We Compared Yurman, GLD, Jaxxon, and Leon Jack—Only One Had It All
By Marcus Sterling, Men's Style Expert
Latest update: May 30, 2025
Which men's jewelry brand actually delivers on quality, style, and value?
Stainless steel chains? Gold-plated pieces that fade? Overpriced designer names? Premium brands with astronomical markups?
The list of disappointing men's jewelry options seems endless! But what's even more frustrating is that they all promise different things—some focus on trendy designs, others on brand recognition, and a few on supposed "premium" materials.
David Yurman prices? GLD's gold plating? Jaxxon's stainless steel marketing? How do you know which approach actually works?
In my experience, most men's jewelry brands focus on one area but fall short in others—and trying each one isn't just expensive, it can be downright disappointing when pieces break, tarnish, or look cheap after a few weeks.
Throughout my many years of experience as a Men's Style Expert, it's been my mission to help guys find accessories that enhance their image and last for years. I've been fortunate enough to test almost every major men's jewelry brand on the market, working with clients who demand both quality and style.
Premium brands do work, but there has always been one consistent winner I recommend to clients who want the best balance of quality, design, and value.
Designer markups are proven to inflate prices unnecessarily, as studies indicate that brand recognition often costs 3-4x more than the actual materials and craftsmanship warrant.
My favorite men's jewelry brand? Family-owned companies that prioritize craftsmanship over marketing!
While designer brand advertising budgets have grown exponentially, the focus on actual product quality has unfortunately decreased, leaving consumers paying premium prices for average materials.
My favorite jewelry approach? Precious metals and honest pricing!
Using carefully sourced genuine materials allows for superior quality and lasting value, delivering authentic luxury directly to customers without the inflated costs that come with celebrity endorsements and retail markups.
But with so many men's jewelry brands out there, it wasn't easy for my clients to find the ones that really delivered results.
I've examined and tested jewelry from dozens of brands (so you don't have to!), and would love to share with you my top 4 that actually helped me and my clients achieve the sophisticated, masculine style we were looking for.
#1 Leon Jack
This brand absolutely blew me away! I came across it during my research into family-owned jewelry companies, and have been thoroughly impressed.
Whenever I would recommend Leon Jack to my clients after our styling consultations - they'd always come back talking about how their friends and colleagues complimented them on how substantial and well-made their pieces looked.
Leon Jack is handcrafted from genuine precious metals, built for durability, and designed for the modern man - So you don't have to worry about any tarnishing, breakage, or looking like you're wearing costume jewelry.
Its style-transforming secret? A commitment to using only 14k solid gold and sterling silver - materials that have defined quality jewelry for generations.
But don't let the term "precious metals" intimidate you. Leon Jack's approach is refreshingly honest: they use materials that actually justify their price, rather than marking up cheap alternatives with fancy branding.
The reason that Leon Jack was my number one pick was its instant impact on how my clients presented themselves and how quickly their confidence increased when wearing truly substantial pieces.
Leon Jack contains genuine precious metals like solid gold and sterling silver, combined with expert craftsmanship techniques used by artisans who previously worked with luxury brands like Rolex. Each piece passes through rigorous quality testing, including precious metal verification, stress tests, and clasp security checks that simulate years of daily wear.
Due to its high-quality and authentic materials, the transformation was noticeable from the very first wear, with a complete style elevation unfolding over just a few days. No other men's jewelry brand I've tried made such a strong impression so quickly.
Check Out Leon Jack
#2 David Yurman
David Yurman may cost significantly more at $300-2000+ for most pieces, but if you're looking for internationally recognized luxury branding, this established house could be worth considering for special occasions.
Renowned for their signature cable design and precious metal work, David Yurman has built a reputation over decades in the luxury jewelry space. Their pieces are undeniably well-crafted and use authentic materials including sterling silver and gold.
However, you're paying a substantial premium for the name recognition and retail presence. The same level of craftsmanship and materials can often be found elsewhere for significantly less, which is why this brand ranks at #2 instead of #1. If you're also looking for everyday wearability rather than statement pieces, David Yurman might not be your best choice due to both price point and often elaborate designs.
Due to the luxury positioning and retail markups, expect to pay 3-4x more than comparable quality from smaller artisan brands. The designs tend toward the ornate side, which may not suit men looking for understated elegance.
Check Out David Yurman
#3 Jaxxon
This popular brand has gained significant social media attention, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind about their approach to men's jewelry.
Jaxxon markets heavily to younger demographics with bold claims about "premium" materials, but their primary focus is on stainless steel and gold vermeil (gold plating over silver) rather than solid precious metals.
Additionally, it incorporates heavy marketing spend and influencer partnerships, which supports social proof but also means you're paying for advertising costs rather than purely materials and craftsmanship.
We felt that this brand, while trendy, focused more on marketing appeal than long-term durability compared to brands using solid precious metals. The gold plating can wear off over time, and stainless steel, while durable, doesn't have the inherent value of precious metals.
If you're looking for trendy designs at accessible price points and don't mind potentially replacing pieces as plating wears off, Jaxxon could work. However, for heirloom-quality pieces that maintain their value, solid precious metals remain the superior choice.
Check Out Jaxxon
#4 GLD
GLD focuses heavily on hip-hop inspired designs and urban aesthetics, which appeals to a specific demographic but may limit versatility for professional or classic styling.
The brand primarily uses gold plating over base metals rather than solid gold, which keeps prices accessible but raises questions about longevity. Their target market seems more focused on bold, statement pieces rather than timeless elegance.
While GLD offers trendy designs that photograph well for social media, the emphasis on fashion-forward styles over lasting quality places it at #4 on this list. The pieces work well for specific looks but may not transition across different style contexts or age gracefully over time.
If you prefer classic, versatile pieces that work in both casual and professional settings, brands focusing on precious metals and timeless design will serve you better long-term. GLD's strength is in contemporary urban fashion rather than investment-quality jewelry.
Check Out GLD