Why diamonds are the next frontier for men’s jewellery
From discrete studs to iced-out chains, men are embracing diamonds like never before
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Thanks in large part to the dazzling appearances of red carpet royalty, from Jack Grealish and Lewis Hamilton to Timothée Chalamet, Harry Styles and A$AP Rocky, a jewellery renaissance has rejuvenated the style of the modern man. Diamond jewellery for men is going mainstream – and it’s time you updated your collection.
From huggie hoops and signet rings to supersized cuffs and archival brooches, statement bling has become essential for every man’s wardrobe, with diamonds, served up as high-carat creations by luxury maisons and award-winning independent labels, taking centre stage.
Lisa Hall, buyer of luxury branded jewellery at the Watches of Switzerland Group, notes that men’s jewellery is “starting to have a real impact. The focus is no longer primarily on what statement watch a man is wearing on his wrist,” she says.
At Mr Porter, Maxim De Turckheim, the platform’s senior buyer for watches and fine jewellery, has noticed a similar trend. “Since launching our fine jewellery category 18 months ago, we have been blown away by how ready men were to embrace diamonds,” he says. “Initially, we were quite conservative with our selections but quickly realised we needed to bring on more brands which specialise in this space. We’ve seen growing confidence in our customers to wear more statement and ‘out there’ designs and [they] are open to experimenting with their jewellery choices.”
Most notably, diamond specialists like the Los Angeles-based Suzanne Kalan and Shay are hitting a sweet spot with male customers, as are the investment-worthy creations of fine jewellers Greg Yuna and Kolours. At Watches of Switzerland, it’s heritage names like Fope that are drawing attention. “Fope has a range of black diamonds which have been popular,” Hall reveals. “Particularly in their rose gold bracelets.”
So, what are the diamond pieces populating men’s jewellery boxes? “Tennis bracelets have exploded in popularity over the past 12 months,” says De Turckheim. “Initially, we were seeing our customers buy into very classic tennis bracelets with white or black diamonds on white gold, but more recently have seen bright colours grow in popularity, sapphires and emeralds in particular, alongside different diamond shapes such as round or emerald cut. Alongside bracelets, our customers are investing in more subtle diamonds, such as the 18k yellow gold Foundrae pendant with diamond detail or a simple stud earring.”
The question remains: is men’s diamond jewellery a passing fad or a look with true staying power? Most certainly the latter, says De Turckheim. “Our customers have been waiting to have some fun with their jewellery choices and it’s something we expect to continue.”
Tempted to try the trend? Read on for our edit of eye-catching men’s diamond pieces below.
Suzanne Kalan 18k white gold diamond bracelet
Few jewellers match the pioneering spirit of American diamond darling Suzanne Kalan. For men, the Lebanon-born Los Angeles-based jeweller offers a chic range of talismans sought-after by industry insiders, tastemakers and celebrities alike. Here, Kalan’s tilted baguette-cut diamonds come clustered along a bracelet of white gold for an unconventional yet timeless appeal.
De Beers RVL pendant
De Beers diamonds are a great way to elevate any look, from black-tie to the boardroom. Long coveted for their rarity and lustre, the natural gems adorn a number of styles for men. Our pick is this precious white gold pendant, carved in an octagon shape with a subtle imprint of the maison’s logo and rows of pavé-set diamonds.
Tasaki Danger Diamonds bracelet
Best known for its milky Akoya pearls, Japanese jeweller Tasaki also places the diamond at the fore of its modern creations. Reinterpreting the fearsome beauty of carnivorous plants in white gold, this double-banded bracelet from the Danger Diamonds collection comes embedded with white diamonds and trimmed with a fang-like motif as if poised to snap on unsuspecting prey.
David Yurman Streamline black diamond ring
For fist fulls of fine diamonds, your best bet is American jewellery titan David Yurman. Appointed president of the luxury jewellery company in 2021, Evan Yurman – son of David – has spent his career perfecting the men’s side of the brand, which today boasts sleek, gem-dusted pieces spun in precious metals, including this contemporary black titanium and sterling silver band set with twinkly black diamonds.
Spinelli Kilcollin Ini gold and diamond hoop earring
Look no further than Spinelli Kilcollin for diamond jewels with a punkish edge. Launched in 2010 by husband and wife duo Yves Spinelli and Dwyer Kilcollin, the fine jewellery brand has built a cult following for its hefty men’s offering, spanning stackable, mixed-metal rings to simple chains. Frosted with a single row of black pavé diamonds, this gold hoop will take any outfit from day to night with elegance and class.
Fope Prima rose gold and diamond bracelet
Established in 1929 by Italian designer Umberto Cazzola, Fope is Mappin & Webb’s best-selling men’s jewellery line. Beloved for its patented flexible gold bracelets, the heritage label also offers top-of-the-line diamond bling. Here, the brand’s signature Flex’it bracelet comes finished with an ornamental clasp, set with a band of small pavé black diamonds.
