Men's jewellery

[caroleallen]

I've had a review by someone asking why I don't do more men's jewellery. The main reason is that I don't know what jewellery men wear and my stuff is all a bit girly. I do a couple of rings and some cufflinks which sell well but I'd like to extend my range.

The question is, what sorts of jewellery to men like? I was thinking maybe about bangles and belt buckles.

[Dennis]

I don't wear any, but that's being my age. Looking around, especially in the men's department of the big stores, here is my list:

Ears
One hoop, or a single stud with CZ, or diamond.

Neck
Plain chains, thin-usually gold, or heavy-often silver.

Wrist
Heavy chain bracelet.

Finger
Signet ring, plain-shank thumb ring, or ring with skull and other 'masculine' images.

Tie pins and clips, cuff links. Dennis.

[mizgeorge]

The youth market for jewellery is huge - with beads featuring heavily, especially the surfer styled stuff. Tend to be in more masculine colours, but other than that, very similar to that which the girls are wearing.

Leather and waxed cotton based pieces seem to be particularly popular at the moment, especially finished with sterling.

Cufflinks are very much back in vogue - even for teens. The quirkier the better!

[Anna Wales]

One of the big differences since I returned to jewellery full time is the number of men who now wear jewellery. Rings are my best sellers. They are the heavy silver Celtic pattern bands with some of the sizes being huge!Lots of thumb rings too. Some finger sizes now are so much bigger than in the 80's both women and men. Also pendants again Celtic sell well. As George says it seems to be more surfer type things wrist wise and also the charity bands. Cufflinks are also popular.

[Goldsmith]

This was the last ring I made for a man, he was actually a vicar, 18ct gold set with a square Swiss blue Topaz.

James

[caroleallen]

Thanks for all the help.

[Patstone]

Just out of interest, did you cast it? If not, how would you get such a thick bit where the stone goes, or is it hollow in front. So many questions...

This was the last ring I made for a man, he was actually a vicar, 18ct gold set with a square Swiss blue Topaz.

James

[Nick martin]

Cuff links are big and I've got a few dozen of them myself. I enjoy wearing them with a smart shirt for meals out etc.

Other than that I'd say industrial / mechanical style pendants although I don't wear any myself.

Good question mind you Carole.

Nick

[LydiaNiz]

I love making heavy rings for men. Was talking about this to the husband. I have made him several rings over the years, all of which he has lost, so he's wondering about a bracelet or neck 'thing' of some kind. I mostly get ring requests, the occassional cufflink one, and some for heavy chain bracelets. The most recent I made I was pleased the chap went from 3.5mm wire hammered links(ohhhhh my fingers) to 2.5 (slightly less ohhhhhh!)

[caroleallen]

That's really useful feedback. The two men in my life wouldn't be seen dead in jewellery - well my son wears cufflinks occasionally.