With the ever-growing popularity of men’s accessories, it’s easy to get confused when you walk into a jewelry store. The right piece of jewelry can help you make a statement, pull together an outfit, and show people what sort of person you are. Unfortunately, many men are perplexed when it comes to choosing jewelry for themselves. If this sounds familiar, here is a comprehensive guide to help to pick jewelry that suits you to a tee.
Do You Know What You Want?
Whether you’re an avid online shopper or you prefer to buy everything in-store, always do your research before making a purchase. This is especially true if you’re making an expensive purchase, such as luxury jewelry. There are several things you should consider before taking the plunge.
Budget
First, figure out how much you’re willing to spend on a piece of jewelry. Once you have an estimate, you can determine what type of jewelry you can afford and which brands to look at. You will also reduce the amount of time wasted on browsing through pieces that are out of your budget.
Occasion
Jewelry bought for a special occasion can differ vastly from casual pieces you plan to wear when you’re meeting friends. For example, if you’ve got a black-tie event coming up, you might want to think about elevating your look with shiny cuff links, an elegant tie clip, or even a statement lapel pin.
Jewelry Type
Have you always wanted to adorn your finger with a cool signet ring? Or maybe you’re tinkering with the idea of a mens Cuban link chain? Knowing the type of jewelry you want can prevent you from browsing for different types of jewelry and making unnecessary purchases.
Material
Some men only wear jewelry made from certain materials, such as sterling silver or gold. The type of material you choose depends on your taste and the reason behind the purpose. For instance, jewelry made with wood, natural stones or rope can give you a laid-back aesthetic and will look great paired with casual clothes. On the other hand, metal jewelry is better suited for formal occasions but can also be worn daily, depending on the design.
Color
Knowing exactly what color you want your jewelry to be can help make the buying process easier. Picking a specific color can help narrow down the type of material you choose.
Pick Pieces That Complement Your Style
When it comes to men’s jewelry, there is something for everyone – you just need to find a piece that complements your style. If you sport smart clothing most of the time, a leather necklace with a pendant made with natural materials would look out of place. Similarly, if you’re a sporty type who lives in casual wear, a flashy gold ring might not match your style.
Choose the Right Size
When it comes to men’s jewelry, size matters. Once you know what type of jewelry you want to purchase, be practical and measure yourself with a tape measure. This is important when it comes to necklaces and bracelets, and crucial for rings. Not only will it save you time when you visit a jewelry store, but it will also ensure you won’t be sent the wrong size if you’re shopping online.
Know Your Karats from Your Carats
While searching for the best men’s jewelry, you’ve probably found yourself scrolling through the net and coming across terms that you don’t quite understand. For instance, karats and carats sound the same and look very similar, but they’re terms that refer to different things.
Karats
A karat (kt) is a term used to measure the purity of gold. Confusingly, it is also spelt ‘carat’ in some countries. 24-karat gold is pure gold, and it is bright yellow. Although this sounds awesome, it’s not the best purity level for jewelry as it is too malleable and can break easily. Many jewelers mix pure gold with different types of metals to make it more durable. Many jewelers choose to use 18-karat and 14-karat gold for jewelry settings as they can withstand daily wear more than pure gold.
Carat
A carat (CT) is a term that refers to the size of a gemstone. You have probably come across this term when looking at diamond jewelry. Overall, the carat weight of a gemstone is a good indication of the price. The bigger the gemstone, the more expensive it generally is. However, the clarity, cut and color of a gemstone are also contributing factors when it comes to value.
CTW
Another term to get your head around is carat total weight (ctw). As the name suggests, this term describes the total carat weight of a piece of jewelry. For instance, a white gold necklace may be decorated with 10 emeralds which weigh 0.05ct individually. Altogether, the total weight would be 0.50ctw. Therefore, the description of this necklace might read 18kt white gold with 0.50ctw emeralds (each 0.05ct).
Hallmark Stamp
When it comes to jewelry made with luxury materials, such as gold, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, always make sure you check for authenticity. Genuine gold jewelry is stamped with a hallmark that will reveal its purity in karats. In addition to this, some jewelers also brand their jewelry with a personal stamp to indicate it is genuine.
Silver Jewelry
When it comes to silver jewelry, you will know that a piece is real if it is stamped with .925 or just 925. This hallmark stamp lets buyers know that the silver is 92.5 percent pure and 7.5 percent copper. As with gold, pure silver is soft which makes it unsuitable for regular use.
Match Your Lifestyle
If you are looking for pieces of jewelry to wear daily, try to pick a piece that matches your lifestyle. For example, if your job involves a lot of physical work, neither an expensive 18kt gold ring nor a flimsy beaded bracelet is a good choice for you. On the other hand, strong leather jewelry or rings made from silver could withstand more wear and tear.
