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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
