Nowadays, men are less inclined to wear jewelry but this was not the case a century ago. Until the start of the mid twenty century, a men's jewelry box would be filled with different types of jewelry. However, post-industrialization and the fall of monarchical societies all over the world, men were seen to be less decorated than they used to be.
From ancient tribes to empires of the Middle Ages, men have been known to be as ostentatious as their female counterparts in terms of wearing jewelry. They used to be heavily adorned with thick chains with precious stones and designs that can be compared to avant-garde jewelry pieces worn by modern women.
Kings were dictators of style back then, as most of the men in their courts were sure to copy every clothing, jewelry, etc., worn by them. They were mostly adorned with crowns filled with stones gifted to them by their colonies in Asia or the Newfoundland. Their men at court, on the other hand, were usually seen with necklaces and rings that were similar but not as rich as the King's.
The decline in the use of jewelry by men could be attributed to many factors; fashion, time constraints, the price, etc. The lifestyle of men started getting busier and busier that they spend less time in getting dressed. Slowly, what was considered essential in the olden days became dispensable.
With rapid industrialization, men found it cumbersome to continue wearing jewelry as they were involved in hazardous work and they also could not afford expensive jewelry.
Exception for wearing their wedding band, most modern men still feel it is 'feminine' to wear jewelry and think it will kill their macho image. And men who are found sporting ear studs and chains are considered non-conformists. Of course, it is acceptable, and in fact expected, for the occasional rock or hip hop star to wear jewelry!
While the use of jewelry was woven into ancient cultures and religious beliefs, many traditions and religious institutions have modified their practices to restrict men from wearing jewelry.
Kings from all over the world have always worn some form of jewelry. You will find that each king has a different way of adorning himself that makes him stand out. Royal jewelry carries a lot of significance and each piece will have a story attached to it.
In Africa, you will find ivory, brass, copper, and gold taking precedence over other materials like wood, coconut shells, sea shells, etc, in the making of jewelry. The tribal chiefs, to this day, wear extravagantly ornamental jewelry that is meant to show off their superiority and strength.
Although men's interest in jewelry has declined over the centuries, it has not fully disappeared. In recent years, the younger generation of hip males have been showing a marked interest in jewelry and no longer feel it is 'feminine' to wear jewelry.
