Men's Jewelrys

Men's Jewelrys
When we talk about jewelry, it's usually in reference to women because they wear more jewelry, they buy more jewelry for themselves and they receive more jewelry as gifts. However, there has been a marked growth in the men's jewelry market of late. In fact, a 2004 survey by a jewelry industry group found 62 percent of women thought men's jewelry attractive or sexy; 40 percent said men should wear more jewelry -- more than just wedding rings.

Asked why men should wear more jewelry, over half the responding women called it a sign of confidence and success or showed the man cared about his looks. Nearly one-third said jewelry just looks nice against his skin. Clearly, men's bling-bling is cool, and this men's jewelry guide includes some basic information on what options are available, so that you can add just the right bling to your fashion wardrobe.

What you need to know

The first rule for a man's jewelry is "Don't overdo." Maybe Mr. T. can wear enough gold chains and earrings to finance a small country, but we all pity the fool who tries to match T's trademark fashion statement!

Among precious metals, gold and silver jewelry remain the most popular, but platinum is gaining fast, and industrial metals -- stainless steel, titanium and tungsten -- have debuted to rave reviews. When surveyed on what manly jewelry was attractive, watches score top marks. Rings and necklaces tied for second and, in third place, cuff-links and bracelets were almost even. Earrings and body jewelry round out the top vote-getters.

Rings
Men's Jewelrys
Men's rings declare a man's personality and his increasing success. Men can have anything from simple, unadorned bands to the fanciest designer rings. For those on a budget, a modest cubic zirconia ring set in silver tone or gold tone makes a great start; it can easily be traded up to sparkling diamond rings or gemstone rings later on. You can also choose the traditional settings (precious metals) or you can jump into something modern (the industrial metals) which, because of their durability, have become new symbols of strength and energy.

When wedding bells ring, everyone knows the bride gets almost all the attention, but why should she get all the ice? Grooms' rings can be a simple band with a diamond accent, or a big, hefty ring sparkling with diamond studs. Love (and marriage) should last forever, so this is definitely the time to spend what you must to get the wedding band you really want without worrying about the price. Sales and deep discounts are always available, you just have to look for them.

Necklaces or Chains

Men's necklaces (more often called neck chains or just chains) generally run from 18 to 24 inches in length. This is enough to get around husky necks, but not so much that the chain extends below the sternum, where many women's necklaces drop. Correctly, a necklace or chain is the links or woven wires without ornaments attached. The things that hang on the chain are "pendants" or "medallions." Usually, pendants are sold on chains, but not always. All these terms are used interchangeably, so be sure to read descriptions carefully and know exactly what you're buying.

Dog tags seem to be the most popular men's necklaces right now, but religious jewelry, unadorned gold or silver chains are also in fashion, and probably always will be. Most men avoid large pendants, but defining "large" is strictly an individual choice.

Cuff Links

Cuff links may be the most limited men's jewelry item; you can only wear them with a French-cuff shirt, but that simply makes them more noticeable when they are on. What they lack in versatility, they make up for with diversity. This puts them among the most-frequently gifted men's jewelry.

Cuff links come with professional symbols, team logos, classical and abstract art motifs; they are available in every metal and accented with every type of gemstone. They even come in glass and crystal. Cuff links are a chance for a man to show off his work, his ethnicity, his hobby or anything else about himself, while also showing his elegant good taste. It is an opportunity to display fine jewelry that no man should pass up, especially a man wearing a French cuff shirt (think about it).

Bracelets

A few years ago, men's bracelets were rare, but times have changed; men's bracelets are in! Gold bracelets -- yellow gold, white gold, two-tone gold, etc. -- are probably the most common with silver, especially sterling silver, close behind. Other metals are getting into the mix while, for some, the leather bracelet will always be the only choice. It really is a what-you-want-is-what-you-get opportunity for displaying personal fashion style.

The ID bracelet is a perennial favorite, although the name is a bit misleading. It's any wrist chain with an engraving plate. You can engrave your name (some of us must be that forgetful or we wouldn't buy so many!), wife's name (with birthday or anniversary dates for that absent-minded crowd), alma mater or personal slogan; all are good choices. If you have a medical condition, medical alert bracelets are great, especially those with a small compartment to contain vital information -- doctor's name, allergies, medications, etc.

Earrings

Ever wonder why pirate movies are full of guys wearing an earring? It was to pay for the funeral, should they get shipwrecked and wash ashore dead. Happily, this is not something 21st Century men need worry about. Men's earrings began to be popular again a few years ago among specific groups, but they have since become widely accepted as "legitimate" men's jewelry (whatever that's means). Men's earrings have a distinct advantage over women's earrings; since most men wear only one, the earring dollar stretches twice as far!

"A basic diamond stud for the basic stud" may not be very PC, but it's a good enough rule, and certainly not written in stone; hoop earrings, dangle earrings, drop earrings, any kind of metal or gemstone, makes the right earring if the wearer is happy with it.

Money Clips

Nothing beats the feeling of pulling a money clip full of bills out of your pocket (unless it's having so many bills they don't fit in said money clip!). Money clips are the minimalist way to carry cash and are increasing in popularity as cash is increasingly replaced by debit cards. Sound odd? It isn't, some new money clips are designed to carry both cash and cards in a safe, compact format. If truly elegant fashion is the look you're after, a money clip is worth having. Hey, want to really protect your paper and plastic? Get a money clips in titanium or tungsten.

Religious

Whatever form your faith takes, you can express that faith with men's religious jewelry that is as beautiful as it is affordable. From the cross to the Star of David to Asian charms, the selection is as wide as human philosophy. Some jewelry icons have grown to transcend any specific church or religion: Many people are sure they have a guardian angel watching over them, and you don't have to be a Druid to be fascinated by a Celtic knot. From a claddagh to a patron saint medal to spiritual jewelry from the four corners of the world, a necklace, bracelet or ring featuring your personal icons is as ecumenical as it is affordable.