A Quick History of Gent's Jewellery
Throughout history, men have worn jewellery for the purpose of displaying their social position, wealth, affluence and status. The very first forms of jewellery dates back 75,000 years ago when pieces were made from sea and egg shells. Established jewellery making first occurred around 6000 years ago when copper, silver and gold jewellery was used to show social, political and religious significance amongst men in ancientEgypt,RomeandMesopotamia.
Men inEgyptconsidered gold jewellery to be the ultimate symbol of power and social rank within their society. The size of the gold jewellery was used to show the magnitude of their official status; leaders would wear larger pieces.
Jewellery was such a huge part amongst Egyptian men’s lives that they would often be buried with them, and this was the cased for most Egyptian pharaohs. Men inMesopotamiawore heavy necklaces, ankle bracelets and rings studded with gemstones to ward off evil and protect them from harm during wars.
2000 years ago, in Ancient Rome, men with a higher rank in society would use diamonds imported fromIndiaand amber, emeralds and sapphires imported fromSri Lankain their jewellery. This was a way for the men to show off their wealth and importance.
In the early 1800’s, men’s jewellery in Francebecame very popular after Napoleon was crowned emperor. Men would wear various matching jewellery items, and this quickly became popular throughout the rest of Europein order to symbolise political power, strength and status. The late 18th century saw superior craftsmanship incorporated into men’s jewellery. In 1837, well-known brand Tiffany & Co was founded, with Cartier in 1847 and Bulgari in 1884.
In more modern times, men’s jewellery has become increasingly more popular with 1980’s hip-hop and rap culture, when it was considered fashionable for men to wear large, gold chains and pendant necklaces. Today, many men in the Western world wear wedding rings or jewellery for religious reasons. Jewellery pieces including silver chains, cuff links, luxury watches, tie pins and earrings are extremely popular amongst men of all wealth’s and are worn regularly for aesthetic reasons.
Here at Cuttings the Jewellers, we stock a range of fantastic gentlemen’s jewellery pieces, including this stunning 9ct Gold Tie Slide and this 18ct diamond ring. For more information, you can get in touch with a member of the Cuttings team by visiting us in store or via our contact page.