Just for Gents

It may have taken a while for Father’s Day to gain footing as an official American holiday, but the fact that it took root became a boon to merchants of all types. Honoring dads by way of a purchased gift meant appealing to every type of dad on the planet—the grillers, the golf lovers, the dapper dressers, and so on. If Pop has a hobby or interest, the third Sunday in June is the day to acknowledge it.

Chatham

And as men become more interested in fine jewelry, precious gifts, and accessories, their options grow. A case in point: entries in the Men’s Jewelry category of the annual INSTORE Design Awards, organized by the trade magazine, have nearly quadrupled in just two years!

Manufacturers are in the know and leaning into this masculine mojo.

“Men’s jewelry sales have definitely increased over the past two years,” confirms Richard Bachu, vice president of sales and director of e-commerce for KGS Jewels.

“There are a lot more males purchasing for themselves and a lot of retailers helping to push this category forward. It used to be that men’s jewelry was just in the same section as wedding bands, but now there’s a dedicated space for it.”

Some of the momentum may be due to high-profile brands unveiling their own men’s collections. Hefty sterling silver numbers are among the designs. Silver offers “a great entry point for men who typically don’t buy jewelry for themselves and still incorporate luxurious, premium materials while still being price conscious,” says Phillip Gabriel Maroof, creative director and designer for the Royal Chain Group.

                Royal Chain

Incorporating leather and 18k gold accents on silver also help keep prices to a minimum while offering upscale masculine looks.

Another interesting sterling development for the brand? Stacking bracelets along with cuffs. Most think women alone like to stack, but that’s not necessarily the case; some dads may be into it as well.

Benchmark is big in the bridal space, but its designs also speak to those with myriad interests. Love hunting and the outdoors? There’s a collection for that. Like tribal-inspired motifs or a subtle pop of a pink gold interior with your Mokume Gane? Benchmark has that, too. There are even patriotic styles, sports-inspired ones, and flat-out badass black metals with tone-on-tone touches. Their variety is a likely factor in their expansion plans; the Tuscaloosa, Alabama–based firm has just announced plans for a $21 million expansion complete with 40 new positions.

Bachu agrees with expanding on ring production; he wishes more retailers would get behind a men’s ring movement. “I think retailers should order more signet rings with tribal motifs, lightning bolts, or cultural symbols,” he says. “Men have become very sophisticated in clothing choices and have really stepped up their appearance game.”

Black gems and metals are another strong aesthetic for fathers. Spinel, diamonds, blackened silver, and alternative metals give men edgy alternatives and unique ways to express their style.

Goldstar Jewellery is a fan of noir designs for guys, which is the impetus behind its black diamond and lab-created diamond jewelry. Merchandising Director Jessica Zerega offers 20- to 22-inch-long versions with appeal to men or for a unisex vibe.

“Men’s lab diamond pendants are being expanded at a lot of our retailers,” she reveals. “The silhouettes aren’t huge, but nice, with 18–22 mm medallion-type products. We are seeing men layering more with their necklaces and pendants, so offering some blingy looks at a great value with LGDs have become key! Earrings, neckwear, and bracelets have been a huge growth category for us.”

Chatham

And for the dads who like color, Chatham has them covered. Vice President and Marketing Director Monica McDaniel says that lab-grown sapphires, rubies, and emeralds set into rings could be coveted gifts for Father’s Day.

“Not only do these colors project prestige, strength and success in masculine styles especially, but they offer a more eco-conscious and budget friendly option for modern men,” she says. “With more men pursuing color, Chatham’s Bar Collection presents select masculine and unisex ring styles. Not only will these rings appeal to men, but they will also inspire women to purchase Father’s Day gifts.”