Fascinating History of Men’s Jewelry

Years before women did, men started wearing jewelry — for elegance, security, and even good luck. Check out these landmark moments in male decoration history. Women have celebrated their status as the most bejeweled group in recent history. According to the New York Times, however, men’s jewelry is back “in vogue” for the influence of hip-hop stars, athletes — and even Prince Harry of Britain, who is often spotted wearing beaded and leather bracelets stacks. To celebrate our Men’s Collection, throughout time, we took a look back at male jewelry. Check out the nine pieces of the conversation:

1. Neanderthals Came First

Historians believe that by stringing together animal teeth and shells they may have created the world’s first jewelry around 130,000 years ago. In Croatia, researchers found an era set of eagle talons they believed were part of a man’s most likely worn necklace or bracelet.

2. To Secure a Better Future, Egyptians Decorated Themselves.

All men and women in Egypt piled on gold and silver, thinking it was the way to get their gods’ attention. The more jewelry they wear, the more beautiful the deities that regulate health, wealth, and afterlife would be.

3. Also, Egyptians Wear Jewelry to Ward Off Evil Spirits

Egyptians also claimed that wearing symbolic amulets like the ankh or the Horus Eye could drive evil spirits away and provide spiritual guidance. Use them in modern times as a defensive talisman.

4. Ancient Soldiers from Greece Wore Jewelry to Fight.

A bid for religious protection in combat was the leather and metal cuffs on their uniforms — a custom later adopted by Roman troops.

5. British Royalty Began a Strong Trend in The Gold Chain.

Royals typically gave out ornate livery collars — thick chains made of gold — which men wore to honor their connections. One of the most common types is the Esses Collar, comprising a line of S-shaped ties, popularized in the 1500s by Sir Thomas More.

6. The Single-Earing Look Was Popularized by European People.

In Europe, it was common for men to wear a single earring on one ear during the late 16th century through the 17th century, typically a drop-style earring rather than a stud. Sir Walter Raleigh, the adventurer and spy of Dashing, was famous for having accessorized his doublet with a double-pearl dangler signature.

7. As Life Insurance, Pirates and Sailors Wear Jewels.

The gold hoop earring was meant to pay for a proper Christian burial if a seaman’s body washed up on a distant shore.

8. Gemstones Have Been a Symbol of Status.

Only the rich and high-ranking church officials have been allowed to wear gemstones for a period in Europe. British king Henry VIII owned in his jewelry collection at least 234 rings, 324 brooches, and several diamond and pearl necklaces.

9. The Need for Wartime Influenced the Theme of Peacetime.

Men’s ID bracelets have become a popular fashion statement in the 20th century. Most men wore “dog tags” for identification as a reference to American soldiers of World War II.

Doron Merav has a vast Men’s Collection that you can check out here at https://www.doronmerav.com/product-category/collections/mens-jewelry/

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