The bling look is out and the spare, modern look has returned. There is a new generation that doesn’t have a problem with decoration and with the return of suits and smarter clothes, cufflinks and tiepins are appropriate. Instead of the bling, there is a return to a more softer, subtle styling, a look that is simple yet still strong and making a statement.
Men want jewelery to amuse, like boys’ toys. From the urban crown with their sleek designer suits to biker chic and the regular Joes – all are feeling the need to wear a bracelet, ring or pendant.
The move into more innovative materials is opening up the jewelery market for men who have previously steered clear of adornment. Steel, titanium, wood, rubber, horn and leather are just a few materials used to produce necklaces and bracelets, perceived to be more masculine.
Young men are increasingly influenced by music and sport stars and thus are not shy of buying diamond earrings. Although instead of the bling culture of late years, men now want to be less conspicuous in the jewelery they wear and buy and quality is a big factor. So instead of wearing a massive diamond imitation, men now prefer to invest in smaller, less in-your-face, but higher quality diamond stud earrings. A more simple and classic look that is unfussy but extremely classy.
Even though men are becoming more adventurous in their jewelery tastes, they will always want their jewelery to look and feel masculine. The colours to contrast the metal such as silver and stainless steel are subtle combinations of chocolate and contrasting vanilla using, horn, leather and semi-precious stones.
Body tatoos are still popular with men and so motifs – such as animals, medallions, dragons and other symbols – is a hot trend this autumn. The Thomas Sabo autumn/winter collection fits this bill perfectly!
So although bling is out, more men are feeling comfortable wearing jewelery that makes a statement rather than a simple gold chain or a set of plain cufflinks, which are purely functional.
