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Mens Jewelry

Throughout history men have worn jewelry for many different reasons. Men’s jewelry has often been thought to be effeminate, but some of the first jewelry ever worn was donned by men. In china men wore decorative hat buttons and rings to show their rank and wealth. Earrings were also worn by both men and women in china, and other Asian cultures. Jeweled weapons were common items for men during the Middle Ages, as were signet rings.

Signet rings are worn by nobility in Europe and act much like a signature does nowadays. They are one of the oldest forms of men’s jewelry. Each one was custom made with a coat of arms, or seal of the noble family and typically worn on the small finger. By pressing the ring into hot wax the seal would transfer and it could be shown that a specific person either signed the document or sealed the letter. Upon the death of a Pope, his signet is destroyed in preparation for the new one. The signet is still worn by the few European noble families that still exist.

In modern times, men’s jewelry consists of watches, cuff-links, belt buckles, and wedding bands. Many watches are decorated with precious gemstones, and many are made from precious metals such as gold, silver and titanium. Alloys are often used so the material will be harder and more durable. Cuff links are worn with fancy suits and tuxedos and are used to fasten the cuffs of the shirt together. They are available in many different styles and colors, and are often the only unique piece in men’s formal wear. Decorated belt buckles are very popular for men in the western and southern United States. The size of the belt buckle denotes what a skilled cowboy they are, and larger is often more desirable.

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