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Men’s Jewelry Takes the Spotlight in Sotheby’s Selling Exhibition
Frank Everett curated “For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition,” opening in New York City in September.
Brooches are part of the men’s jewelry selling exhibition opening at Sotheby’s New York this month, including this silver, gold, demantoid garnet, and diamond brooch, circa 1870.
New York—In the last few years, the men’s jewelry category has transformed from less than exciting to the peacocking attitude of centuries past.
Steeped in the context of gender-fluid dressing—or the disregard of societal sartorial standards dictated by one’s sex—today’s return to more ornate jewelry styling for men is a welcome change for Sotheby’s Vice Chairman of Jewelry Frank Everett.
He has curated “For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition,” that highlights more than 100 jewels that demonstrate the evolution of men’s jewelry from the mid-1800s to present day.
For the Boys will showcase antique and vintage pieces from the likes of Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Verdura, and David Webb, alongside contemporary jewels from David Yurman, Shaun Leane, Chrome Hearts, and NN by Nghi.
Pictured from top to bottom: Shola Branson 18-karat gold, sterling silver, and sapphire “Blue Melange” ring; silver, gold and diamond antique necklace; and Shaun Leane platinum and 10.53-carat sapphire “Prowess” ring
“Since the dawn of time, men have always donned jewelry,” Everett explained.
“However, this renaissance has gained traction as of late thanks to the pursuits of celebrities such as Harry Styles, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell and others who helped push the modernization of men’s jewelry and the embracing of styles and materials that have, oftentimes, been thought of as for women only—those with precious and semi-precious gemstones and generally evoke more personality.”
With his more than 150,000 Instagram followers, Everett has been influential in championing men’s jewelry style, as with his social media campaign to #bringbackthebrooch.
Pictured from top to bottom: Cartier 18-karat gold and diamond cross pendant-necklace; David Yurman 18-karat gold and diamond “Spiritual Beads Rosary” necklace; David Yurman 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace; and David Yurman 18-karat gold and diamond curb-link chain necklace
He got his start on the retail side of jewelry, working for Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, and David Yurman.
In 2013, he made the move to Sotheby’s. He oversaw sales including “The Collection of Mrs. Paul ‘Bunny’ Mellon,” and “The Personal Collection of Shaun Leane.”
Everett teamed up with British Vogue Jewelry Editor Carol Woolton on the “In Bloom” selling exhibition in 2019.
In 2021, he and jewelry editor and author Melanie Grant co-curated “Brilliant & Black,” the groundbreaking showcase dedicated to Black jewelry designers.
Bulgari 18-karat gold, diamond, and ruby “Serpenti” necklace
For the men’s jewelry showcase, Everett said he wants to break down gender jewelry norms rather than reinforce them.
“The purpose of this show is not to genderize jewelry—since I’m a true believer that jewelry should be and can be worn by everyone—but is rather a celebration of self-expression and the ever-changing men’s style evolution from past to present,” he explained.
“The purpose of this show is not to genderize jewelry—since I’m a true believer that jewelry should be and can be worn by everyone—but is rather a celebration of self-expression and the ever-changing men’s style evolution from past to present,” he explained.
“With this exhibition we hope to not only educate and introduce jewelry to a new male audience, but to dismantle the pre-existing boundaries, and also cater to an audience that knowingly want to freely express their individuality through the power of jewelry.”
Frank Everett pictured in (from top bottom) Shaun Leane 18-karat white gold and diamond “Serpent’s Trace” necklace; David Yurman 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace; Belperron platinum and diamond “Torsade” brooch, circa 1955-1969; platinum and diamond bracelet; Shaun Leane 18-karat gold and black rhodium “Interlocking Embrace” ring; and Shaun Leane 18-karat white gold and diamond ring
Items at the sale will be priced from $3,000 to $300,000.
For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition will be on display to the public at Sotheby’s New York from Sept. 23-Oct. 5.
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