Over $109.3 million sent to artisans so far!
Passport Club
Lists
-
Men's Jewelry
- Home
-
- Unique Gifts
-
- Men's Jewelry
Unique Gifts: Men's Jewelry(581 items)
Our handpicked selection of unique jewelry gifts for men, designed and handcrafted with great care by talented artisans worldwide:
Catalog feature
Refine your results
-
- Department
-
Category:
Jewelry
- Type
-
Gemstone
- No Stone (422)
- Jade (47)
- Tigers Eye (23)
- Onyx (17)
- Garnet (9)
- Reconstituted Turquoise (9)
- Turquoise (9)
- Agate (8)
- Obsidian (7)
- Amethyst (6)
- Blue Topaz (5)
- Glass Bead (5)
- Lapis Lazuli (4)
- Howlite (3)
- Multigem (3)
- Citrine (2)
- Cubic Zirconia (2)
- Hematite (2)
- Carnelian (1)
- Chalcedony (1)
- Chrysocolla (1)
- Diamond (1)
- Iolite (1)
- Jasper (1)
- Labradorite (1)
- Moonstone (1)
- Quartz (1)
- Rainbow Moonstone (1)
- Unakite (1)
- Interest
- Occasion
- Region
- Price
PREV
Log in
The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
Were mens bracelets worn throughout history?
More than a mere fashion statement, mens jewelry, including bracelets, have been worn throughout history to communicate cultural, religious, and social beliefs. Prehistoric man adorned his wrists with bones and shells to ward off evil spirits. Wealthy men wore bracelets made of gold and silver to display their power and status. Bracelets evolved over time from good luck charms to status symbols to modern style accessories. All the while, they pick up and preserve meaning from the past. In Peru, gold and silver bracelets were meant to complement each other symbolically. Gold represented the sun, the day, and the masculine. Silver represented the moon, the night, and the feminine. These two bright, powerful metals held one another in balance. In Central America, natural materials decorated mens jewelry to signify a connection to place. Metals, bone, shells, bird feathers (especially the beautiful quetzal bird), and carved stones (particularly jade for its power of fertility and life) protected and decorated the wearer.
What materials are used to make mens rings?
Global artisans use all sorts of materials in their handcrafted jewelry for men. In the Andes, sterling silver, leather, and combinations of natural stones are frequently used. In Bali, silver, gold, bone, wood, brass, and stainless copper adorn handmade jewelry. In West Africa, mens jewelry honors the cow, where bone and horns are incorporated into unique pieces.
How do I know if my bracelet is handmade?
Excellent question! There is no simple test that can tell you whether an artisan hand-crafted your jewelry or not. No easy way to know if an item is handmade or factory-produced. But there are details that you can look out for, and hopefully a discerning eye will guide you right. First, look at materials. If a bracelet is made of leather with embossed detailing, or sterling silver with intricate carvings or stone settings, you are entering the realm of the handmade. If a bracelet is made from bone, or makes use of complicated beadwork, if there is evidence of welding or carving, then you can feel good about your purchase. Any true artisan will tell you: no two pieces of jewelry will come out identical if they are made by hand. Beware of sameness. Celebrate the idiosyncrasies of the artists hand and help preserve the techniques and traditions of the past.
What are the most common materials for making mens necklaces?
The materials that comprise handmade artisan necklaces are as varied as the makers themselves. Craftspeople all over the world use metals, like sterling silver, gold, copper and brass, to perfect their designs. Cotton or nylon cord and leather are also common materials used in traditional mens jewelry. Wooden beads, cow bones, coconut shells, bamboo, and gemstones all adorn mens necklaces from across the globe.
How should mens bracelets be styled?
Unique, stylish, and handcrafted. These are the guiding principles of wearing mens jewelry with confidence. There are no rules when it comes to mens bracelets. You can wear simple leather, or a combination of metals. You can go understated or bold. Colorful or subdued. However you choose to display your handmade jewelry, what matters most is that you discover pieces that attest to your own originality.
What makes a necklace eco-friendly?
Many traditional artisans employ the handcrafted techniques of their ancestors, which favored a slow, methodical approach in a small workshop, as opposed to mass production. Today, they preserve these methodologies while intentionally distinguishing their approaches from those of large factories. Respect for the environment, and for animal and human life drive the artwork itself. Natural materials are often a sign that a product is eco-friendly. Additionally, many artisans look for ways to reuse or recycle in their artwork. Some choose to repurpose old wood or fabric. Some recycle glass beads or up-cycle plastic and discarded paper. Others follow practices that conserve resources, like water and energy, and are mindful of the pollutants they release into the environment. Shopping from organizations that promote eco-friendly products is the best way to ensure that you are receiving a unique item that does not damage the world through its making.
Are there specific cultural symbols used in mens necklaces?
Handcrafted mens jewelry captures our undying passion for symbols and meaning through a variety of designs, emblems, and carvings. In ancient Peru, men wore necklaces adorned with pendants of human, animal, and divine characters. A common symbol that has withstood the test of time is the Andean Chakana, or the staggered cross, that attests to the relationship between humankind and the cosmos. In Bali, mens jewelry integrated the cross, the sign of freedom, and Ongkara symbol for oneness and spirituality. In Central America, carved glyphs were commonly used. Animal figures and bird feathers (like the quetzal and macaw) had special significance, as did natural stones. In India, Om and Ganesha symbols are used for protection, prosperity and purity. In West Africa, Gye nyame, symbolizing Gods deep power and infinite knowledge, is still used on necklaces.
On which finger or hand should mens rings be worn?
There is no right way to wear mens rings. Right hand, left hand, ring finger or thumb, where you place your ring is as much a matter of preference and comfort as it is style. Besides the common ring finger to signify love or marriage, other fingers of note are the index finger, which symbolizes power, leadership, and authority in some cultures, and the thumb, which can signify wealth. Wherever you choose to don it, a handmade ring should be as unique as the man who wears it.
What are the signs of a well-made necklace?
Like many things, when it comes to great craftsmanship, the evidence is in the details. We asked artisans what they look for in a good necklace, and heres what they told us. Keep your eye out for the smooth functioning of the lock. It should clasp easily and cleanly. Examine the weldings of the chain joints, and pay attention to the surface of the jewelry. Is it finished in high polish? Are handcrafted details evident? Are engravings handmade? Artisans also look for uniqueness in design, integrity of workmanship, and high-quality materials. Necklaces should be free from dents, and beads should stay fastened in place. No chips in the gemstones, no cuts in the bezel, and no obvious glue marks of any kind. While these standards may seem high, we believe that artisan jewelry should aim for the stars.
Do any mens bracelets have particular cultural significance?
Since time immemorial, jewelry has been used as a personal ornament, religious signification, or tastes in fashion. Todays handcrafted artisan jewelry is no different. In West Africa, leather is prized by certain tribes and connotes a connection to culture. In Indonesia, black coral, or Akar Bahar, is believed to protect the wearer from witchcraft and evil, and so it is used in many jewelry items for men. In Peru, leaders adorned themselves with garments that were exclusive to their rank, so mens jewelry not only indicated their function, but was also steeped in iconography, religious code, and emblems of power and prestige. In India, artisan jewelry incorporates the motifs of Om, a spiritual symbol signifying the essence of consciousness, and Lord Ganesha, the god of beginnings who is honored at the start of rites and ceremonies. Today, artisans working in these classical styles preserve the heritage that was passed down to them over time.
Featured Reviews on Unique Gifts: Men's Jewelry
Men's sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Double Happiness'
By KC
He Loves It!
Bought this as a gift and he loves it! Everything about this pendant is high quality and will bring happiness to you and the lucky recipient.
Tags
Tiger's eye and onyx beaded stretch bracelet, 'Batuan Renaissance'
By Susan
Perfect for me!
I love this bracelet, it is pretty as well as has a meaning that I really like, Tigers Eye, read about! I recomment this bracelet.
Tags
Men's tiger's eye ring, 'Earthen Strength'
By Jennifer
Just as i had hoped1
My husband loves his new ring and wears it every time we go out. The charcoal sides really bring out the bright luster of the Tigers Eye stone. The design is lovely and skillfully executed.
Tags
Featured Artist
Shivani Choudhary Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewelry
(59)
Write a review"My work is unique. I love creating new designs although it's challenging to come up with unusual designs every day...."
"I'm from New Delhi, the capital city of India, where I was born in 1985. I am a Scorpio and a very creative, ambitious, and hardworking person.
"My mother is a fashion designer and my biggest inspiration. I grew up watching her balance her time between work and home. She has an apparel... read more
"My mother is a fashion designer and my biggest inspiration. I grew up watching her balance her time between work and home. She has an apparel... read more
Popular Unique Gifts: Men's Jewelry
Related Articles
Gift Guide: 5 Essential Pieces of Men’s Jewelry
I have always enjoyed any special occasion involving gift giving. I enjoy receiving gifts, but I find it more... read more
Jewelry Gifts for Men
We just made it so much easier for you to find the perfect gift for the guy that loves jewelry! With NOVICA’s collection of Jewelry Gifts for Men, you’ll find something to suit any style. From stately sterling rings to handsome leather bracelets and attractive chain necklaces, we bring you jewelry that accentuates the masculine side of beauty. Our artisans come from around the world and craft their men’s jewelry in a way that honors the traditions and artistic heritage that helped to shape them. For the man that is proud to wear his jewelry as a symbol of who he is and what he values, we have the perfect gift this holiday season.
