- Do you know that earliest methods in men’s jewellery about 1,15,000 years ago used the shape of eagle talons and beads made from perforated Ostrich eggshells about 40,000 years ago for crafting bracelet designs??
- Do you know that first signs of using Gold in jewellery is somewhere around 3000 years ago??
- Do you know that Men have used more jewellery in the past (ancient and middle) than they do now??
- Do you know that 44% of men have bought jewellery during their lives in comparison to 56% women?
- Do you know that the global jewellery market is currently valued at $340 billion (as of 2022)?
- Do you know that India is the third largest men’s luxury jewellery market?
- Do you know that China spends the most on jewellery (41.5%) followed by US (20%) and India (15%)?
- Do you know that the current compound annual growth rate of the global jewellery market is about 7% (as of 2022)?
It’s a common myth that jewelry is the armor of women and men have nothing to do with it. In reality, the history of men’s jewelry has a glorious past and since times immemorial, men’s jewelry has been a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The history of men’s jewelry is very old and has evolved with time from ancient, industrial, modern age and now contemporary.
Men have been wearing ornaments as a symbol of their achievements, self-pride or an aide-memoire of a triumph. Animal products, their skins, bones, teeth, talons, sometimes even small knives, leather threads were common components of ancient men’s jewellery. They embellished their bodies signifying dominance and their status in society. The collection of Gold and agate ornaments has been found at Indus Valley sites. In the age of mysticism and the founding civilizations, jewellery played an important role in instilling mystic powers, signifying headship and leadership. Jewellery was mostly used by tribal chieftains.
Pendant in Leather Thread for Men
Evolution of Men’s Jewellery through the ages
Prehistory
A period from 2.5 million years ago to 5000 years ago, between the Stone, Bronze and Iron age and appearance of early humans.
During pre-historic era, there was a use of animal products like teeth, claws, fangs, eggshells and seashells for making necklaces and bracelets. First form of jewellery were eagle talons, some 1,15000 years ago, made into bracelets by Neanderthals (now modern Europe). Status symbol was the major reason for this kind of adornment. It was also used to imbue magical powers onto the wearer and to have a sense of superiority and display dominance over animal kingdom.
Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Rome and Greece: A period between 6000BCE to 650CE
Mesopotamians and Egypt were some of the earliest civilizations to use Gold in an opulent way. Egyptian Pharaohs wore extravagant and affluent necklaces using silver and gold with intricate use of stones and colored glasses in them. The community was made to believe that these jewels bridged the gap between humans and God. Jewellery could cast a distinct identification for Egyptian ruling class. The classic signet ring of the Pharaohs for marking official documents is an example where fashion was used in a practical way. Mesopotamia (the modern-day Iraq), both men and women were fond of jewellery. Jewellery was created from thin metal leaves using precious stones. Men mostly stuck to amulets, anklets, ankle bracelets and different neckpieces. There was a use of geometrical designs in their jewellery. The jewellery was thought to protect them during war.
Azurite Gemstone Pendant for Men, like the Egyptian Pharaohs
In ancient Rome, rings were used extensively as a mark of superiority and exhibition of ranks and accomplishments in the government hierarchy. Emperors wore diamonds and other precious stones. In Greece high-ranking men decorated their heads ornmentally, soldiers wore leather or metal cuffs for protection. The jewellery was a status symbol.
As is clear from the above description, men through the ages in all ancient empires like Egypt, Greek, Mesopotamia and Rome wore their jewellery more as status symbol and gain protective powers. The use of precious metals and particularly sparkling gemstones allowed Kings, Pharaohs and Caesars to demonstrate their power and authority over their subordinates. Ancient jewellery was also used for its various protective properties, to ward off evil eye. Certain gemstones were credited with definite powers and keeping these gemstones close could keep the wearer safe from any harm. Some modern-day wearers subscribe to these beliefs even now. This use of opulent jewellery has continued till date, where jewellery is still worn as a status symbol.
Middle Ages: From 475CE to 1500CE
During medieval period, men’s jewellery became conspicuously different from women’s jewellery. As trade between Asia and Europe flourished, designs integrated across boundaries. This amalgamation of cultures led to innovative jewellery crafting. There was added use of precious stones also. Jewellery was more used for personal adornment. Apart from normal rings, necklaces, bracelets, jewellery during this period also consisted of fittings and fasteners for clothes, including buckles, decorations for belts, decorated pins for holding hairstyles. Pieces of jewellery was sewn into clothes and garments. Jewellery became more a symbol of social status.
Renaissance and Industrial Revolution: 14th century to 19th century
Jewellery now included Broaches, cufflinks and tie pins using intricate designs and gemstones. Watches became a part of their attire and during this time the watch industry blossomed. During the nineteenth century, it became understated, people kept to simple and subtle things like a pocket watch and simple chains to contrast with suites. Popular brands like Tiffany, Cartier etc. got established during this period.
Understated Silver Necklace for Men
Indian Jewellery
History of jewellery in India dates back to around 5000 years ago. There are proofs of men and women using jewellery for adornment. Since then, jewellery has been an integral part of our culture and tradition. The jewellery making in India reached its zenith during the Mughal period. There was an opulent use of engraving of precious stones, a technique developed by the Mughal artists of that era. Mughals were known for their love for jewellery and the kings wore expensive jewellery as mark of their status and superiority. The era also brought about a great fusion of Persian and Indian art, which was showcase in how the Mughal kings adorned themselves with jewels. The extravagance was flawless and well-defined with intricate inlaying of luxurious stones. The tradition has continued even to this day.
Modern Jewellery
Post World War II
Jewellery became more flamboyant during the 20th century, after World War II, copying Hollywood stars and famous musicians. Men again started wearing bold chains, bracelets, rings
Recent Market Trends in Men’s Jewellery
Today, men again want to explore and be bold with their jewellery choices. With increasing use of social media and internet, community has connected like never before. There is a blending of cultures, community and genders, leading to uncanny experimentation in styles and designs. Blurring of gender roles also has given way to bold choices by men in today’s times.
Conclusion
In this blog, Totapari has tried to present some important facts about men’s jewellery and how it has evolved through different ages, right from prehistoric to modern and how it has taken shape now in contemporary times. When gold and silver jewellery came into vogue and which civilization introduced gold and silver jewellery to the world prominently. In our future blogs, we will go into details of each aspect of men’s jewellery to enrich your knowledge about men’s jewellery, which is growing leaps and bounds in modern-day-jewellery trends.
Explore our wide range of contemporary designs in Men’s jewellry section, on our website, https://totapari.com, which has detailed descriptions and high-quality images. Each product is constructed carefully.
Shopping for anything you need for your collection online is easy and convenient with Totapari. Browse through the options, choose a product that goes with your style and complete your purchase within a few clicks from the comfort of your home. Your chosen product will be delivered directly at your doorstep. At Totapari, it is our endeavor to make each purchase simple, exclusive and memorable.
