Gold jewelry can be the perfect gift for the man on your list that has everything. One trend that is making a comeback is the gold nugget and the popularity of men's bracelets. Why not combine the two for the man in your life and get them a 14k gold men's nugget bracelet for that special occasion. The following guide can help you pick out the perfect piece.

Real Vs. Designed

When it comes to nugget jewelry, there are two basic types -- true nuggets and designer nuggets. True nuggets are those found in nature, and they are exceptionally rare. Most natural gold is found as flakes or in veins, rarely is an actual nugget discovered. For this reason, real nugget jewelry can be more pricey than the designer versions. Real nuggets can also be somewhat chunky for a men's piece, so they are often reserved for use in pendants or women's statement bracelets.

Designer nugget jewelry is still made of real gold, just like a real nugget piece, but it is designed to mimic the look of a natural nugget. This is the preferred option, particularly for men's bracelets, because the result is a smoother, piece that is less chunky and more comfortable to wear. Further, a good designer can actually improve on nature and provide you with a unique piece that is sure to please for years to come.

Gold Content

Avoid plated jewelry when shopping for a nugget bracelet. The wrist will bump into a lot of things during the day and you don't want plating to wear off and show the cheaper metal underneath.

At the other end of the spectrum, you don't want the gold too pure. For example, 24k gold may have fewer impurities but it's very soft. This means the nugget design will wear off and the gold can become dented with heavy wear. Instead, opt for 14K gold. A 14K gold piece contains nearly 60% gold, which means it provides all the luster and beauty but it is sturdy enough for a daily wear bracelet.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Consider regular maintenance before making your final choice. All gold pieces require periodic maintenance, but nugget jewelry rarely needs more than a surface cleaning. This is because a surface patina from wear actually makes the design more beautiful as it highlights the natural-like appearance of the nugget.

The piece should be taken into a jeweler periodically for maintenance, though. The jeweler will check clasps and hinges to make sure they are functioning correctly and the piece is secure.

if you're new to jewelry entirely, consider looking at 14k gold mens nugget bracelets at your local jewelers.