Men’s Wedding Jewellery: Necklaces, Brooches, and Breaking the Rules

August 25, 2025

Photo: Gresham Blake

Men’s jewellery has always been around, but right now it’s having a moment. Grooms, groomsmen, and guests are reclaiming men’s necklaces as a way to bring personality into their outfits. And unlike a hired suit, the right necklace stays with you long after the wedding’s over. Whether you’re standing at the altar, smashing it at work, or heading to a gig on Saturday night, a chain or pendant can a real signature piece.

Jewellery in the Spotlight: The Met Gala Effect

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern menswear, 2025 has marked a pivotal shift in how grooms approach their wedding wardrobes. No longer confined to black tuxedos and muted tailoring, today’s grooms are embracing fearless self-expression – and it’s about time.

This year’s Met Gala made that shift impossible to ignore. With the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, celebrities redefined what formalwear could mean. Bold cuts, theatrical tailoring, fearless accessorising, and jewellery was front and centre. The red carpet was dripping in vintage Cartier, oversized chains, layered necklaces, brooches, and diamond-studded heirlooms.

Rapper A$AP Rocky layered a Bvlgari diamond and ruby necklace over his shirt and tie alongside antique pendants, proving that necklaces don’t need to hide under collars. Fellow Co-Chair Lewis Hamilton worked with designer Wales Bonner to stud his look with brooches, ear cuffs, and daisy-shaped cufflinks rich with symbolism of his heritage and birth date.

What does this mean for weddings? Grooms can take cues from that level of creativity. Jewellery isn’t an “add-on” anymore – it can be the focal point of your outfit.

The Brooch Revival

If necklaces aren’t your thing, try swapping the wilt-prone floral buttonhole for a jewelled brooch instead. It’s a small move that makes a big impact. Maybe there’s a family heirloom tucked away, or maybe you’ll choose a design that symbolises your relationship, your wedding date, or something personal between you and your partner. 

Necklaces Beyond the Aisle

The beauty of men’s jewellery is that it works in everyday life too. At the office, subtle pieces go a long way: slim chains, small dog tags, or bar pendants that sit neatly under a shirt. It adds personality without looking like you’re flexing.

Chunky chains, layered lengths, mixed textures, or bold pendants work with T-shirts, denim jackets, or open button-downs. Music festival? Stack beads, leather, and metal together. Sunday brunch? A long chain with a meaningful charm makes an easy statement.

Subverting the Set

You don’t need to buy into the “perfectly matched” set that jewellery ads push. Deliberately clashing metals, stacking multiple pieces, or mixing textures creates a look that’s far more authentic. Maybe you stack a sleek chain with a rougher pendant you’ve had for years. Your jewellery should look like you, not a catalogue.

Why It Matters

Men’s jewellery isn’t about following rules. It’s about expression, connection, and creating a look that feels like you. Whether it’s a chain, a brooch, or even a tattoo, the right piece can be a powerful symbol of who you are – on your wedding day and every day after.