Jewelry can be a generous and romantic gift for the man in your life, as long as you get it right. With so much to consider and so many ways to go wrong, it’s not a decision to take lightly. Take advice from friends, family, and professionals - after all, jewelry is an investment! Don’t just buy it on a whim. If he’s important enough to deserve jewelry, he’s important enough to spend some time over too. Here’s everything you need to know about buying jewelry for a man, whether it’s a ring or a chain.

Consider his sense of style

You want him to love the jewelry you choose, so it has to work with him. If he is a corporate, office-working suit wearer, he might not appreciate a big signet ring. Similarly, if he is more sporty or casual, he might not appreciate something luxurious and expensive. Whatever you choose him has to work with his sense of fashion, and be something he will want to wear to compliment it. 

Don’t ignore his skin tone

Skin tone and metals complement and clash in different ways - it can be tricky to understand, but it is essential, especially if he doesn’t currently wear jewelry. Try to catch a glimpse of him in natural light - the wrists are the best place to look. If his veins appear blue, he has a cool tone. If they appear greener, his skin tone is warm. If they’re both, he has a more neutral skin tone. Cooler skin tones look better in white gold, silver, or platinum, while warmer tones suit yellow and rose gold, brass, and copper. Neutral skin tones are the lucky ones who look great in both. Once you’ve done this, you can be more reassured that his jewelry will suit him.

Keep it simple

Women tend to be comfortable pulling off elaborate jewelry, full of gemstones and ornaments. Men, on the other hand, tend to prefer something more simple and understated. Try something like 14k gold chains, a weighty but plain silver ring, or a very basic but elegant signet ring. Don’t expect that just because you love the beautifully ornate design that he will too. The last thing you want to do is emasculate him. Plus, the more simple the piece of jewelry, the more wearable it is, and the easier to care for. Ornate pieces tend to be saved for special occasions, whereas something simple is far easier to wear on a daily basis.

Take advice from a respected jeweler

When you’re making an investment on something as big as jewelry, you want to feel reassured that you’re doing the right thing from the right place, and that you’re not being ripped off. Do your research, and be sure to ask questions - don’t just give the jeweler an easy ride. Do your research on metal types and weights, and let them know that you’re comfortable talking about it.

Buying jewelry for your man can be a daunting experience, but just make sure you do your research and spend some time considering what he’ll love, and he’s sure to love the piece as much as you do.