Auctions

Men’s Jewelry Takes the Spotlight in Sotheby’s Selling Exhibition

AuctionsSep 15, 2023

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.

Sotheby’s For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition men’s jewelry sale
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.  

Sotheby’s For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition men’s jewelry sale
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.  

Sotheby’s For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition men’s jewelry sale
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.  

Sotheby’s For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition men’s jewelry sale
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. 
 
“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.” 

Sotheby’s For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition men’s jewelry sale
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.  
 
 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Artist Reena Ahluwalia “Pristine” painting
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJA

The artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.

Gunderson’s Jewelers in Omaha, Nebraska
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Nebraska

The new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.

Sydney Evan x Wicked “Spell Book” coin charm
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’

Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq Delisting

The retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.

Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional Selling

Whether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.

Annie E. Doresca, Grant Mobley, Alexis Padis, Terry Chandler
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ Gala

The gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Instore show 2025
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago Area

The trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Peggy Grosz
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is Sold

Grosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.

CD Peacock Love and Celebration Rings
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection

“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.

Hands pushing a shopping cart
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in October

A more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.

Mejuri store
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design Students

The funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Jewelers’ Security Alliance President Jennifer Mulvihill
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security Alliance

Jennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.

20241030_NYCJW.jpg
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry Week

This year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.

Pandora ambassadors Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, and Pamela Anderson
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and Love

The ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.

Stock image of a diamond engagement ring
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains Sluggish

The company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.

Monica Rich Kosann
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years

The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.

Jewelers for Children Rock the Costume Showdown graphic
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest Rocks

Participants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.

Katy Briscoe carved indicolite Persian cat ring
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style File

These 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.

Executives at the Bulgari Ritz Carlton ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a Yacht

Starboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.

Mourning Jewelry Pendant
CollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry

The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.

Artistry 2025 Catalog
MajorsOct 25, 2024
Artistry Releases Its 2025 Catalog

It features the brand’s products in the precious color, semi-precious color, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver categories.

Cartoon witch and black cat with cauldron and jewelry in bubbles
EditorsOct 24, 2024
From a Witch to Wednesday: The Best Jewelry to Wear With Your Halloween Costume

For her annual Halloween story, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow pairs fine jewelry with classic and contemporary Halloween costumes.

Jewelry from Boucheron
FinancialsOct 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands ‘More Resilient’ Than Other Luxury Goods in Q3

Sales fell 15 percent for the luxury conglomerate in the third quarter, led by a 26 percent drop in sales for flagship brand Gucci.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy