New indicator that men's jewelery is in vogue, the author James Sherwood has just released a book devoted to this trend. It is titled "Jewelry for Gentlemen". In this opus, he talks about classic things like tie pins, but also about more individualized forms of jewelry expression. Here's what he says about it:
"When I first approached the publishing house Thames & Hudson to suggest the theme of men's jewelry for my 5th book, their only objection was about the way to spell "jewellery". They stuck to the American spelling "jewelry". In my opinion, it was a very small concession to make in order to be able to explore a vast subject which remains outside the radar screens despite the success of men's jewelery around the world. Not only do I see big houses such as Cartier, Boucheron or even Van Cleef & Arpels significantly increasing their collections of men's jewelry. But I also see young men in the street expressing themselves freely by accumulating men's bracelets with ease and elegance.
Men's desire to wear jewelry has never been stronger since the 1970s. Today, it's rare to see a CEO or wealth manager without wristbands, which show they exist outside of their professional life. Alpha members of the species have already transitioned to gold bracelets, rings, and pendants. We are now starting to see beautiful antique jewelry worn by males who parade on the red carpets of the world, by young artists such as Jared Leto, Pharrell Williams, Aldis Hodge and Alexander Skarsgård. Not only have they updated cufflinks and other classics, but they are also reinventing the brooch, chains, etc.»
James Sherwood's book offers a journey through time. It shows how modern men have adapted to bring men's jewelry up to date in the 21st century. It showcases jewelry that should be very popular in the future. Pieces made by precursors such as Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, David Yurman, Ara Vartanian, Solange Azagury-Partridge and Stephen Webster. These talented creators meet both a demand and inspire younger generations eager for new men's jewellery.
If we can only congratulate the stars of hip-hop and rock who have allowed men's jewelry to survive in recent decades. But they are being reinvented by movie actors, musicians and sports stars. At the end of the 21st century, a man who wore earrings was considered an ordinary person, even a jester. Thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, Will Smith, David Beckham or Lewis Hamilton, a diamond earring has become the ideal complement to a black tie. More generally, these early believers have completely normalized the wearing of diamond among men, whether real or synthetic. Any bonus for young people, who benefit from this real renaissance of jewelry for men.
"I wrote this book at an exciting time, both socially and psychologically. Young people's perceptions around gender fluidity challenge the line between masculine and feminine. I think this is reflected in the adoption of the decidedly feminine brooch at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. I also show in this book many jewels for men with massive stones, a bit like the Maharajas of India. The philosophy conveyed by Jewelry for Gentlemen is that a piece of jewelery is like a tattoo that can be erased. Like a tattoo, a jewel is a reflection of his personality, his tastes and his unique character. But unlike a tattoo, you can change it every day.»