In the ever-evolving world of fashion, the emergence of men’s jewelry as an influential trend has given men an outlet to express their individuality and personal style. From subtle accent accessories to bold statement pieces, men’s jewelry is incredibly diverse. Gone are the days when wedding bands were the only items of jewelry adorning a man. Nowadays, men can choose from a wide array of accessories from a variety of brands to elevate their aesthetic. Unfortunately, with so many choices it can be difficult to decide which pieces to choose. Here is a comprehensive guide to jewelry for men to help you make the right purchase and express your sense of style.
Consider Personal Jewelry Style
A piece of jewelry is more than just an accessory, it is a symbol of self-expression and a great way for you to express your personal style. Thankfully, there is a plethora of men’s jewelry out there on the market—you just need to find the perfect pieces that align with your own distinct style. For instance, if you’re the type who prefers to chill out in jeans and a t-shirt most of the time, casual pieces are more suited to your aesthetic. On the other hand, those who tend to don smart attire may prefer the sophistication luxury metal adds to their ensemble.
Main Factors to Consider
It doesn’t matter if you’re the type to only shop in-store or if you can’t resist a spot of online shopping, it is important that you do your research before purchasing them. This holds particularly true when making a significant purchase, like an expensive chain or a diamond-studded ring. Before making a purchase, there are a few things you should consider.
Occasion
Jewelry purchased for a special occasion can differ a lot to casual pieces intended for everyday wear. For example, if you’ve got a black-tie event on the horizon, you might want to consider enhancing your evening attire with a pair of silver cufflinks, an eye-catching lapel pin, or perhaps a tie clip for a touch of elegance.
Budget
Before making a purchase, you need to work out how much you are willing to spend on jewelry. Once you have a ballpark figure, you can figure out the type of brands and stores you can afford, and the type of jewelry you can buy. Determining a budget right at the start of the jewelry-buying process will also prevent the time wasted on window shopping for pieces you simply can’t afford.
Jewelry Type
Is there a particular piece of jewelry you have always wanted to own but have never been able to for one reason or another? Whether that’s a glamorous suit lapel chain or a unique pendant on a leather necklace, having an inkling of the type of jewelry you want can help you narrow down your search. If you know exactly what you want but cannot find it anywhere online, custom jewelry might be the way to go. Chapter 79 has a large selection of jewelry available in-store and online. They also offer bespoke jewellery in Hertfordshire, and they can help you create your perfect piece of jewelry. If, on the other hand, you don’t know where to begin, common types of jewelry to look for include bracelets, necklace chains, and decorative rings.
Material
There are many types of material to choose from, and your choice should depend on the intended purpose of the jewelry and your personal preference. Pieces of jewelry crafted from natural materials, such as rope, natural stone, and wood, can lend a casual aesthetic that pairs well with laid-back attire. On the other hand, jewelry made from metal, such as gold, silver, and titanium, can be worn every day but can also suit formal occasions.
Color
As with materials, there are plenty of colors to choose from when it comes to jewelry. Understanding the occasion you want the piece for, and the type of material, will help you choose the right color.
Size Matters
If you want to look good while wearing jewelry, you need to make sure every piece you wear is the right size. Ill-fitting pieces can make you look sloppy and ruin your overall aesthetic appeal. Well-fitted jewelry will help you look more polished and pull your look together. Moreover, wearing the right size will ensure it stays in place throughout the day. Not to mention, it will reduce your risk of losing or damaging jewelry. To ensure you purchase the right size, get the tape measure out and measure yourself. Doing this before purchasing rings, necklaces or bracelets will decrease your chance of wasting time by buying the wrong size.
Do You Know Your Carats From Your Karats?
If you’re looking for pieces adorned with stones, you may have come across unfamiliar jargon. For example, carats and karats may sound the same but they are actually terms that mean entirely different things.
Carat
A carat (CT) is a term that denotes the size of a gemstone. In general, the carat weight of a stone indicates how much a piece is. In many cases, the bigger the stone, the more it will cost you. If you’re looking for a special piece of jewelry with a precious stone, such as a diamond, it is essential that you consider the cut, color, and clarity of the stone too. When it comes to a diamond’s worth, these are all contributing factors.
Karat
The term karat (kt) is only used in terms of gold. It is a term used to measure the purity of gold in a piece of jewelry. Although, it is also spelt ‘carat’ in some places, it is not the same thing at all. Pure gold is yellow in color, and it is referred to as 24 kt gold. This type of gold is soft and malleable, which means it can scratch and break easily. Many professional jewelers choose 18 kt and 14 kt gold for their jewelry. These types of gold are mixed with other metals to make it tougher so that it can withstand everyday wear and tear.
CTW
Carat total weight (ctw) is another term you may encounter. It describes the total carat weight of an item of jewelry. For example, if a white gold ring is adorned with 10 sapphires which individually weigh 0.05ct, the total weight is 0.50ctw. A jeweler would describe this ring as a 14kt white gold ring, with 0.50ctw sapphires (each 0.05ct).