My Jewelry: July 2009

By Jason Tye

Society has always placed a huge importance on appearance. Before, the factors that made a man look good were only his clothes and shoes. Jewelry was not part of the picture. But because of the influence of media, society has shed the perception that only women could wear jewelry. More and more men are purchasing jewelry to complement their outfits, not just for special occasions but also for work and less formal events. Because of the increased demand for jewelry, companies try to differentiate their products from the others in an attempt to be at the top of the competition. The result is a movement of the design of men’s jewelry from the traditional and classic to the stylish and unique, with athletes and celebrities dictating the trend.

In terms of materials, a fusion of the old and the new is considered the “in” thing. Timeless materials, such as precious metals and gemstones, are used in combination with ordinary items like leather and glass beads. For instance, bracelets, which were once only made of gold and silver, now come in trendier and more jazzed up designs. Some necklaces come in a combination of leather and silver, and are considered chic and classy.

Three new metals are increasingly being more favored as the material of choice for men’s accessories. These are stainless steel, titanium, and tungsten carbide. Stainless steel has always been popular with watches, but now it is also used for bracelets and other types of jewelry. This is because of its durability, resistance to scratches, and affordability. It is a metal that you can wear when doing outdoor and daily activities, traveling, and even attending formal events. Tungsten carbide, like stainless steel, is durable and scratch-resistant. Titanium also is extremely strong. It can be produced in different colors because of the process of anodizing. However, in choosing colors, the neutral ones, like silver, grey, and black, are the safest choices.

Platinum is another precious metal that exploded in the jewelry scene a couple of years back. At first, it was just thought of as a passing fad, but the trend stuck even though it is three times as expensive as white gold.

Just recently, punk-inspired designs such as skulls and crossbones have invaded the fashion realm. Such designs can be found in shirts, scarves, jackets, and even jewelry. However, these designs have always been used in motorcycle jewelry, but it is only now that they have been embraced into pop culture. Such designs have always been included in men’s jewelry, having the image of rebellion and power, two ideas that have always appealed to men.

Having been popularized by music icons like rappers, R&B singers, and other hip-hop artists, diamonds are increasingly being worn by men. Big silver, white gold, or platinum pendants are embellished with these precious stones. Diamond stud earrings are also considered stylish.

Finally, jewelry trends usually come and go, but there are those that always remain. Timeless pieces, such as steel watches, are what every man should have. They may be simple, but they are always perceived as elegant and classy.

About the Author: © 2008 Jason Tye. Jason Tye is the webmaster and owner of the mens jewelry emporium - homme rock, specializing in quality, designer jewelry and rings, for men.

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