Men's jewellery is back in a big way. Where recent years have seen males flaunting little more than the obligatory timepiece with next to no jewellery, 2024 looks set to re-establish men's jewellery as it was in disco's heyday and during the New Wave and hip-hop vibes of the '80s before it hit the mainstream - that is to say, loud, proud and appropriately transgressive.
Of course, the trend for a bolder suite of men's ornamentation has been around since the cut of the first gem. Look no further than Chinese emperors, Indian maharajas, Mayan kings and Egyptian pharaohs for sheer opulence and volume of the pieces, from jade brooches to bejewelled headdresses, crowns and necklaces.
In Mesopotamia, chunky gold necklaces, ankle bracelets and rings studded with precious stones adorned the privileged and wealthy, who wore the pieces to ward off evil or protect them in battle. High-ranking Mayan officials were the only ones allowed to wear precious metal lip and nose plugs.
And it was in ancient Egypt where the first signet rings were recorded to officiate letters and documents. The accessory was quickly adopted by the Romans.
The Renaissance and Baroque eras expanded the range of jewellery for men to include brooches and earrings, carefully crafted with intricate designs and gemstones.
ROCK STARS
On a more contemporary note, Cartier's largest, most expensive single commission was for a man, the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, in 1928. This was a platinum necklace created with a gobsmacking 2,930 diamonds including a 234.69 carat cushion-cut pale-yellow diamond, as well as Burmese rubies. In fact, the era saw men's jewellery designs bolstered by the Art Deco sensibilities of the time.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2024 من Prestige Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2024 من Prestige Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.