Evolution of Men's Jewelry: History of the Renaissance, Ethnic Tribal, and Modern Day Jewelry Eras

Evolution of Men's Jewelry: History of the Renaissance, Ethnic Tribal, and Modern Day Jewelry Eras For the last two hundred years, men's jewelry choices have been limited to timepieces, cuff links, tie pins, and the wedding band. But in the last 20 or 30 years, men have begun breaking away from the staunch restrictions that Victorian society once placed on their use of jewelry.

Urban men are starting to freely wear whatever catches their eye as an expression of individuality and their own unique taste. Modern pieces are reminiscent of the Renaissance era, while ethnic, tribal-looking pieces are also becoming more common. These days, men have the freedom to choose whatever they like and wear it with pride.

The Renaissance Period The Renaissance was a time of lavish splendor and over-the-top indulgence in every avenue of life. Men's jewelry of the era was no different. Jewelers took great pride in each piece they crafted, imparting a good deal of personal style in every item by utilizing pearls, emeralds, and rubies. It was during that time period that jewelers started to rose-cut gemstones, which made them sparkle like never before.

The burgeoning jewelry manufacturing business made cheap jewelry widely available for men and women — regardless of their socioeconomic status. Imitation pearls and gemstones became the norm for men who were not wealthy or royalty. Men also wore a wide array of hat jewels, men's pendants, men's bracelets, and rings. Women favored fake gemstone bedecked rings, brooches, and necklaces. Men wore a wide array of hat jewels, men's pendants, bracelets, and rings. Flamboyance for both men and women was considered quite acceptable and fashionable.

Ethnic Tribal Jewelry Ethnic tribal jewelry pieces run the gamut of cultures. Three of the most popular styles in recent years that have seen a resurgence of interest are the Viking, Celtic, and Polynesian necklaces.

Male ethnic tribal necklaces generally feature some amulet that depicts a special ethnic or tribal shape or inscription, such as the Matua Nautica fish symbol that hangs from a black leather neck cord. The entire Matua Nautica symbolizes ocean knowledge and is believed to bestow on the wearer a more focused direction in life. Another highly popular ethnic symbol that has experienced renewed popularity is the Celtic Cross, which is worn in a variety of designs and manufactured from a wide array of materials. It's not uncommon for modern men to purchase such pieces, either as a novelty or in the genuine belief that wearing them aids with whatever they are seeking. However, the necklace remains the most popular ethnic tribal jewelry choice for men, followed closely by the bracelet. Women also purchase ethnic tribal necklaces that carry the same symbols, but bracelets, anklets, and rings are more widely favored by female wearers.

Modern Men's Jewelry Jewelry for the modern man is limited only by his imagination. Modern jewelry has become an art, with artisans creating unique pieces that depict their own tastes and views of the world. Artisan jewelry making was once just a hobby, but it has now grown into a modern day profession with many male and female jewelry pieces created by well-known artists. Such artistically designed jewelry pieces combine the beauty and elegance of the Renaissance era with many touches of ethnic tribal designs. Often, artistic modern day jewelry pieces are limited editions that quickly become sought-after collector items. Modern men's jewelry consists mostly of necklaces and bracelets that are made in a variety of materials such as pewter, titanium, silver, gold, bone, coral, and platinum. Many are adorned with gemstones. Women’s jewelry pieces often resemble men’s, but necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets geared toward women are typically designed with a dainty and feminine touch. There is little doubt that men's jewelry will continue to flourish as men embrace their individuality and their freedom to wear whatever catches their eye.

Company Bio William Henry specializes in men's jewelry, engraving, knives, cuff links, key chains, golf tools, writing instruments, and exclusive luxury gifts for men. Their jewelry pieces are manufactured in a wide array of materials such as coral, fossils, 24k gold, silver, titanium, and hand-forged metals from the ancient samurai tradition.