Men’s Jewellery - The Emergent Market Segment

Women have always been considered the connoisseurs of precious jewellery!. But this was not always the case. History has shown that men have always worn jewellery to some extent and even surpassed women sometimes. Kings and leaders have worn jewellery as a sign of power and to stamp their authority over others.

Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Aztecs, Greeks and Romans to modern rulers in India, Britain and Europe have worn several forms of jewellery according to their status and power. Crowns and diadems have always served as the supreme authority. Signet rings were often used as official seals or stamps.

Even religious heads have fallen for the appeal of jewellery with several articles of religious significance being worn by them Jewellery has always had some significance for men, whether as a sign of commitment with a simple wedding band or an affiliation to a club or educational institution. Celebrities from movies and music alike have also influenced the trends in men’s jewellery.

In today’s retail scenario, men’s jewellery is seen as a fast growing segment. With men across all age groups willing to buy jewellery as a fashion accessory, several designers have introduced special ranges of men’s jewellery. Younger boys are more influenced by fashion trends while men prefer classic styling.

The articles of jewellery available for men are rings, pendants, bracelets,cufflinks, tie-pins, hat-pins, chains and the list goes on. While gold and silver are classic metals, platinum, steel and titanium are also gaining favour.

The styling for men’s jewellery is also different. Geometrical shapes, crisp lines and angles are preferred. Colours if used are masculine and bold like red, navy blue or black and white. Themes also cater to male interests. Sports like grand prix, golf, football etc serve as inspiration to designers.

The technical and mechanical fields also influence design with circuits, rivets, bolts etc used as elements in men’s design. Symbols like crests, coat of arms or special league marks are commonly used on rings or cufflinks.

Precious gemstones and diamonds are also preferred by affluent men. However stone cuts

like the round, emerald, baguette, asscher and trillion are desired for their clean geometrical lines.

Designer and branded jewellery for men is a very viable business for designers to tap into as men are ready to spend the money to own that distinctive piece of masculine jewellery.