Last Updated on February 2, 2017 by Tim
Most men are not comfortable in jewelry stores and the idea of jewelry is foreign to many men if it is anything more than dog tags, a watch or a wedding ring. For those who are brave enough to venture into the world of fashionable jewelry for men, it can be a bit overwhelming at times. Take our quick tips and make it easier on yourself as you search for the perfect piece of bling for your coolest look and hippest fashions.
7 Ways to Pick Unique Jewelry for Men
Jewelry Color
What type of metal are you looking at- gold or silver tones? Do you want leather or fabric in your jewelry pieces? Do you like prefer natural stone or leather men’s bracelets? Are there any gemstone colors you are interested in? Thinking about the colors you want to find in your pieces will help you cut out a lot of options fairly quickly and narrow down your search for you.
Specific Metal
There are other metals besides silver that are silver in color and the same goes for gold-plated metals. If you have a strong preference for a certain metal or against one due to an allergic-like a nickel or silver allergy then you need to know what the actual metal of the piece is, not just what color the metal is.
Jewelry Proportions
Think about what you want when you are wearing a bracelet or necklace or watch. Do you want a thick or thin chain, a braided pattern watch band, or a sports-themed cufflink? Think about the specifics and the sizes and shapes you want as you look at the options available.
Price
Think about your budget and try to stick to it. There is no need to tell everyone helping you choose what your budget is upfront but you need to know in your mind what your ideal price range is and what the absolute maximum is that you will pay.
Take your time
Most jewelry purchases aren’t made on the spot. Do not let anyone pressure you into making a quick decision. If possible, take a friend or family member with you who knows about the type of jewelry you are looking for who can help you weigh the pros and cons and come to a decision.
Mind the 4 C’s
Carat, cut, color, and clarity. Mostly used for diamonds they can be applied to other gemstones so it is a good thing to understand the basics. A carat is a measurement of mass for precious stones- it is how heavy they are. The cut of the stone is its quality, not the shape of the stone and they are rated: Ideal, Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor. Color for Diamonds and other stones has a scale and the higher the color quality the more rare and expensive the stone. Gemstones usually contain some level of imperfections and clarity refers to how many imperfections there are in the stone when it is cut and polished.
Shop smart
There are several options available for where you can shop for fashionable men’s jewelry. Big Chain Stores are the ones you find in shopping malls and that have big chain stores everywhere. They tend to focus on wedding rings, engagement rings, and more traditional types of jewelry. Family or Independent Jewelers are slowly dying out but some neighborhoods still have the lone jeweler doing business locally. Expect to find a smaller selection and a greater variety as far as odd and unusual pieces in these types of stores. Antique and Pawn Shops offer a unique opportunity at second-hand jewelry that can either yield you a unique one of a kind piece or lead to you being ripped off for a cheap imitation stone- so use caution!
For men who are brave enough to venture out and walk into a jewelry store and take a look into the world of fashionable jewelry for men, there is hope! Yes, it can be a bit overwhelming at times and there is a bit of a learning curve involved, but with these handy tips, you are well on your way to discovering amazing pieces that compliment your look and style!
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