| The Ring - It's Back | | | | ring such as birthstones and colored gems such as |
| In today's world of constant change the man's | | | | rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Smaller diamonds |
| ring is back in fashion. There was a time in history | | | | can be used to highlight the face of the ring and |
| when rings were commonplace on the fingers of | | | | provide interesting contrasts. |
| the aristocracy, royalty and the elite. However, | | | | Exceptions |
| this trend faded as men began opting for a more | | | | The pearl is perhaps the only gem not to be |
| spartan appearance, particularly with the advent | | | | favored for the male wedding ring. Other than |
| of the industrial age. The native intelligence and | | | | their historical association with femininity in all the |
| strength associated with masculinity became an | | | | arts, the pearl is simply a difficult stone to set and |
| important ideal. Jewels and other ornamentation | | | | more prone to damage than others. The pearl is |
| were considered signs of weakness and hence | | | | therefore an undesirable choice for a man's ring |
| undesirable. Since then, attitudes towards the | | | | from both a cultural and technical standpoint. |
| importance of gender in fashion have relaxed and | | | | The Ring Metal |
| the ring has yet again become desirable for the | | | | Gold is still the ring metal of choice for its |
| fashionable, classy and stylish man. | | | | relatively affordable price and classic look. Silver |
| The Diamond - A Man's Best Friend, Too | | | | and steel, among other alloys, are more modern |
| The diamond ring has become the go-to item for | | | | and cheaper alternatives. The range in price |
| that 'classic' look. Reputed jewelry brands such as | | | | between the cheapest and most expensive rings |
| Tiffany And Company (USA) offer a wide range | | | | is, on average, almost two hundred dollars. This is |
| of unique designs to best express the individual | | | | due to the possible variations in the stones |
| wearer's identity. Many men do not own any | | | | themselves, as well as the specific metal used. |
| jewelry other than their one signature ring. | | | | Style Matters |
| Interestingly, there is still a stereotypical image of | | | | Men have realized that accessories do not end |
| the 'male' ring, which usually features several small | | | | with cufflinks and tie bars. The true expression of |
| cut diamonds set into the face of the ring rather | | | | personal style and sophistication is through a ring. |
| than the single larger diamond favored by women. | | | | Many powerful men in politics, commerce, the |
| The Wedding Ring | | | | media and sport wear their rings as extensions of |
| It is becoming more common, but still rare, that a | | | | their intelligence, integrity, persona, charisma, skill, |
| woman will also buy her partner an engagement | | | | and flair. Though the ring is undoubtedly a status |
| ring at the time of the engagement. These are | | | | symbol it also transcends the barriers of wealth, |
| popularly referred to as 'man-gagement' rings. | | | | class, achievement and privilege into the realm of |
| Despite the current fixation with diamonds, there | | | | universal desirability. History has repeated itself: |
| are alternatives for the diamond-centric wedding | | | | the ring once again maketh the man. |