There is somehow a pervasive idea among many men that wearing jewelry is a sign of femininity. That is absolutely incorrect. In fact, in ancient times, wearing jewelry was considered a sign of manliness and was used as a social symbol to signal status. One only needs to look at the Egyptian Pharaohs to note how the kings have always been depicted adorned with jewelry. The history of male bracelets can also be traced back to 5000 BCE.
Even in the medieval and modern times, men have been wearing jewelry. Dog tags worn by many military personnel are jewelry. Yet no one considers military men as ‘unmanly’. And if you look at today’s music scene, you will see that most male rappers wear some kind of jewelry or another. So, if you have any misconception that jewelry is only for women, then it is time that you get that wrong idea out of your head. Remember that it is how you wear the jewelry that will determine how people perceive you. And below, we will look at eight tips that can help you wear jewelry in a proper manner.
Keep It Simple
If you are only starting out experimenting with male jewelry, then it is recommended that you keep things pretty simple in the beginning. You can start wearing a stylish watch or chain. And once you are comfortable with it, you can try out more complex jewelry that matches your taste and personality. There are two reasons why it is better to stick to simple jewelry in the beginning. One, you are an amateur in this area. As such, focusing on buying the most artistic jewelry might end up you wearing something that is completely ridiculous. Two, since your relatives, friends, and co-workers have never seen you with jewelry, you will need to give them some time to adjust to your new style. Wearing extremely detailed and too much jewelry right away can make them uncomfortable. But if they see you with some simple pieces of jewelry, they will have an easier time adjusting to your new look.
Symbolism
Be aware of the symbolism that can be attached to some jewelry. This can help you to wear it in a more impactful way while also ensuring that you don’t end up wearing something that signifies something completely opposite to what you are trying to project. A very simple example is that of ornamental rings. Men who wear extremely intricate and ornamental rings are usually seen to be the wealthy upper class of a society with a long family history. So, if you are one such person, then ornamental rings definitely make sense. However, ornamental rings are also observed to be worn by crime bosses as a symbol of power. Knowing what a specific ornament symbolizes can go a great way in projecting yourself in the right light.
Match With Your Style And Personality
Just as with clothing, you must always wear jewelry that is in harmony with your sense of style and personality. If you wear something that seems out of place with your persona, then it will stick out like a sore thumb and you might give off a very weird vibe to everyone. For example, a lawyer can wear a golden ornamental bracelet, ring, watch, or similar jewelry. But if a lawyer starts wearing gold necklaces adorned with rubies just like rappers, then people will definitely find it strange and laughable. So, if you wish to avoid such embarrassments, then always ensure that whatever jewelry you wear does match with your style.
Metals And Stones
You also need to be very careful about what metal and stone jewelry you use. Some types might suit you perfectly while others may not. Two of the most used metals in male jewelry are silver and gold. Silver is extremely popular because of its neutral color. The grayish white color of the metal and its shininess do add a sense of class to anyone who wears them perfectly. On the other hand, gold jewelry has been the ultimate symbol of wealth. And it continues to be so. Gold jewelry comes in many different shades. So, match them perfectly with your skin tone when you buy them. Another most often used metal for male jewelry is copper. They have a stronger reddish color than gold and can give off a bold vibe. Finally, there are precious stones like diamond, turquoise, rubies, and so on. Though you can wear jewelry made from such stones, these are normally paired off with metal jewelry. Another material that is fast gaining acceptance among men is wood. Items like wooden bracelets, rings etc. are attracting men that are more into the ethnic and natural lifestyle.
What To Wear
Though there are many different options for men when it comes to jewelry, usually most men choose to stick to basic items like a bracelet, ring, necklace, watches, and earrings. Among these, watches are the most often worn jewelry by men. It is so much in use that it is no longer even considered jewelry by most people.
The next most used piece of jewelry is a ring. While married men do wear a ring, these items are also worn to signify power. For example, the ring worn by the Pope. Also, a ring, like other jewelry pieces, can be a stylish way of accessorizing any outfit. Whether you're wearing casual or formal attire, a ring can make you look better. You only need to choose a ring that suits your taste, and you’re good to go.
Luckily, there are several styles and materials to choose from when buying a ring. For example, Tungsten can be one of the commonly used ring materials to consider. It’s a great symbol of strength and love. It’s also durable and comfortable to wear even on a day-to-day basis. So, if you’re looking for a ring for your wedding or as a daily accessory, you can check out several options, such as the Etrnl rings, for your reference.
Aside from rings, bracelets and chains are also extremely common among many men. And while those made of gold and silver are most often used, you can also shop for a diamond chain if you wish to stand out more. Earrings were also very popular with men in ancient times. And though they have gone out of vogue over the past centuries, there has been a steady trend of men choosing to wear earrings. Finally, there are necklaces. Though it is rare to see men wearing necklaces in a professional environment, it is very popular in the creative world to see men with stylish necklaces.
What Not To Wear
While knowing what jewelry to wear is important, even more important is to know what not to wear. As a rule of thumb, it is better to avoid things like belly piercings. It should be clear that this type of jewelry won’t go well with the masculine identity. Similarly, items like toe rings, armlets, and grills are also best avoided. Stick with the regular types of jewelry like bracelets, watches, rings etc. and you won’t have any issue wearing them in any social setting.
Body Proportion
Make sure that you always wear jewelry that is in perfect proportion to your body. The items must neither be too big or too small. If the jewelry is too small, then it can make you look ‘fatter’ than you normally are. In contrast, if it is too large, then you might appear too thin when wearing them. For example, when you wear a watch with an oversized bezel, your wrist will inevitably look weak. It is to avoid such appearances that it is recommended for men to only use jewelry that fits their body size perfectly.
Skin Tone
Finally, you must also take your skin tone into consideration when wearing jewelry. This is because sometimes, there are jewelry pieces that will clash with your skin tone. Hence, to ensure your jewelry complements your skin tone, look at your skin in natural light and determine the color of your veins.
Once you know the color of your veins, you may now apply some common rules about the proper wearing of jewelry pieces. For example, for men who have purple or blue veins and a cool skin tone, light metals like gold, silver, and platinum will be suitable. For men who have warm skin tones and green veins, yellow metals like brass, yellow gold etc. is recommended. And as far as men with neutral skin tones are concerned, you have the freedom of using both yellow and white metals.
Conclusion
Indeed, wearing jewelry can provide you with a more polished look. However, it’s best to know that some designs and styles may not complement your attire or entire appearance. Hence, keep the information mentioned above in mind to give you an idea of how to wear jewelry properly without compromising comfort and appearance.
