By Tina ann desouza
Who says woman can have all the fun when it comes to fashion. Men too know how to show off, be adventurous, be daring, look super hunky while pulling off different looks; be it a rock star, the biker niche, grunge look, G I Joe, hip hop icon or simply a favourite sports personality.
Think Johnny Depp, David Beckham, Snoop Dogg, Michael Jordan, Jay Z and the list goes on. India has a long jewellery making and wearing history and this tradition is still carried on by Mr Vikram Raizada, executive director, and business development of Tara Jewellers. Although men’s jewellery has a reputation of being effeminate or showing off of wealth or narcissist, in truth many elements of men jewellery were created and evolved from practical purposes, like for example the cuff links, the dog tags, signet rings and wrist watch originated from functional items and gradually evolved into stylish, chic decorative items catering to requirement in juxtaposition to style. For instance, the cuff link was initially created to keep shirt sleeves fastened at the wrist, dog tags to help identify military personnel during war or take for instance the hip hop culture where bling refers to the display of jewellery and is a symbol of status, prestige and wealth.
The modern Très chicman draws influence from three sources:
Functionalism: The cuff links, dog tags, wrist watches are all result of being solely practical in purpose. For instance during the second world war the pocket watches lost out to government issued wrist watches which was provided to enable military coordination. When the men returned from war they continued to use these watches as a result jewellers began to meet this new market and began crafting wrist watches into chic, stylish designs.
Music: In the west, music has strong ideological base and is a potent cultural force. The men’s jewellery is greatly influenced by the hip hop culture. Bling refers to the ostentatious display of jewellery by men and woman. It is a symbol of prestige and wealth, more the money more the bling!
Religious Symbolism: From the start of civilization jewellery has been associated with religion, faith and protection against evil. Sizes and materials evolved in tune with fashion, but traditional symbolism always stayed the same. Since the days of royalty, jewellery has been an integral part of men’s wardrobe. Heavy pearl necklaces, rings, kilangis, bracelets were crafted from precious gemstones.
From practical purposes to the super trendy, men accessories:
Earrings: Who can really go wrong with earrings! Unless you are still stuck in the 80’s wearing a cross earring hanging from one ear and trying to create a George Michaels look!!! Diamond studs in gold, silver still remain most popular although larger stones seem to be gaining over smaller ones. Studs in gold, silver, steel remain popular.
Neck chains: Think Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan. Don’t think Hollywood has it all. Yes, our desi boyz too know how to rock and glamorise fashion. Chains range from mainstream to chic designs. The more fashionable biker inspired designs are typically more visible and can sport fashionable pendants with masculine stones like onyx, turquoise or amber.
Rings: Are no longer reserved for married men (unless it is an actual a wedding band). Men take note - though rings are fabulous to accessorise hands with, pinky rings are now seen as pretty tacky as in the wearing of multiple rings. Simplicity is important in wearing rings fashionably. Less is definitely more. Traditionally men’s wedding band was simple and unadorned. Now with fashion evolving the band is crafted with intrinsic work and precious gemstones. A masculine stone such as onyx, turquoise, amber and even diamond is appropriate. Historically, engagement rings were exclusive for woman, now it is becoming trendy for men to wear engagement rings designed specifically for them.
Dog tags: This accessory evolved from military roots helped identity military personnel. Now the dog tag is firmly an element of military chic worn typically on long chains. Think about the hunky dudes in the war movies, Josh Hartnett in Black Hawk Down, Channing Tatum in G I Joe.
Bracelets: It is no longer the standard gold chain link. Today bracelets have been crafted from a variety of material - silver, titanium, rubber and rope. Layering of bracelets have a sexy cool feel. Rock star, Aerosmith, Axl rose from Guns and Roses.
Cuff links: one of the most practical accessories it makes a bold statement worn on formal occasions designed with fabric, gemstones and diamonds and gold. Any male banker still stands proud testament to the ornamental influence of this category.
The biker niche: Who wouldn’t want to be a hunk riding a Harley Davidson! One of the most popular cool look it is a symbol of power, rebellion and strength with things such as skulls and crossbones and knives holding key appeal.
Whatever the reason, be it a long term investment value, religious affiliation, functional purpose or simply showing off of wealth, it is clear that men’s jewellery is here to stay and evolve. Men have slowly but surely placed emphasis on looking good and that includes paying attention to jewellery. Before taking the plunge it is prudent to understand one’s look and how best to accessorise the look and keep in mind, Rita Rudner’s wise words, “I think men who have a pierced ear are better for marriage. They’ve experienced pain and bought jewellery!”
