Family jewels: The best bracelets for men
Forget everything you thought you knew about jewellery and add these brilliant men's bracelets to your collection
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
The last few years have seen somewhat of a U-turn in the realm of men’s jewellery. Where once any man worth his salt wouldn’t be caught dead wearing anything other than a wristwatch or basic silver cuff (save the subtle signet or sovereign ring, or, at a push, a crucifix dangling from a simple chain a la David Beckham), recently the lines of gender-specific accessorising have blurred, ushering in a new era of blokes in bling.
Of course, this is nothing new. Rings have been in for decades, and even my dad (the most masculine of masculine men) was rocking a chain in the late ’90s, but when it comes to arm candy, other than the woven friendship-style bracelets favoured by long-haired surfers from Devon, or festival wristbands that are long overdue for the chop, the boys have been left in the lurch.
Nowadays, everyone from Premier League footballers and pop stars to TV presenters (looking at you, Jeremy Clarkson) and your regular man on the street is getting in on the action and dressing up their forearms with a bracelet or two (or three!). And whether you prefer 18-karat gold or sterling silver, gemstones a-plenty or pared-back pieces with a hefty dose of attitude, there really are no rules when it comes to what you choose. With that in mind, here’s our pick of the best bracelets for men to buy now and wear forever.
Alexander McQueen Wrap Bracelet
Ever the edgy brand, Alexander McQueen’s jewellery is just as darkly romantic as its ready-to-wear collections. Taking a more restrained approach, this double wrap bracelet is cut from matte black calfskin and features a tonal skull charm, ideal for days when you don’t fancy donning your diamonds.
Enfants Riches Déprimés Sterling Silver Bracelet
Inspired by punk rock and the Japanese avant-garde movement of the 1980s, Paris and LA-based brand Enfants Riches Déprimés was founded by conceptual artist Henri Levy in 2012 and has been dishing out limited batches of French punk-streetwear ever since. This sterling silver curb chain bracelet features an intricately carved rose, which also functions as the hook fastening.
Hatton Labs Pearl Bracelet
Pearls have long been designated as the go-to jewel for women of a certain age, but if you find the classic sterling silver cuff overplayed, take a style cue from menswear mavens Harry Styles, Lewis Hamilton and A$AP Rocky, and plump for a string of your own. Crafted from sterling silver and embellished with freshwater pearls and cross-shaped beads, this Hatton Labs bracelet is ideal for adding a little touch of femininity to your outfit. We promise you won’t look like your nan.
John Hardy Classic Chain Hook Bracelet
Symbolising community bonds and eternal human connection, John Hardy’s Classic Chain and Bamboo collections have garnered the brand a cult-like following. Conflict-free, sustainably sourced and ethically crafted by local Balinese artisans, this unique hook clasp bracelet is forged from 100 per cent reclaimed sterling silver.
Le Gramme Polished Cable Diamond Bracelet
Parisian brand Le Gramme takes an industrial approach to design. Stamping each piece of its ethically-made jewellery with a unique serial number, its polished cable bracelets have become a hero item. Featuring the brand’s trademark screw lock, engraved with its weight and set with black diamonds, this minimalist 18-karat gold bracelet is sure to become a staple of your collection.
MJ Jones spiked Diamond Bracelet
Dubbed the diamond dealer of football, UK-based fine jewellery brand MJ Jones unites traditional techniques with innovative technology to create unconventional designs beloved by the likes of Nicolas Pépé and Luis Suarez (the brand recently partnered with the latter on a limited-edition ring). Rebellious and forward-thinking, this spiked pavé bracelet is crafted from 9-karat white gold and set with a whopping 1,576 individual diamonds.
Tateossian Green Icosahedron Bracelet
Ex-city financier turned King of Cufflinks, Robert Tateossian launched his eponymous men’s jewellery brand out of Birmingham in 1990, quickly expanding its repertoire to include stacking bracelets and collaborations with Elton John and Zaha Hadid. This hand-crafted Icosahedron bracelet is strung with faceted emerald stones and hematite that has been cut into 20-sided shapes, and is finished with rose gold-plated discs and a lobster clasp.
Tom Wood Crystal-Embellished Bracelet
Taking cues from the shapes and shades of nature for its pared-back twist on classic silhouettes, Scandi-chic lifestyle brand Tom Wood puts the focus squarely on the purity of its materials and its minimalist designs. To embellish this sleek sterling silver bracelet, the Norwegian brand chose bezel-set crystals in a cushion-cut, highlighting the heritage gemstone shape.
Read more: The world's best pilot watches
