Diamonds are guys best friend too - JewelInfo4u

Summary

Even though jewelry and ornaments are more associated with women than with men, it is a fact that from very ancient times both sexes have been attracted to all kinds of precious and semi-precious stones. Even today it is quite normal for male members of royalty and aristocracy to adorn themselves with gems. Male spiritual leaders can be seen wearing precious stones. And even the more affluent males like to flaunt their wealth by adorning themselves with an array of rings fitted with diamonds and other expensive precious stones. While you do not generally see the average men wearing gems, it is definitely becoming more and more common. Young men can be seen wearing rings, ear rings, nose rings and chains with gems fitted to them. The increasing attraction for birthstones and astrological stones has also contributed to a larger number of males wearing gems.

History of Jewelry for Men
The centuries old fascination that humans have had for nature's colorful array of dazzling precious and semi-precious stones is not just an attraction to the beauty of the sparkling jewels. The enchanting mystical allure of the stones has also been an irresistible force drawing man and woman into a deep relationship with the vibrant gems. They have always had a high regard for the stones, based on the firm belief that the gems contained a positive energy that was beneficial to them. In many species of animals and birds, the males have a naturally attractive mane or plumage in order to make them more appealing to the female. Human males, lacking such natural endowments, took recourse to wearing ornaments.

Males of the Stone Age wore ornaments for luck and protection in hunting and in battle. Excavations at the sites of all major prehistoric civilizations have unearthed tombs with an assortment of gems adorning the skeletal or mummified male and female remains. The Pharaohs of Egypt were particularly fond of accumulating and wearing gems. Besides chains and rings, they would wear two or three bracelets on their arms as well. It was also a common practice among the male members of the Inca and Montezuma tribes in South America.

Remnants of from the Indus Valley civilization of 1500 BC indicate that man and women frequently used ornaments with gems. Later Indian sculptures and paintings display both sexes wearing intricate necklaces, rings, earrings, girdles, bracelets, anklets, etc. Ancient paintings from Persia also illustrate men and women wearing elaborate ornaments. The Assyrian, Babylonian and Sumerian male members of royalty also were prone to wearing an assortment of ornaments with gems. It was evident that prominent male members of these communities were accustomed to lavishly adorning themselves with precious stones and metals. Even ancient paintings depict males wearing ornaments, with the leaders of the tribes having a more impressive collection in order to demonstrate their superior status. There are also several Biblical references to men (including spiritual leaders) wearing gems. Some of the more famous men who displayed a special affinity for gems include Napoleon Bonaparte, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. The three had a strong belief in the power of gems to give them protection and bring them good fortune.

Modern Males and Gems

More and more men are taking to wearing gems these days. The practice has been gaining ground since the latter part of the twentieth century. The traditional practice of male members of royalty adorning themselves with jewel studded ornaments is still very much alive. Their crowns, rings, chains, etc. are elaborately decorated with precious stones. The male heads of several religious denominations are also known to wear ornaments with precious stones. Some use the gems to enhance their personality, while others use them for the spiritual and mystical energies they are believed to radiate. But besides the rich, famous and powerful, it the increasing interest of the average male in wearing gems that is attracting the attention of the jewelry industry.

Rings for men have been very common from ancient times, and the custom of men wearing rings has continued to the present day. There are many symbolic reasons for men and women wearing rings, and the stones adorning the rings also often have a symbolic meaning attached to them depending on the qualities attributed to the particular stone. Some men - especially those in positions of authority and power - have different gems on rings for different purposes or times. Many would wear a collection of several types of gems on rings and other ornaments like pendants, bracelets, chains, etc.

One of the more famous rings with an assortment of gems is the "Nine-Jewel Ring", commonly used by men in India and Thailand. Called the "Navaratna" in India and "Nok-phakow" in Thailand, the ring with these specially selected and precisely set gems is believed to protect the wearer and bring good health and fortune. Designing rings and other jeweled ornaments for men has become a major business today. Invariably they are set with precious stones, and some of them are simply staggering in beauty as well as in price! Diamond rings are the most popular choice for men, with sapphires, emeralds and birth stones also attracting the male attention. Jewels fitted to men's watches are also becoming increasingly fashionable. Some of these watches, with cases and straps made of precious metals, can be far more expensive than some elaborate pieces of women's jewelry.

Gems for the Man of Today

The wide range of precious and semi precious stones available today come in an awesome range of colors, shapes and sizes. And you can get quality stones at prices to suit your purse - the cheaper stones naturally coming in smaller sizes. Specially designed jewelry for men is becoming very fashionable. Gold rings and chains have been commonly used by men over the centuries, but their interest in ornaments with gems is growing all over the world. Wealthy males like to flaunt rings with expensive gems on several fingers, and modern young men do the same - probably with less expensive stones. The youngsters can be seen with an assortment of gems on bracelets, earrings, pendants etc. There is no doubt that males are becoming as dress conscious as females, and major fashion houses and manufacturers of designer apparel are focusing their attention on men's wear. And this trend is certain to extend to jewelry as well.

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