Jewelry: Not Just For Women

The first thing that comes to mind when theand new styles is emerging. New materials,
word jewelry is mentioned is women. Jewelry, fordesigns, and types of jewelry have become more
the longest time, has always been associated withsocially acceptable for men. The jewelry industry
women. However, history disproves this since thehas indeed taken advantage of the growing
fascination for jewelry was also shared by men inawareness of gender equality. Materials, such as
the early times. Ancient kings and male memberspearls, that once were only used in making
of the nobility were fond of jewelry since suchwomen's jewelry are now being utilized in men's
valuable pieces were a symbol of wealth, power,accessories, but paired with more "manly"
and influence. They wore extravagant earrings,materials like leather. Classic pieces, such as
necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and crowns. Theycufflinks, were once made only in gold, silver, and
donned clothes lavished with gemstones. Evenplatinum. But now, other colorful stones such as
their weapons were embellished with preciousrubies, garnets, and diamonds adore the once plain
metals. But for some time, the attitude towardscufflink as a testament to elegant, contemporary
jewelry-wearing changed. Society expected menmasculinity. Even stainless steel, which was only
to have nothing of that fancy stuff. However, theseen in watches before, is increasingly being
men of today are slowly gaining back theincorporated into fine men's jewelry because of
confidence in wearing jewelry that they once had.its platinum-like shine, durability, and affordability.
Nowadays, there is virtually no end to the kindsBut these pieces of men's jewelry are not just
and designs of jewelry available to men. Men arelimited for celebrities and athletes. Since jewelry is
now more at ease with wearing jewelry. In fact,now the "in" thing, more and more men are
most are not content with the usual watchinclined to wear the fancy stuff. The jewelry that
anymore. They are now more comfortable withis created nowadays caters to different market
complementing their outfits with matching jewelry.segments. There are those appropriate for a
Common items that men are given or even shopspecific occupation. Jewelry for businessmen is
for themselves include watches, bracelets,different from that which is for rock stars. There
earrings, chains, rings, cufflinks, and money clips.are also those that are appropriate for a certain
The trend is increasingly becoming so popular thatage group.
the men's jewelry industry experienced a growthSo don't be shocked if one day, every man you
of 20 percent in the past few years. As such,meet is wearing some form of accessory.
established brands of jewelry, such as Bulgari andJewelry-wearing is a trend that is becoming more
Cartier, have released more items for the maleand more accepted and popular. It is actually not
category. In addition, newer brands are beingsurprising, since jewelry carries with it the
introduced to the market to cater to themessage that the wearer is rich, confident,
increased demand for men's jewelry.influential, and handsome.
Jewelry experts say that a fusion between old