Buying jewellery for women has long been synonymous with gestures of love and appreciation but less so for men. For many, it has been seen as un-masculine and unnecessary, but has that preconception changed? This article outlines how mens jewellery is now acceptable, sometimes!
Ring The Changes
A simple wedding band has long been acceptable as jewellery for men, although given that they are so plain, they almost don’t count. A cygnet ring can be a classy option, but jewel-encrusted rings are not advisable. Few men, even in today’s more tolerant society, can pull-off wearing more than one ring on each finger.
Necklaces
As with most mens jewellery, simplicity is the key. Garish colours and designs are not necessary. A simple pendant bearing a religious emblem on a narrow chain is subtle and acceptable. Depending on your profession, for example if you are a champion surfer, you might look less out of place with bigger and more numerous cord necklaces and bracelets. Military-inspired ‘dog-tags’ were fashionable for a time and as a means of carrying important medical information, they are still very useful whether you are serving in the Forces or not.
Watch What You’re Wearing
Most men wear a watch. Few consider it to be jewellery. Along with ties, watches are one of the best ways for men to express their personality in their work wear. To be taken seriously though, avoid cartoon characters on both! A quality watch is one of the easiest ways of wearing attractive mens jewellery. People will judge you on your watch though, so make sure it conveys the right message. You might even want several, so you definitely get it right. Think about:
Style
Size
Colour
Brand
Function
Make The Cause A Good One
Today’s trend is for ’cause’ bracelets rubber bands bearing the name or colour-branding of your chosen cause or charity. Out of the work place, fine, although no more than one at a time.
Link Your Outfit Together
Cufflinks are another generally accepted form of mens jewellery. Almost always made of metal, they can be ‘fun’ too, though ‘novelty’ designs should be left away from the business environment. Bone and wood are appearing far more regularly in attractive mens jewellery of all sorts, no doubt because of the growing interest in ethnic styles and traditions.
Check The Dress Code
Most offices have a dress code and while the women’s guidelines might seem more lenient than those set out for the men, both will say something along the lines of “modesty,” “small,” “unobtrusive,” etc.
As with so many things in fashion, less is more. One or two carefully chosen pieces can look classy and sophisticated. Beware piling on the ‘bling,’ unless ‘rapper’ or ‘hip-hop artist’ is the look you’re trying to achieve. With mens jewellery, minimalism is far better. Men can wear rings, necklaces, even ear-rings, but elaborate adornments should be left to the ladies. Naturally though, this is just one man’s opinion and thoughts and cultures suggest different ideas across the world.
AUTHOR BIO
Tom Campbell writes regularly on various topics for a range of jewellery and accessory websites. He has seen various retailers launching mens jewellery lines and believes that it is possible today to source Attrractive mens jewellery without breaking the bank
