Often seen as more of a woman’s accessory, jewellery can be disregarded by men. Still, men have always cherished jewellery as an accessory throughout history, so affecting the elegant, opulent men’s jewellery of now.
Although male jewellery today is all about enhancing style, for thousands of years guys have worn accessories for many reasons including identification, wealth and status display. History has also shown that men were wearing jewellery before women!’}) then learn how historical men’s jewellery has influenced present men’s jewellery by exploring the past and purposes of men’s jewellery in many historical era. combines with Discover the history of men’s jewellery and how it was used in many historical periods and find out how historical men’s jewellery has shaped the jewellery for men today.
Jewellery for men throughout ancient times would be wanted.
Many historians think men dressing jewellery could go all the way back to ancient times, pre 500 CE. Found first were eagle talon necklaces or bracelets produced in Croatia by Neanderthals.
Men’s jewellery in ancient times also featured many different shell and animal teeth. As cavemen thought wearing it would bestow them magical powers, they would produce these types of ornaments. Furthermore, they used jewellery to highlight their leadership level.
Men’s jewellery began to resemble current pieces only 6000 years ago; this is when copper, silver, and gold were introduced and ancient times jewellery was quite different from that of today.
Egypt
After the Neanderthals, jewellery for men changed significantly in the Ancient Times. In Ancient Egypt, elaborate gold and silver jewellery were worn by many Pharaohs. From exquisite grand necklaces to flashy bracelets to symbolise their wealth and protect them in the afterlife.
Ancient Greece
High-ranking men in Ancient Greece decorated their heads with laurels and wrapped their shoulders with garlands. Many soldiers wore leather or metal cuffs to keep them protected when in battle.
Ancient Rome
During the Ancient Rome period, males would wear jewellery if they ranked higher in society. For example, emperors tended to wear extravagant jewellery such as diamonds and precious stones. Soldiers also wore rings to show their rank and accomplishments.
Jewellery for men in the Middle Ages
Men wore jewellery in the middle ages along religious grounds or to exhibit cultural relevance. Crosses, still worn today, started to become popular among Christian men. St Christopher medallions began to be worn by Catholic guys to shield them as well.
Men in the Middle Ages also used to quite frequently have signet rings so they could effortlessly seal and sign letters and papers. On the other hand, these rings were a statement of riches and prestige. Trade between Asia and Europe beginning to grow also brought in many valuable gems. This also meant men began sporting many different kinds of stones on metal jewellery or garments. This led royalty men, especially in India, to start sporting opulent gem-coated jewellery.
Men’s jewellery during the Renaissance and Baroque Era
The Renaissance and Baroque Eras were very flamboyant and personalised times when it came to style and accessories. These eras brought in broaches, tie pins and cufflinks that are used today. However, these accessories were very intricately designed and were gem-encrusted. Men also began wearing stylish watches too, which were very luxurious items to possess.
The Victorian Era jewellery for men
Victorianism came sharply contrasting with the Renaissance and Baroque periods and was all about looking neat and polished. This implied that men’s jewellery was understated and free from pretensions. Men started wearing mourning jewellery to honor their deceased relatives as Queen Victoria was known for.
Jewellery started to rise in popularity and become a symbol of political power and wealth. Many men sported the pocket watch and chain as a fashion and useful piece of jewellery since these were also developed in this era. Born also were major present jewellery companies including Tiffany & Co and Cartier.
20th Century men’s jewellery
Mens jewellery was traditional and signet rings, pocket watches, and cuff links were the only accessories worn around the turn of the 20th century, i.e., the 1900s. Later in the 20th century, men’s jewellery began to be used as a fashion statement, very much now in extent. Men began to play with jewellery in the late 1900s to improve their style and reveal their personality through statement pieces.
Men returned to the more grandiose jewellery style including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings thanks in part to celebrity influence. Hip hop exploded in the 1980s and 1990s, so statement gold chains and over-the-top glamorous pendants, which rappers wore, became a hit. Jewellery became open to many people regardless of their riches or rank over this time.
Today’s men’s jewellery line
Today, men’s jewellery has become so diverse and accessible as a means to elevate outfits and add personality to their style. It’s a great way for men to express themselves and their sense of style in a small and effective way.
Many materials are available today from gold, silver and platinum to leather, wood and cotton. This leads to so many different types of jewellery for men to choose from, such as high-end items to more cost-effective items.
Luxurious items such as watches and men’s designer rings have become a staple to any outfit and can last for years to come through their high-quality materials that are super stylish and complement many outfits.
Men’s jewellery has grown over the years to create the jewellery we know and love today. From the Neanderthal creations with materials they foraged to the introduction of metal jewellery, men’s jewellery has been an important staple for thousands of years. Jewellery for men has been worn for multiple reasons and has shown wealth and status for years, however, it is now more accessible than ever for everyone to wear jewellery.
