Jewelry

It'll always be the first thing people compliment: Your pinkie ring. Your perfectly tarnished skinny gold rope tucked into the neck of your T-shirt. Your tribal bracelet from Hermès that looks like a war-launching grail from Indiana Jones. Jewelry has historically been the stylish man's way of differentiating himself from others—his way of wearing something with a story attached. And now, more than ever, jewelry makers and estate-sale stalkers are tapping into something higher. From a Chrome Hearts band with a perfect patina to a damn near life-size gold panther ring from Cartier, all the real treasure looks like it's something you traveled to get and were really lucky to acquire.

But be aware of "vibes." There's a massive wave of overnight spiritualists right now. Their stores are heavy on the sage, turquoise, and Native American–inspired hardware. But most of the pieces they carry are affected, expensive clichés—fall for it, and your next Uber driver will pull up wearing the same necklace as yours. Which is why stores like the ones you see here are so important. Love Adorned will have you looking like a seasoned globe-trotter. Reliquary will give you a quick hit of New Age sex appeal. (Poof! You're Jason Momoa.)

Even after you find the perfect mix of pendants, bracelets, and rangz, you have to make it your own. Like designer Don C. Like RTH owner René. Like Miguel. The man wears two Rolexes. Not to show off—he can afford many Rolexes. But because both, set for different time zones, tell a tale. We don't recommend that you wear two Rolexes. That's not your story. But for Miguel, it works.

There's no one store on earth where you should buy all your jewelry. The mix is how you preserve your originality. Pair vintage with high-fashion with random things you find while traveling. Putting together the perfect jewelry collection is like encrypting a secret message. You want it impossible for folks to make sense of it all. They'll ask for the story. How much of it you want to reveal is up to you.

One last thing: Don't go out and Mr. T it. Miguel wasn't built in a day, ya know? So here's the rule of thumb: No matter what, no matter what the sale is, no matter how vintage-y it is, don't buy more than two pieces of jewelry at a time. And don't wear more than one new piece of jewelry at a time. Ease into this. Because you'll never go back. —Mark Anthony Green

René Holguin, Treasuresmith: Jewelry creator and owner of accessories mecca RTH in L.A., he knows that leather can outshine even the most precious metals—especially when it's a work of art, like the piece around his neck.

Don C., International Man of Dopeness: Owner of RSVP Gallery in Chicago and a creative force for Kanye. A normal day for Don: Gucci sweats with a jersey from Foot Locker, all anchored with a Cuban-link chain.

Miguel, Savior of Soul Music: Miguel only wears watches, rings, and necklaces with personal meaning. Whether you know the backstory or not, the overall message is: cool as hell.

San Francisco's Reliquary is an altar to rugged sex appeal. You can take the subtle route—opting for a chunky chain-link ring. Or pick up a necklace with what looks like a tiger's-fang pendant. Either way, this is your best shot to give Tom Hardy a run for his money.