Male Jewelry
Jewelry was worn by men and women though it was subject to conventions of the time; particularly with regards to the appearance of men. Male jewelry was typically practical in nature. Men usually wore a single ring. The ring would serve a functional purpose. Typically a signet ring, the male jewelry item was used to seal official documentation. The male signet ring was initially iron but was later produced in gold as it displayed status and wealth more clearly.
Jewelry also had a protective function in ancient Rome. Boys wore an item of jewelry known as a bullah. This was worn from being a baby. The amulet was often phallic in design, as boys were considered to be the stronger species and so needed protection. Another jewelry item worn by boys was a small gold ring which was again carved with a phallus for good luck
With regards to women, jewelry was first and foremost a display of wealth and status. Women had no obvious status distinction through their dress like Roman men. Therefore, hairstyles and jewelry were the only distinction possible. The importance of jewelry to the status of women is apparent through certain historical events. During the campaigns of Marcus Curellius, women chose to donate their jewelry to get enough gold to send a huge gold vase as an offering to Delphi.
Choosing Jewelry For Men
Choosing jewelry for men can be relatively painless if a person has a gift list in hand. Some men have a passion for natural stones and the natural choice for these people is to buy jewelry that features turquoise or onyx stones in them. The precious metals used in jewelry for men can be smooth as silk, or fashioned in a setting that turns gold into molten rock shapes. The rugged features of a man that have a passion for the outdoors might prefer gold jewelry items that are fashioned from raw gold nuggets. Getting to know the type of man that you are shopping for will help when the Christmas holiday shopping season begins.
Gold jewelry is very warm and friendly and a neutral gift choice for men who are only friends. A woman must still be on her toes when selecting jewelry for men because if it looks feminine in any way, the man is likely to refrain from wearing it. A woman will feel closer to the man she grew up with if she presents him with a piece of jewelry that he is certain to wear everyday. Dad would be sure to enjoy any jewelry that comes from their little girl or boy.
Jewelry selections that have more meaning are the ones that can be personalized with initials or names. There are many unique shapes that can be engraved on a piece of jewelry and the person who receives this type of jewelry will always feel very special while wearing it. Some families will customize their jewelry needs so that every member of the family owns necklaces that match.
Men might prefer wearing signet rings that bear one initials and this style of jewelry has been very popular in the past and will probably continue being a favorite for holiday gifts for many years to come. The styling for jewelry might change through the years, and men rely on old favorites to meet their jewelry needs. Most men will wear a low number of rings at one time, but have a choice of rings to pick from are one of the joys that men have when buying jewelry.