Can Men Also Wear Diamond Jewelry?
They have for centuries. Ask King Louis XIV of France. He’s the first guy who owned one of the most well-known diamonds in history: The Hope Diamond. Back in 1668, he also knew of its cursed history, which may be why the 45.52-carat blue diamond was stolen from his possession, popping up in the English Royal Court (now you can view the Hope at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.).
Magnificent Lineage
In fact, men of the 16th and 17th centuries wore (lots of) splendid gemstone jewelry to reflect
- their lineage
- their social status
- their business acumen in relation to trade (can you say, Silk Road?)
in addition to their fabulous taste. Royalty of the Mughal dynasty adorned almost every inch of their bodies with jewels. Emperors wore multiple showy rings so huge, they could cover two or three fingers, made of pure gold and diamonds, emeralds, rubies, jade, pearls, tourmaline, topaz and more. The magnificent jewels, with ornate patterns, stonework, enameling and imperial look, continue to influence jewelry-making today.
So, What Do Modern Men Wear?
The modern man usually prefers simple, bold, masculine jewels -although many love the steely flash of a diamond, if it is classy. Unique designs in gold embedded with precious gemstones are nice, too. When it comes to common adornments, a man is wearing:
- A wedding band – sometimes adorned with diamonds
- A watch – often a mark of confidence
- Family Crest Rings – there’s that family heritage thing again
- Cufflinks/Tie Pins – often a symbol of class that helps enhance a man’s attire
- Chains – like those Mughal emperors
- Bracelets – to complement their watch, or not
- Earrings – often to show off personality
- Bold Rings – covered with diamonds as a symbol of wealth and status, or an NFL Super Bowl win
Man Buns and Trends
Whether passed down from a family member or discovered at a flea market, vintage diamond jewelry is very trendy for women -and men- these days. Other trends in men’s jewelry include the use of white and yellow gold, black and white color choices and the use of large, eye-catching gemstones (just kidding about the man buns).
Thoughts on Men’s Engagement Rings
Of the many symbols an engagement ring has for a woman, one is, “I’m taken.” Women are wearing this tangible representation of commitment while men typically “wear” bare fingers until the wedding day. Since getting engaged is an experience both the man and the woman share, why not have a man show he is spoken for with an engagement ring?! He may be honored to participate in this symbolic gesture of commitment, love and, well, diamonds. It’s time to ask your man, ladies.
In the 1920s, jewelers tried to popularize engagement rings for men, more for economic reasons than anything else. Try as they might, the “man-gagement” ring did not capture the public’s attention. Today, jewelers are still retailing engagement rings for men -and a man may be more intrigued by sporting something he’s never worn before. Male celebrities are popularizing this bling trend and gay men opt for diamond rings more often than straight men. The rise of engagement rings for men can break down gender expectations for the one-way gift of an expensive ring while opening new markets. It can also smash the “gender-fied” stereotype that women want marriage more than men do. Not true. Besides, a man’s engagement ring could turn into his wedding ring, if he chooses.
Custom Men’s Jewelry & Ring Design
At Indy Facets, we work with you to custom design men’s jewelry, whether it’s a wedding band or pair of cufflinks -even a masculine engagement ring. If you can imagine it, long to wear it, and it’s made from precious metals and gemstones, we can make it for you.
Indy Facets – Everyone’s Private Jeweler
Indy Facets seamlessly blends the expertise and full service of a traditional jewelry store with the value and convenience of a personal jeweler experience. We give you the face-to-face interaction with an expert that you deserve, in a private setting where you can relax and feel comfortable. Owner/Designer Shaun Goodyear and his team have earned an excellent reputation as Indiana’s private jeweler for engagement rings, custom design, investment grade diamonds, luxury Swiss timepieces, estate jewelry, jewelry repair and the highest level of customer service, available to you from an onsite, state-of-the-art Custom Design Studio and Gemological Laboratory by private appointment only. You are guaranteed a unique, fun and exciting experience without the hype, pressure, judgment or uncertainty associated with other jewelry shopping options. We schedule appointments at your convenience, and are usually available evenings and weekends, too. Call 317-810-1665 for your private appointment or schedule online, indyfacets.com/schedule.