift from you.
Do you have an appreciation for handmade and hand crafted Jewelry like we do? Stay in touch with us! Sign up for our email, if you get through the first few emails you will receive a special discount to shop for yourself or someone special. We have two collections. First, The Essentials Collection, your everyday pieces that still feel elevated. Second the, The Artisan Collection, true one of a kind pieces that can never be duplicated.