Gender neutral jewelry incorporates universally wearable and classic shapes, styles, and finishes for jewelry that is not overtly feminine nor masculine. Think chains, bands, hoops, cuffs, and pearls.
Below, with advice from jeweler Jiovanni Mancarella from the Lux Forge shop in Denver, Colo., we’ll explore various different types of gender-neutral jewelry and unisex pieces, so you can begin thinking about which types of jewelry might best fit your most authentic and unique form of self expression. We’ll also look at things to keep in mind as you shop for gender-neutral jewelry.
From there, you can then go on to explore the more than 70 types of jewelry to know and own.
What You Will Learn
What Makes a Piece of Jewelry Gender-Neutral?
Gender-neutral jewelry does not adhere to gender-specific characteristics.
“There’s a big, wide world of expression and jewelry out there,” Mancarella says, “and it’s my goal in life to just let people express themselves in a way that feels good to them.”
Yes, anyone of any gender can wear any piece of jewelry. However, if you’re specifically looking for gender-neutral designs that can be worn no matter how you identify on any given day, there are a few design elements to look for:
- Clean lines and balanced proportions
- Widths and diameters that fit your build, rather than a specific identity
- Classic, timeless materials and finishes like steel, sterling silver, gold, and titanium
- Versatility, for easy pairing with any outfit
Gender-neutral pieces are far from boring and may also bring in certain current jewelry trends, such as use of natural materials, pearl, and sustainable materials.
At Lux Forge, Mancarella avoids distinguishing jewelry as “men’s” or “women’s.” Instead pieces are sorted by category: say, wide bands or thin bands. “Is there a diamond on it? Cool, it’s a diamond band,” he says. “It’s not like a ladies anniversary band.”
That allows customers to assign their own meaning to each item. And focusing on gender-neutral jewelry has been not just inclusive, but also good business.
“There is a huge market for it,” Mancarella says. “It’s definitely something that people have been wanting.”
Timeless Unisex Picks
Here are 5 examples of the best gender neutral jewelry to add to your jewelry box, stat.
1. Chains
Chain necklaces and bracelets are exceptionally versatile and come in many different styles, as well as weights and widths — ideal for if you prefer jewelry that’s a little chunkier or something more delicate. You can dress them up or down, as well as layer them. You can also pick from a variety of materials, such as gold, rose gold, sterling silver, and more.
“Any necklace or chain really can look good on anybody,” Mancarella says.
2. Bands and Signet Rings
Plainer rings like bands and signet rings can be worn on any finger and, like chains, come in a variety of widths and sizes, to fit your preferences. Choose from multiple finishes, such as brushed vs. polished, whatever works best with your style and aesthetic.
3. Stud and Hoop Earrings
Wear stud or hoop earrings alone or with other earrings, again picking your particular pairs based on non-gendered elements, such as size and metal.
4. Cuffs and Link Bracelets
Just like a chain necklace is an easy and straightforward piece of unisex jewelry, so are chain and link bracelets, as well as cuffs. Really, any bracelet that incorporates a sleek, minimalist design, such as a tennis bracelet, can work as part of a gender-neutral outfit, regardless of where the wearer sits on the gender spectrum.
5. Pearls and Brooches
Yes, on the surface level, pearls and brooches seem feminine-forward, but changing trends are making these pieces more commonplace in gender-neutral looks as well.
Mancarella notes that men’s appreciation of pearls dates back to the maharajas of India wearing Cartier pearls in the early 20th century. In western culture, the association of pearls with women was a product of traditional gender roles.
“Because pearls are so white and lustrous and beautiful and perfect, they were a symbol of purity and chastity,” he says. “Of course, that would be considered feminine, because that was the feminine ideal at the time.”
But in recent years, brooches have adorned suits, ties, and lapels at celebrity-attended events, and cultured pearls are growing a following among jewelry wearers regardless of gender.
“Perspective shifts as people experiment more,” Mancarella says. “Pearls are definitely something that anybody can enjoy, from sweet little old ladies to rappers, movie stars, whatever.”
How to Pick the Right Gender-Neutral Jewelry for You
For gender-neutral pieces that will have you looking and feeling your best, pay close attention to jewelry size and fit, as well as metals and other materials, and how they can enhance your natural beauty.
The Fit That Feels Right
Wrap flexible measuring tape around your wrist and neck, both to get your measurements and to get an idea of how certain necklace styles and sizes will look and feel once you have them on. You can use this information to prioritize buying the necklace styles (for example, a tight-fitting collar vs. a long, loose opera necklace) and bracelets that you find most comfortable.
Similarly, before ordering rings sight unseen (you’ll find that some of the best gender neutral jewelry brands are most easily found online), measure your ring size at home.
Color & Metal Mixing
Traditional “rules” dictate that women wear lighter, more colorful hues, while men wear darker, rugged metals. But inclusivity is breaking those rules and giving you the freedom to wear what you actually want. You can pick, mix, and match the metals you like most, as well as those that best fit your skin tone and outfits.
For example, Mancarella says, “if you’re wearing a primarily blue and green outfit, bringing in something that’s a reddish pink, which is opposite on the color wheel, would be a fun pop of color.”
According to stylists, certain gemstones and metals best complement cool, warm, or neutral skin tones.
- Neutral and cool skin tones pair well with white metals, and red, purple, and blue gemstones.
- Warm skin tones pair well with yellow metals, and yellow, orange, and green gemstones.
However, even these fashion rules are meant to be broken. It’s becoming more on trend to mix and match metals and textures (such as matte and high polish finishes), as well as to bring in unique, bold materials and pieces, like an enamel statement ring or earrings.
“One of my really fun designs is pairing a heavy paper-clip chain in polished sterling silver with a really nice-sized pearl, and having that very gender-neutral, almost masculine-leaning chain with something that’s traditionally more feminine,” Mancarella says. “It brings out the best of both worlds.”
In short, try on a myriad of looks to decide what you personally like most and what best reflects your identity.
Buy Smarter
If you’re ready to embrace your personal, gender-neutral jewelry style, keep these quick shopping tips in mind:
- Before shopping, consider how you’d like to define your jewelry look — minimalist, maximalist, statement, etc.
- Double-check your jewelry sizes and how certain products will fit before you purchase.
- Think about various materials and how well they’ll fit your lifestyle (for example, if you want a ring you can wear at the gym or in the pool, you might choose a silicone band rather than silver).
- Before shopping with any brand, ask about their warranty, returns policy, and ongoing maintenance offerings.
Be sure to check out our full guide to buying jewelry, too.
Values-Led Choices
While shopping, also keep your values in mind, as some jewelry purchases may be more in tune with your personal beliefs than others — such as if you opt to purchase a lab-grown diamond vs. a traditional mined diamond, or purchase sustainable jewelry made from recycled materials.
If you do choose to go this route, you certainly wouldn’t be alone. BriteCo’s 2025 Lab-Grown vs Diamond report found that, today, 42.1% of all diamond jewelry sold is composed of lab-grown diamonds. Thus, the relative market share of lab-grown jewelry has grown 709.6% over the past five years.
When Mancarella’s customers show interest in lab-grown diamonds, he makes sure they know that while the gems are far more affordable, they’re also unlikely to sustain their value. “Buy it because you like it, not because you want to make an investment, because it’s not a good investment,” he says. “If people have always dreamed about having a big rock on their finger, I’d love to make that happen.”
Protect What You Love
Once you’ve begun amassing a jewelry collection that you love and are proud to wear, make sure that jewelry is protected, with comprehensive, specialized jewelry insurance.
Standalone jewelry insurance matters for any style, and can help you replace or repair prized pieces in the event of accidental damage, loss, mysterious disappearance, and more. You can get a quick and easy jewelry insurance quote now.
Need a jewelry appraisal? If you’re looking for a jewelry insurance quote for higher-value, gem-set, or custom pieces, you probably will. BriteCo can help with that, too, with our local appraisal finder.
Gender Neutral Jewelry FAQ
Is gender-neutral jewelry the same as unisex jewelry?
Both terms mean anyone can wear the piece. When choosing gender-neutral or unisex jewelry, it’s important to think about proportion and personal style, rather than stereotypical gendered design elements.
What necklace length works on everyone?
Most individuals can wear a necklace that’s 18-22 inches in length. Confirm which necklace length works best for you based on your build and neckline by using our necklace length guide.
Are pearls gender-neutral?
Yes, modern styling makes pearls universal. Both on the runway and red carpet, you’ll see individuals of all genders wearing pearls.
How do I pick a jewelry gift without knowing the recipient’s style?
Opt for a more gender-neutral style, with a simple silhouette and neutral finishes. Before purchasing, confirm the seller’s return policy.
Do I need insurance for fashion jewelry?
Jewelry insurance is best suited to higher value and sentimental items. Get a quick jewelry quote and consider an appraisal for fine jewelry.
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