About Men's Jewelry

Traditionally, the average man has not flaunted too much in the way of jewelry, keeping things more conservative with a watch, class ring and/or a wedding band if married. Earrings were once a viewed as sign of rebellion and gold or platinum chains were reserved for the music scene. Those days have come and gone and modern times have brought in an appreciation of jewelry including pendants, rings and bracelets.

And since more men now adorn themselves with accessories, it is important to know that you are making the intended statement with your various man-baubles. It is important to keep in mind whether you are accessorizing for a formal shin dig or a more casual situation. Different occasions prompt different ways to wear adornments and you want to remain tasteful and fashionable in your selections.

Here are some helpful tips on trends in men's jewelry.

Earrings - Most modern men are piercing both ears rather than just the one ear trend that was previously popular. Diamond studs still remain a popular option, but since a larger stone is more fashionable than a smaller one, there are plenty of cubic zirconium options that look tasteful. Studs in silver, stainless steel and titanium remain widely popular as well. Hoops should be small and snug the earlobes to avoid looking like a pirate, and there are modern styles made from titanium in a variety of colors.

Necklaces - Pendants are a stable popular item to adorn the neck. A leather or hemp rope necklace with a stone pendant has an earthy look, while a platinum or gold chain and pendant carries an urban look and feel. Black or brown leather with a bold chunky silver pendant is contemporary and artistic. Dog Tags remain a popular look and are usually made of stainless steel or titanium. The skull and cross craze seems to be a fading fad, but other elements of "biker" jewelry should stay such as silver necklaces with onyx, turquoise, and amber - masculine and tough without being obnoxious.

Rings - No longer just for the married, rings have grown in great popularity for accessorizing the hands. Unless it is an actual wedding band, there are no set rules for which hand or finger you adorn. Pinky rings in general are pretty tacky and do not make the right fashion statement. Some men have taken the popularity of rings to a bad level by wearing multiple rings on both hands. Simplicity is important in wearing a ring fashionably. Select a key piece to display on a middle finger, whether it is thick band or one with a cool stone set into it. You don't have to limit yourself to a diamond. Many men overlook wearing a ring with an attractive masculine stone such as Onyx, Turquoise, or Amber set into silver. Titanium and steel are popular materials for putting a twist on a simple classic band.

Bracelets - Bracelets have increasingly become popular in men's fashion accessories. No longer is the gold chain link style the standard. Today's bracelets are fabricated from a variety of materials from steel, titanium, silver, rope and leather. A handsome leather band is rugged and manly, where a rope bracelet with wooden beads or stones may demonstrate the more artistic side of a man. Layering bracelets can also look fashionable by wearing ones made from similar materials but in a mixture of weight and width. Link bracelets are always a hands down favorite and modern styles are made from stainless steel and titanium, sometimes with a leather or gemstone mix. Copper and magnetic bracelets serve two purposes, adornment and aids in aches and pains in the wrists and hands.

Watches - The watch has gone beyond being simply a practical device that keeps time. Watches have become a centerpiece for men's accessories and men are seeking out everything from designer labels and sometimes watches even diamond studded ones. This is where a watch becomes less than a timekeeper and more of a piece of jewelry. Whichever style you choose, designer or sporty, the face of the watch should reflect your personality. A small, delicate watch face is an outdated look. Investing in a great watch is important; as you can be sure everyone will be checking out which designer you are sporting.  

Cufflinks - A traditional staple in men's accessories, cufflinks can vary from simple to extravagant. They can be worn every day to work or just for formal occasions, such as a wedding. Cufflinks are a simple accessory that can make a bold statement. Cufflinks vary in style and can be designed with fabric, semi-precious stones, carbon fiber, diamonds, silver, platinum or gold. There is a style and price for every taste and budget. The cufflink just may be the closet thing for a man in wearing his heart on his sleeve, so be selective about what your heart desires to say.