Men's Fancy Jewelry

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Important Qualities of Men's Bracelets

Men’s bracelets have a long history of use, dating back to the charm bracelets of ancient Egyptians and the decorated bracelets of ancient Greek and Latin civilizations. In modern urban society, men’s bracelets are increasingly becoming a part of men’s fashion and a variety of bracelets are available in attractive designs at most of the jewelry shops. However, men’s bracelets mostly differ from those of women in both ornamental detail and the overall build of the bracelet. Men’s bracelets tend to be simpler, studier, and less detailed than women’s bracelets. The choice of a particular men’s bracelet depends on individual taste but also on cultural influences and the customer’s budget for jewelry.

Gold Men's Bracelets

Bracelets have traditionally been associated with women of fashion for formal and casual wear. However bracelets have been worn by men since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Pharaohs of ancient Egypt wore charm bracelets, which were considered lucky and effective against evil forces. At that time, charm bracelets were also considered as indicators of a person’s prosperity in life. In the ancient Greek civilization, men’s bracelets were worn both by soldiers and laymen. Men’s bracelets of Geek and Latin civilizations were often decorated with precious stones.

In modern times, bracelets have become quite popular among men, especially young men, over the past few decades and today men’s bracelets are on the hot list of many fashion catalogues. Like women’s bracelets, men usually tend to wear bracelets to complement other jewelry items like a watch or a ring. The choice of men’s bracelets, however, differs from that of women’s in some regards.

In general, men prefer to pick bracelets that are simpler and sturdier than those usually worn by women. The choice of course reflects the masculinity of the wearer. Simple bracelets for men do not carry many (or any at all) gems and/or ornate designs on the bracelet’s surface. Some men may not strictly adhere to this quality while choosing their bracelet. Most customers, however, prefer men’s bracelets that closely fit around the wrist and do not dangle or slide along the arm during movements.

Men’s bracelets vary widely in size, depending on the actual size of the customer’s hand. Big and chunky bracelets are the prime choice of most men. Metal bracelets with a chain-link are the ideal masculine type of men’s bracelets. Thick Silver chains are more befitting for men’s use than delicate golden ones. However, sports enthusiasts also wear beaded or woven bracelets on special sporting occasions.

Leather is becoming increasingly popular for making men’s jewelry items. Leather bracelets for men are available in a variety of shades and designs. In leather bracelets too, the choice of color is mostly restricted to black and brown. Simplicity is the preferred criterion for men among leather bracelets as well. The best show among leather bracelets comes in the form of braided leather bracelets.

Onyx Men's Bracelets

The choice of men’s bracelets is frequently influenced by the customer’s budget and culture. Many Indian men, for example, like to wear a bangle (known in the local language as Kada) around their wrists. Metal bracelets usually cost more and bracelets with gems, especially diamonds, are still enjoyed mostly by men of class. The styles in men’s bracelets keep changing with time.

Lately there has been a resurgence of cuff style bracelets for men. It is preferred for its more masculine look and feel. Engravings one’s name or initials on a bracelet gives it a more personalized look. That is why many jewelry shops abundantly display customized charm bracelets

Friday, August 19, 2005

Thank you for all the feedback on "Adventures of a Wandering Jeweler"

The latest Italian styles in three-color and two-color gold. It's great to be back on Marco and nice to be missed. Thank you for all the feedback on "Adventures of a Wandering Jeweler."

My month-long "working holiday" in Europe has stimulated my brain with hundreds of design ideas that will hopefully materialize into some exciting pieces created by my goldsmiths and myself in the months to come. I know you will all be looking forward to the upcoming season and winter holidays.

So, what's hot, you ask? There's so much happening in the European jewelry field! The selection was huge. The individual designers and manufacturing companies in Italy were more interesting than most European companies we deal with. Many of the fashion designs are really "out there" and a little too out there my taste or my clientele for that matter.

Here in the States, anyone who preferred the look of white gold to yellow would often be disappointed by the limited selection in many stores.

Most US jewelry stores were afraid to invest too much money in white gold. The demand and availability just was not there. Many jewelers considered white gold just a trend or fad that would pass. Then something unusual happened. The other white metal, platinum, exploded on the jewelry scene! Movie stars, recording artists and sports figures were suddenly dripping with platinum and diamonds. So, naturally, everybody wanted platinum, regardless of the fact it was three times more expensive than gold. White gold looks like platinum and is a more reasonable alternative, moneywise.

The newest trend in Europe this summer is rose or pink gold. I did buy some pieces because of customer requests - I just didn't go overboard. In Southwest Florida, being "in the pink" could slowly catch on. Like most jewelry trends, it's a let's-wait-and-see kind of thing.

I am fond of the two-tone designs consisting of white and yellow gold. It's always in strong demand at my shop.

My new line of Euro-wedding bands incorporate all combinations of color in 18-karat or 14-karat yellow, white, rose and even green gold - any combination you can come up with!

It appears the princess cut diamond is here to stay. Most of my diamond requests are for not just the square cut but also the rectangular variety. Antique reproductions are still the rage for engagement rings. So you see, all of you who I advised over the years not to change grandma's platinum diamond ring because "it looked too old" will now find it's very much in style and in huge demand.

Combinations of color are still very strong. For example, a princess cut bright yellow canary center diamond flanked by two white diamonds or fancy-colored sapphires such as peach or orange with white diamonds - if it's different I'm doing it!

Because of several requests lately, this coming season I'll have a selection of champagne-colored diamonds from pale yellow to coffee brown. They look great in men's jewelry too.

I predict that Threader-style earrings will be strong up through the holidays. Even now, I can barely keep them in stock. This style is hot, hot, hot! They're solid gold, lightweight, reasonably priced and fun to wear. I found that many stores don't have them. I suggest you check them out.

The young men's jewelry trends are leaning toward silver or stainless steel and even titanium with leather and rubber applications for necklaces and bracelets. I like the look. My tattoo-style thumb rings from Germany are the rage for men and women alike. The brushed finish on these metals gives the jewelry a very futuristic, masculine look.

The jewelry a person wears reflects the personality of that individual. Life is too short to settle for the boring or mundane. Wearing a fine piece of unusual jewelry makes all my customers shiny, happy people! Nothing feels like real gold!

Jewelry designer Richard Alan is owner of The Harbor Goldsmith and welcomes your questions and comments at 394-9275, fax 394-3680 or by e-mail at harborgoldsmith@comcast.net.

Source by zwire.com

Sunday, July 10, 2005

It's Not Just for Women Anymore

Find out what mens jewelry is in, what to buy for a loved one and more!

People often associate the term "jewelry" with something a woman possesses and covets. Yet for centuries mens jewelry has been fashionable and popular among elite and average men alike. Kings and Pharaohs in ancient times wore jewelry as a symbol of power and prestige. Whether a member of a tribe, team, work group or family many men wore rings as a symbol of their belonging or achievement.

Jewels and jewelry have been coveted since the beginning of time, as symbols of power, richness, beauty, commitment and even pride. Just as princesses and Queen's of old fell under the spell of sparkling gems, so too have men fallen under the tempting promise a precious metal offers.

History shows that men have worn jewels and rings for a variety of reasons. Most jewelry serves as an aesthetically pleasing accompaniment to a wardrobe or fashionable figure. Yet mens jewelry has also served functional purposes, including describing a male's social status, place in society and of course, marital status.

Men's Wedding Bands

Mens wedding bands are among the most common form of mens jewelry purchased. The tradition of offering a double ring or mens wedding bands at a wedding ceremony can be traced back to the mid 1940s in the United States. At this time jewelry manufacturers popularized the idea of offering a groom's wedding band as the perfect accompaniment to the ladies wedding ring. The idea of a groom's ring however, existed long before advertisers popularized it. In fact, consumers had already bought into the idea that a groom's ring symbolized much more than marriage, but also male prosperity and stability.

Among the more common and popular forms of mens jewelry on the market today is the mens diamond wedding band. Many gentlemen prefer to purchase a dual wedding set featuring a mens diamond wedding band and ladies diamond wedding ring. Mens wedding bands are often much thicker than women's. Though many men prefer jewelry that is subtle and less adorned, others prefer mens wedding bands that are ornate and intricate.

Accessories

There is no end to the jewelry accessories available to today's modern man. Mens jewelry often comes with complementary mens jewelry boxes made to hold a collection of cherished pieces. In fact, many men have so many necklaces, rings and bracelets one might consider mens jewelry boxes the ideal gift.

Other more common accessories offered in the mens jewelry category include the following:

There is virtually nothing one can buy a woman that they can't buy a man when it comes to fashionable and tasteful mens jewelry. Don't be surprised to find many women out shopping for mens jewelry, a trend that is increasingly more popular as men continue to grow in their love of jewels and precious accessories. Why not? Who doesn't want to adorn their bodies with precious gems and sparkling gifts that say, I'm strong, I'm powerful, I'm handsome.

Finding Quality Men's Jewelry

Finding quality men's jewelry isn't difficult at all. More and more consumers are turning to the internet, buying mens jewelry online rather than in traditional department stores. The benefits of buying men's jewelry online are obvious. A consumer can browse thousands of unique and detailed selections, from mens wedding bands, bracelets, watches and more. Why not shop from the comfort of your home?

Consumers should be looking for several things when shopping online, particularly if buying a mens diamond wedding band. When it comes to diamonds, there are several important indicators of quality including cut, color, clarity and carat. Cut refers to the shape of the diamond; there are several different cuts available including:

  • Round
  • Oval
  • Pear
  • Marquis
  • Emerald

Color of course refers to the color of the stone; not all diamonds are clear. In fact, most are a definitive color such as yellow, blue or green. All diamonds have hints of some color in them. When a mens diamond rings shows little evidence of flaws, the clarity is good. The weight of the stone of course is the carat, and price often reflects this valuable assessment.

Other signs of quality in mens jewelry include price, craftsmanship and originality. Antique jewelry is an oft popular option for men looking for something unique or one of a kind. Most antique jewelry offers quality that is time tested and trustworthy.

Tips for Maintaining Men's Jewelry

Once you've found the perfect piece of jewelry, you have to care for it properly so that it lasts a lifetime. The best way to do this is to clean the jewelry frequently to remove built up dirt. The best substances to clean a mens wedding band with are jewelry cleaning solutions or alcohol. These same products can be used on other pieces, such as cufflinks, clips and bracelets. You can clean most mens jewelry with a soft bristled toothbrush. Also remember to bring the jewelry in to a jeweler on occasion, particularly if you have purchased a mens diamond wedding band. The jeweler will be able to inspect the jewelry for loose prongs or damage to the ring. Lastly, mens jewelry should always be kept in a mens jewelry box. The kitchen counter or dresser top is no place for valuable gems!

A Final Word on Men's Jewelry

When buying mens jewelry, be sure you take enough time to look at the wide selection available. Take your time. Remember that shopping for jewelry can be fun. Find the right piece, and you can pass it down from generation to generation. You even have the option of customizing jewelry to match your own unique personality and style preferences. When it comes to mens jewelry, the options are limitless. Masculinity, femininity, pride and personality... all have the potential to shine with the help of a jewel or two.

Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as online jewelry stores, mens jewelry, and mens wedding bands.

Article Source: Antigone Arthur