Men's Styling Guides

Jewellery Ultra-Wealthy Men Wear – 6 Must-Have Luxury Accessories

Wealthy men typically wear select luxury jewellery accessories, including high-end watches from Patek Philippe and Rolex, subtle platinum or gold cufflinks, signet rings, and discreet bracelets in precious metals or fine leather.

The right jewellery can significantly enhance a man’s status and sophistication, creating a refined Old Money aesthetic while maintaining modern relevance.

In this article, we’ll explore the specific luxury jewellery pieces affluent men select to project achievement and style while guiding you on how to choose accessories that complement your unique features and align with contemporary values of ethical luxury and investment-grade quality.

1. Classic Wristwatch

When it comes to men’s jewellery, luxury watches remain the quintessential status symbol among the wealthy elite, often representing the most significant single investment in a man’s jewellery collection.

Prestigious watchmakers like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex dominate the wrists of successful men, not merely as timekeeping devices, but as statements of achievement and taste that appreciate over time.

The specific watch choice often conveys distinct messages about the wearer’s status and level of sophistication.

A classic Rolex Submariner suggests an appreciation for timeless design and subtle luxury.

At the same time, a more complex Patek Philippe with multiple complications indicates a deeper appreciation for horological craftsmanship and mechanical mastery.

Wealthy men typically own several fine timepieces, selecting each based on the occasion and required level of formality.

A slim dress watch with a leather strap pairs perfectly with formal attire, while a stainless steel sports watch offers versatility for business-casual settings.

Investment-minded collectors often focus on limited-edition or discontinued models that have historically appreciated in value.

The most sophisticated men select watches that harmonise with their seasonal colour palette.

Cool-toned men often gravitate toward white gold or platinum cases with blue or black dials, while warm-toned gentlemen may prefer yellow gold or rose gold options with champagne or silver dials.

Beyond materials, the case diameter should complement wrist size and overall physique.

Larger men with wrists over 7.5 inches can carry larger timepieces, typically between 40-44mm, while those with slimmer builds look better with more proportionate case sizes, ranging from 36-40mm.

The watch should feel substantial without overwhelming the wrist’s natural proportions.

Buy or Upgrade Your Luxury Watch

A luxury timepiece is more than just a symbol of style—it represents an investment in craftsmanship and heritage that often appreciates over time.

Whether you’re purchasing your first investment-grade watch or seeking a rare collector’s piece, S&R Jewellers stands as London’s premier destination for pre-owned jewellery and watches.

As a trusted name in the luxury market, they specialise in buying and selling high-end assets, offering a curated selection of prestigious brands with verified provenance and authenticity guarantees.

With over 250 years of private experience in the trade, their expert team guarantees authenticity and value assessment, making them a preferred choice for discerning clients seeking timeless elegance and investment potential.

2. Signet Rings and Precious Metal Bands

Rings represent perhaps the most personal jewellery choice for affluent men, with signet rings serving as timeless symbols of heritage, achievement, and family legacy.

The classic signet ring, featuring family crests, initials, or meaningful symbols, continues to be favoured by men with old-money sensibilities, typically crafted in 18k gold or platinum and worn on the pinky finger or ring finger of the non-dominant hand.

Modern wealthy men often commission bespoke signet rings that incorporate personal elements like birthstones, company logos, or symbolic engravings that reflect their individual achievements.

Beyond signets, wealthy men often select simple yet substantial precious metal bands made from platinum, white gold, or yellow gold, depending on their seasonal colour palette and existing jewellery collection.

The weight and quality of the metal often matter more than ostentatious design – with many preferring bands weighing 8-15 grams that feel substantial without being cumbersome.

The most stylish affluent men maintain a careful balance with rings, rarely wearing more than one or two at a time to avoid appearing ostentatious; the emphasis remains on quality craftsmanship rather than quantity of pieces.

For those seeking contemporary sophistication, minimalist ring designs featuring subtle details like hammered finishes, brushed textures, or discrete engraved patterns offer a fresh, masculine elegance without sacrificing the refined restraint that characterises genuine wealth.

3. Fine Leather Bracelets

Wealthy men approach bracelets with deliberate restraint and strategic selection, choosing pieces that complement their watches rather than competing with them for attention.

The most popular styles among the affluent include solid gold or platinum chain-link bracelets with subtle design elements that signal quality craftsmanship without ostentation.

These pieces typically feature hand-finished links, secure clasps, and weights that feel substantial yet comfortable during extended wear.

For a more casual yet refined look, many affluent men choose fine leather bracelets from luxury houses like Hermès or Bottega Veneta, which offer sophistication through exceptional craftsmanship and premium materials rather than flashy designs.

These handcrafted pieces often feature signature techniques like hand-stitching, exotic leather varieties, or subtle hardware in precious metals.

Cable bracelets in sterling silver or white gold from designers like David Yurman have become staples for successful men who appreciate contemporary luxury with timeless appeal and investment-grade construction.

When selecting bracelets, proportion and fit are paramount considerations. Men with larger wrists (over 7.5 inches) can carry weightier designs and broader widths.

At the same time, those with slimmer builds benefit from more delicate proportions that won’t overwhelm their natural physique or compete with their watch presence.

The most sophisticated approach involves wearing a bracelet on the opposite wrist from one’s watch, creating balanced elegance without crowding either accessory or creating visual competition between pieces.

4. Precious Metal Cufflinks and Tie Accessories

Cufflinks and tie accessories represent the perfect junction of functionality and luxury for wealthy men, particularly in professional and formal settings where attention to detail distinguishes true sophistication.

The most discerning gentlemen select cufflinks crafted from precious metals like 18k gold, platinum, or sterling silver with subtle embellishments such as mother-of-pearl inlays, and lab grown diamonds that offer exceptional clarity and ethical sourcing.

Modern affluent men increasingly appreciate the transparency and sustainability that contemporary luxury materials provide.

For everyday professional wear, wealthy men prefer understated designs that communicate refinement through superior craftsmanship rather than overt branding or flashy elements.

However, subtle logo designs from heritage houses like Cartier, Tiffany, or Bulgari remain perennially acceptable and often serve as conversation starters in business settings.

Tie bars and collar pins in precious metals offer additional opportunities for sophisticated embellishment that demonstrate attention to sartorial details.

Platinum and white gold complement cooler complexions and work beautifully with navy, charcoal, and grey business attire, while yellow and rose gold enhance warmer skin tones and pair excellently with earth-toned and warmer-hued clothing.

Vintage and heirloom pieces hold particular appeal among the genuinely affluent, with many wealthy men inheriting or actively collecting antique cufflinks that tell stories of heritage, tradition, and family history.

The sophistication lies in selecting pieces that coordinate harmoniously without perfectly matching; complementary metals and designs create a more nuanced, curated appearance than obviously identical sets, which can appear contrived or overly coordinated.

5. Discreet Precious Metal Chains and Pendants

While traditionally more restrained in this category, today’s wealthy men increasingly incorporate delicate necklaces into their jewellery collections as expressions of personal significance, cultural heritage, or spiritual beliefs.

The most sophisticated approach features slim, high-quality chains in platinum or gold, typically measuring between 20-24 inches to sit comfortably beneath shirt collars while occasionally becoming visible during casual moments or when leaning forward.

Pendants among affluent men tend toward meaningful minimalism: a small medallion with personal or religious significance, a discreet designer piece from respected houses, or a family heirloom rather than ostentatious symbols of wealth or status.

Many modern wealthy men choose pieces that reflect their values, such as sustainably sourced materials or designs that support charitable causes they champion.

Men with longer neck proportions and oval or rectangular face shapes often suit slightly longer chains that fall to mid-chest level.

In contrast, those with broader faces and shorter necks benefit from chains that sit higher on the chest, typically around 18-20 inches in length.

For casual settings, some affluent men layer two slim chains of different lengths, though always maintaining a cohesive metal palette that complements their seasonal colouring and doesn’t compete with other jewellery.

Texturing plays a vital role in sophisticated necklace selection, with brushed, satin, or matte finishes often appearing more contemporary and understated than highly polished alternatives, which can seem too flashy for refined tastes.

6. Lapel Pins and Sophisticated Collar Bars

Beyond standard jewellery categories, wealthy men often distinguish themselves through refined accessories, such as lapel pins and collar bars, that add subtle sophistication to formal ensembles and demonstrate a mastery of sartorial details.

Lapel pins crafted from precious metals with subtle embellishments, featuring a small gemstone, enamel work, or engraved pattern, offer an opportunity to express individuality, professional affiliations, or personal interests without compromising overall elegance.

Rather than flashy designs or prominent luxury branding, affluent men typically select lapel pins representing meaningful affiliations (alumni associations, charitable organisations, professional societies), heritage symbols, or simply geometric forms crafted with exceptional attention to detail and finishing.

Collar bars in sterling silver, gold, or platinum add structure to dress shirts while providing another subtle canvas for sophisticated craftsmanship, particularly effective with spread collar shirts and understated ties in formal business or evening settings.

The most discerning men coordinate these smaller accessories with their dominant metal palette, ensuring that lapel pins complement watch cases, cufflinks, and other jewellery pieces without creating a contrived ‘matching set’ appearance that can seem calculated rather than naturally refined.

Seasonal considerations also apply: darker metals, such as oxidised silver or gunmetal, work beautifully with winter wardrobes, while polished gold and platinum complement lighter spring and summer attire.

Investments – Authentication Considerations

Wealthy men approach jewellery acquisition with the same strategic thinking they apply to other investments, considering factors like brand heritage, craftsmanship quality, rarity, and potential appreciation over time.

Pieces from established houses with strong auction records (Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari) often maintain or increase their value, making them both beautiful accessories and prudent investments.

Authentication becomes crucial at higher price points, with many affluent collectors relying on certified appraisers and established dealers with verifiable provenance.

Modern wealthy men value transparency in sourcing, preferring brands that can provide clear documentation about the origins of their materials and their ethical production practices.

This shift reflects broader cultural values while maintaining the quality and prestige that characterise luxury jewellery.

The most sophisticated collectors maintain detailed records of their acquisitions, including purchase documentation, appraisals, and insurance valuations, treating their jewellery collection as a curated portfolio rather than mere accessories.

How to Curate a Refined Jewellery Collection and Enhance Your Style

Wealthy men approach jewellery not as individual pieces but as a carefully curated collection that projects sophistication, achievement, and personal style while maintaining investment value and timeless appeal.

The foundation begins with a signature timepiece from a prestigious manufacturer, complemented by select pieces (signet rings, subtle bracelets, or elegant cufflinks) that enhance rather than overpower one’s natural features and personal aesthetic.

The most sophisticated jewellery collections respect proportion and personal colouring, with metals and designs selected to complement face shape, body type, and seasonal colour palette rather than following fleeting trends or obvious luxury markers.

Building a collection gradually allows for thoughtful selection and ensures each piece serves a specific purpose within the overall aesthetic, whether for daily professional wear, formal occasions, or casual elegance.

Take the First Step With The VOU’s Styling Quizzes

Start your style journey with our comprehensive free resources designed specifically for the modern gentleman. First, take our Face Shape Quiz to confirm your face shape and receive initial styling guidance tailored to your unique features.

Then, discover your most flattering colours with our Seasonal Colour Analysis Quiz, which will guide your metal selection for jewellery and accessories.

Discover which garment styles suit you best with our Body Shape Quiz, and uncover your ideal personal style aesthetic with our Fashion Style Quiz.

Transform Your Image with The VOU’s Professional Guidance

For comprehensive image development that goes beyond jewellery selection, The VOU offers expert styling services to ensure your complete look projects success and sophisticated refinement.

Our Professional Face Shape Analysis package provides you with a scientific analysis of your exact face shape, personalised hairstyle recommendations, a custom facial hair styling guide, expert eyewear selection guidance, and detailed grooming recommendations tailored to your unique features and lifestyle.

For the most comprehensive transformation, consider our Complete Image Transformation Package.

This premium service includes our Professional Face Shape Analysis, Seasonal Colour Analysis, Body Shape Analysis, Fashion Style Analysis, Wardrobe Curation Guide, and Personal Brand Development.

Through this complete package, you’ll develop a cohesive style that communicates success and sophistication across all aspects of your appearance, including jewellery selection that enhances your natural features and personal brand.