AuctionsSep 13, 2023
‘Exceptional’ Collection of Royal Jewels Coming to Auction This Fall 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.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
