BOYS CLUB

With codes governing masculinity loosening up, we’re seeing more men xper iment with jewellery, which is considered a conventionally female domain, more than ever before

- TANYA MEHTA

Indian men wearing jewellery isn’t an anomaly. In the timeline of the country’s history, several maharajas and Mughal emperors have known to be dripping in finery, their jewellery more extravagant than their spouses. Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala epitomised the legendary Patiala necklace that featured five rows of diamond-encrusted platinum chains and Burmese rubies, made to order by Cartier. In a millennial setting, however, jewellery on men has been a topic of much conjecture, raising immediate assumptions about sexuality. But, the current celebrity landscape has bent the rules – from Harry Styles’s innumerable sightings sporting a pearl necklace and earring, Timothée Chalamet’s wristlets and cute charm necklaces, Connel’s (from Normal People) chain – an unlikely emblem of boyish sensuality to Bollywood’s very own Ranveer Singh’s layered necklaces, jewellery on men isn’t a subject of scrutiny anymore. In fact, it’s quite normal, a refreshing medium of self-expression with a dedicated consumer base. “It’s part of their everyday wear, I see so many men come to us for nose-pin and nose-ring options. They want to wear a chain or signet ring to go along with it. Taking in customer feedback, I decided to create a special category for them,” shares Sreesha Shetty, founder of Lune, a popular homegrown jewellery label.