History of Men's Jewellery
Men's jewellery used throughout the centuries for a number of reasons such as currency, wealth & status display, functional, protection in forms of amulets, artistic display.
In Ancient Egypt men's jewellery was very popular and was worn as a symbol of status and wealth, for example cylindrical seal suspended from the arm or neck developed into signet ring, a seal of authority.
In Assyria, men's jewellery was extensively worn in form of amulets, ankle bracelets, heavy multi-strand necklaces, and cylinder seals.
During Roman Empire the most popular article of men's jewellery was a ring. Iron rings were worn by the mass of the people; gold rings by individuals in civil or military rank. Later the gold rings were permitted to freeborn citizens, silver to freedmen, and iron to slaves. Men were expected to wear at least one ring, but some men wore none while others wore a ring on every finger.
In Roman Civilisation men's jewellery had its functional and status purposes as well. Men's rings engraved with gemstones were used to seal documents with wax, poison rings used for assassination or suicide in the case of capture by an enemy, house matron wore key rings that symbolised authority.
By the 8th century Europe & Byzantine Empire jewellery became the domain of women, with the exception of men's jewellery articles such as jewelled weaponry and signet rings.
In Europe during Middle Ages men's jewellery became the emblems of authority and mystical significance- rings have figured in the coronation of kings and the consecration of bishops and used by kings and noblemen to seal documents.
In the 16th and 17th century increase in trade led to availability of a wide variety of gemstones and to creation of highly decorated and enamelled men's jewellery.
During 19th and beginning of 20th centuries western societies perceived men's jewellery with prudence, considering it as a tendency of effeminate men.
Gents Jewellery Today
Despite the fact that gents jewellery is back its market is not as developed as the ladies jewellery market. Gents jewellery market gives a new opportunity to new materials such as leather, titanium and stainless steel.
For many centuries gents jewellery was a privilege of the kings, noblemen and priests, but nowadays gents jewellery recovered from that long period of darkness.
Watches, rings and cuff links have always been traditional gents jewellery, but celebrity and pop culture have a great influence on social and cultural trends, for example bling gents jewellery and a desire to imitate favourite celebrity dress style.
Very often, women buy gents jewellery as a gift for their partners, male friends or relatives. Because men's attitude towards jewellery is still relatively conservative the range of gents jewellery is still very limited comparing to women's jewellery market.
Gold and Silver jewellery shop offers you some of the most popular in gents jewellery such as 0.5 OZ, 1OZ & 2OZ silver curb chains, silver ID bracelets and large silver CZ crosses. This gents jewellery is trendy and versatile and taking into account their superior quality will make a fantastic gents jewellery gift and will last for years to come.
