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 of 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 is cool, and this men's jewelry buying guide includes some basic information to show you what options are available, so that you can add just the right bling to your fashion wardrobe.
The first rule for a man's jewelry is 'Don't overdo.' Maybe Mr. T. can wear enough gold chains and men's earrings to finance a small country, but we all pity the fool who tries to match T's trademark fashion statement!
Men's silver jewelry and men's gold jewelry remain the most popular, but platinum jewelry is gaining fast, and the industrial metals--tungsten and titanium jewelry--have debuted to rave reviews. Steel, specifically surgical stain less steel body jewelry, has also begun to make its mark.
When surveyed on what man jewelry was attractive, watches (available in our watch store) were way out in front. 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.
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. 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, including birthstone jewelry, an anniversary stone, even the official gem of your home state! You can also choose the traditional settings--gold rings, silver rings, platinum rings--or you can jump into the industrial metals--steel rings, tungsten rings or titanium rings--which, because of their incredible durability, have become new symbols of strength and energy.
When the time comes for wedding rings, we know the bride will get pretty much 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. (Of course, this is Overstock.com; when do you ever have to worry about the price?)
Men's necklaces, more often called a neck chain or, simply, a chain, generally run from 18 to 24 inches in length. This is enough to get around husky necks, but not so long that the bottom extends below the sternum, where many women's necklaces drop.
To be technically correct, a chain or necklace is the links or woven wires; they may or may not have ornaments attached. If you have something on the chain (hanging free or attached) that something is a pendant (also called a medallion). Usually, pendants are sold on chains, but not always. The terms chain, medallion, necklace and pendant are often used interchangeably, so be sure to look carefully and know exactly what you're buying before placing your order.
Dog tags seem to be the most popular men's necklaces right now (they are easily personalized by engraving), but religious jewelry, unadorned gold chains and silver chains are also in fashion, and probably always will be. Generally, men avoid large pendants or medallions, but defining 'large' is strictly an individual choice.
Cuff links may be the most limited men's jewelry item, wearable only when one is also wearing a French-cuff shirt (stunning examples of which are found in our clothing store). That simply makes them more noticeable when they are worn. 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 and just about anything else, in gold, silver, platinum, titanium, tungsten and even stainless steel; they are often accented with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, topaz, pearls and every other gem. 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 showing off 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).
Only a few years ago, men's bracelets were a bit rare, but times have changed; men's bracelets are in! The men's gold bracelet (yellow gold, white gold, two-tone gold, etc.) is probably the most common; with the men's silver bracelet (especially sterling silver) close behind. Platinum, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, even rubber and leather are getting into the mix. 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 engraveable plate. You can engrave just about anything--your name (some of us must be that forgetful or we wouldn't sell 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 alerts are great, especially for ID bracelets with a small compartment that could contain vital information--doctor's name, allergies, conditions, etc.
Maybe not as popular among the ladies as men's rings and watches, but hey, if more men start wearing them, the ladies are sure to catch on to how good a guy looks with a great bracelet.
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. 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 become widely accepted as "legitimate" men's jewelry (whatever that's supposed to mean). 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, make the right earring if the wearer is happy with it.
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. Overstock.com carries plenty of wallets in our clothing accessories department, but if truly elegant fashion is the look you're after, a money clip is worth serious consideration. Hey, want to really protect your paper and plastic? Money clips are another place where the super metals, titanium and tungsten, are being employed to great effect.
Whatever form your faith takes, Overstock.com will help you 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 enjoy the beauty of a Celtic knot.
From a claddagh to a patron saint medal to spiritual jewelry from the four corners of the world, shopping Overstock.com is as ecumenical as it is affordable.
How can I be sure I'm buying good jewelry online?
Each description of Overstock.com jewelry has a complete description--Four Cs for diamonds and gemstones, grades of pearls, karat or fineness of precious metals--so you know exactly what you're getting. You'll also see detailed photos of every jewelry piece.
How do I care for jewelry?
Store jewelry in individual pouches or separate compartments in jewelry boxes when possible. Keep away from harsh chemicals or activities. If the pieces are set with a gemstone or other adornments, always keep their needs and fragilities in mind when cleaning the setting. We recommend an annual, professional cleaning by a jeweler.
Frequent wearing of men's silver jewelry prevents a lot of tarnish, but silver must be cleaned occasionally. Commercial polishes or polishing cloths work best when tarnish first appears. Gold jewelry and platinum jewelry require less maintenance, but the occasional thorough cleaning is a good idea. Any man's jewelry that gold-plated or silver-plated can chip and does wear through, so have it replated every few years to keep it looking its best. These are soft metals that do wear down and there's nothing that can prevent it. Even deep engraving or castings will look a bit weathered after a few decades.
Titanium, tungsten or stainless steel jewelry is best cleaned with a simple soak in warm, soapy water or detergent and wipe down with a soft cloth. Do not use any harsh abrasives on stainless; they can damage its natural protective oxide coat.
You can easily clean gemstones with a soft toothbrush and mild dish soap mixed with water. Don't scrub too hard, however, some gems or settings are soft and could be damaged.
Should I get my jewelry appraised?
When making any major purchase, an independent appraisal (an estimate of value by a third party) is a good idea. Unlike many other countries, the US government doesn't certify appraisers; it is done by industry organizations. Certified appraisers are generally reliable, but frauds and forgeries abound in any industry where serious money is involved. Since jewelry provides an excellent means for passing wealth from generation to generation--as estate jewelry--an appraisal might be required for tax or insurance purposes, but never think of jewelry simply as an investment or an heirloom. Fine jewelry is fashion jewelry--wear it and enjoy it!
For the budget conscious
For those on a very strict budget, or if you want some bling you can wear at your most rough and tumble activities, consider cubic zirconia. These man-made gem substitutes, plus man-made rubies, emeralds and sapphires, are low-priced, look good, last long and (except under close scrutiny) are indistinguishable from the real thing.
For something special
As you consider men's jewelry, consider the makers. Men's jewelry from our Worldstock partnership comes from skilled local artisans all over the world. Some use commercially produced materials, but many items are handcrafted by talented artists who are also independent small business owners. Each item may vary slightly in size or pattern, making your Worldstock handmade jewelry a unique piece of art. Worldstock prices these goods as inexpensively as possible in order to drive up volume and create as many employment opportunities for these talented smiths as we can.