Jewelry is for women! WRONG.
Jewelry is a status symbol, a distinctive sign that can communicate the personality and mood of the wearer without the need for words. That’s why many successful men seek and wear jewelry both in their personal and professional lives.
However, choosing jewelry is never a trivial matter. Which ones should you choose? What are their historical origins? How should you wear them? What are the mistakes to avoid? In this brief guide, we aim to clarify the topic of men’s jewelry and their use.
Let’s start by saying that the main types of men’s jewelry are 3 (plus a bonus one):
Men’s Bracelets
Origins
Bracelets are by no means a new element in men’s fashion. There is evidence that even prehistoric men started adorning their wrists with bones and shells to ward off evil spirits. With the discovery of metalworking, jewelry in general was used both to mark the social status of the wearer and as a form of payment in commercial transactions. In many traditions, warriors used metal bands on their arms as an additional piece of their armor to indicate their value and/or rank. In some cultures, bracelets were used as currency for trading food, housing, and animals. Over time, bracelets have evolved, blending the charm of esoteric tradition and lucky amulets with that of a status symbol, becoming a modern style accessory.
How to wear them
There are different types and styles that can be adapted to your personality and mood. Ideally, you should have several bracelets to be able to match them with other jewelry you wear (such as rings and necklaces), as well as with your outfit and the occasion. Bracelets are important because, like watches, they highlight the wrists and hands and can correct or enhance that part of your body. The trend is to wear a minimalistic metal jewelry piece that is both refined and easy for any guy or man to wear without feeling too much in the spotlight.
Mistakes to avoid
Don’t be fooled by their easy wearability. Bracelets should be chosen and worn carefully to avoid appearing excessive or lacking in class. Remember that an elegant bracelet “shines on its own,” but if you want a bolder look and wear more than one, seek harmony between styles, perhaps by wearing jewelry from the same collection.
Here are some of our suggestions:
Men’s Necklaces
Origins
The first necklaces were already made in the Etruscan period by what we can define as the ancestors of Italian goldsmiths and among the first master craftsmen in metalworking. In addition to producing tools, weapons, and armor, metalworkers began making real gold and silver jewelry with a particular focus on those used to adorn the neck. This gave rise to what we can define as the first jewelry necklaces in history. There was no distinction between men’s and women’s necklaces; they mostly served to indicate the social status of the wearer. The first differentiation between men’s and women’s necklaces occurred during the Middle Ages when necklaces were mostly worn as men’s jewelry, embellished with gemstones or the crests of different families.
How to wear them
Choose a minimalist necklace that can be worn both over a t-shirt and hidden under a t-shirt, shirt, or sweater, slightly peeking around the neck. The length is also an important aspect, and in general, it should not exceed the center of your chest, and, of course, it should not be too tight or close.
Length is also an important aspect, and in general, it should never exceed the center of your chest and, of course, it should not be too tight and close-fitting to your neck. Have fun mixing and matching metals and complementary materials to create your unique style.
Mistakes to avoid:
Once again, the keyword is one: be minimal!
Of course, without sacrificing personality.
Avoid large and bulky chains that may look tacky; instead, consider “layering,” which means starting with a simple 24-inch chain (with or without a pendant) and perhaps layering a smaller 22-inch chain with a pendant on top of it.
Like any other accessory, a necklace should be a subtle accent to your personality and overall outfit. Wearing more than 2 necklaces at once can be excessive.
Here’s a few of our bestsellers:
Men’s Rings
Origins
In ancient times, rings had the important purpose of identifying the wearer, representing symbols of different houses or serving as an actual seal or signature. By pressing a ring into hot wax or ink, the wearer could sign a letter or imprint their mark on a seal.
From the Roman era onwards, in addition to their practical purpose, rings began to be used as identifiers of social status. Emperor Augustus, for example, wore different rings at different times, featuring a sphinx, the head of Alexander the Great, or an image of his own head.
In medieval and Renaissance Britain, among other examples, rings had various uses: personal identification seals, rings indicating political affiliation or support for specific social causes, rings demonstrating professional rank, and devotional rings used by creditors to remind debtors of their debts. Last but not least, the most common reason men wear rings even today: to symbolize marriage.
With their social, spiritual, political, and commercial uses, rings have always served a purpose similar to tattoos: indestructible markers carrying messages worn on the body to revive the wearer’s memory of significant moments, events, or facts from their own lives.
How to Wear Them
Let’s be honest: sometimes the word “ring” can even scare the bravest of men. Don’t worry, there are other rings besides wedding bands.
The most important concept to keep in mind is practicality: a ring that is too large can be uncomfortable if you work a lot with your hands, need to sign documents, or work on a computer. Always consider practicality, size, and the number of rings you want to wear.
The best rings are those that are light and elegant, the kind that you forget you’re wearing. For example, titanium can be an excellent solution: durable, lightweight, and stylish. If you add brilliant details with a unique design, you’re all set.
Mistakes to Avoid
The advice is to wear a maximum of one ring per hand. The right ring can be the protagonist of your look even on its own, it doesn’t need supporting actors. If you prefer a bolder style, you can possibly add one more ring, but not more than that.
As with necklaces, remember that size is extremely important, and before choosing your next ring, you should download a guide to help you understand which size is right for you.
Few suggestions for you
Bonus: Men’s Solitaire Rings
Origins
The history and etiquette behind men’s wedding bands are truly interesting. The practice of exchanging rings during a wedding dates back to the customs of ancient Egyptians, but it was only in the 16th century that men began wearing what is considered the “first male wedding band”: the Gimmel Ring.
This ancestor of men’s solitaire rings consisted of two interlocking circles, which were respectively worn by the groom and the bride (one circle each) throughout the engagement period. During the wedding ceremony, the groom would then place his band on the bride’s finger as a symbol of eternal union.
The men’s solitaire ring, however, is not only a modern concept but almost futuristic. The underlying idea in our society has always been that it is the man who proposes marriage to his beloved. Well, it won’t surprise you to know that this concept has also been challenged, with an increasing number of women deciding to make the “first move” and ask their partners for their hand in marriage.
In addition to the ritual of marriage proposals, the men’s solitaire ring is often used as a gift to celebrate milestones or special moments in the wearer’s life.
Choosing the Right Solitaire Ring
Who says a man can’t wear a solitaire ring? In fact, a solitaire ring is not just a simple ring; it can represent a special moment, an event, an emotion, or a commemoration. In short, it is a unique and personal memory, precious from every perspective.
Men’s solitaire rings exist and are a sought-after reality, although not all brands succeed in producing them successfully. It takes experience, craftsmanship, and expertise to combine unique design, appropriate materials, and the most exquisite gemstones into an evocative and highly refined product.
Whether it’s a gift you give to yourself or receive from the person you love, it’s important to choose carefully whom to rely on to find the right solitaire ring that will become a significant memory of a undoubtedly special moment in your life.
If, on the other hand, you’re about to take the big step and are looking for wedding bands, discover the guide on titanium, gold, and diamond wedding bands.