Stylish, Tasteful and Masculine...Jewelry for the Guys

Why should women have all the baubles? Jewelry has been worn and enjoyed by men since the beginning of time. In fact, archeologists have uncovered the remains of several Cro-Magnon men wearing strands of small bones, teeth, berries and stones strung on strips of animal sinew around their necks, wrists and ankles. Then as mankind developed, jewelry followed along, becoming more sophisticated in both materials and design.

An increase in world exploration during the Renaissance Period introduced new sources of gemstones to European jewelers. That, coupled with improved personal wealth for the upper class along with stable rulers including King of England Henry VIII and French King Francis I who both worn lavish jewelry from some of the era’s finest craftsmen, increased the demand for men’s pieces with pendants being one of the most popular.

Portrait of Henry VIII of England by Hans Holbein

During WWII men’s jewelry choices consisted mainly of a watch, wedding ring, tie clip, cufflinks and perhaps a money clip. Several years after the end of the war, college rings gained in popularity since more adult males returned to and graduated from college after serving in the military.

The 1960’s and early 1970’s ushered in a time of great social change and men began sporting everything from multiple strands of colorful beads to gold medallions, pendants and bracelets. Earrings for men have ebbed and flowed over the years and now it’s not unusual to see a man with both ears pierced and filled with either matching studs or small hoops.

Today most major fashion houses include several tasteful jewelry collections for men including bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces. Popular London jeweler, Stephen Webster said in a Wall Street Journal article, “Picking the right ring, bracelet or necklace finishes your look…a well-chosen piece can lend a little bit of edge to an outfit.”

All metals work well with the more masculine pieces while stones generally should be darker in nature. White diamonds and colorful stones tend to be a bit too flashy for most gentlemen. Etched designs, religious icons and pieces with sentimental value such as signet rings or a medallion with the family crest are always good choices.

Father’s Day is less than a month away and while I always have several men’s pieces in stock, I’d love to discuss designing that custom piece for your special man.

Various custom made men's items by Danielle Miller Jewelry