Male Adornment: The Evolution of Men’s Jewellery from the 1400s Until Today

May 16, 2025

By Amanda Triossi

5 min read

Men's jewellery is often overlooked, yet its history is both rich and cyclical. Over the past six centuries, the popularity of male adornments has fluctuated, reflecting shifts in fashion, status, and cultural values. This article explores various types of jewellery worn by men, excluding rings and earrings. Signet rings have been a constant feature of male accessorising, while earrings have been intermittent and deserve a separate discussion. Here, Amanda Triossi examines the reasons behind male jewellery, along with its periods of abundance and decline.

The Renaissance: A Flourishing Era (1400s–1600s)

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In the continuation of this article:

  • The evolution of men’s jewellery in the 17th century
  • The decline of men’s adornment in the 19th and 20th centuries
  • The renaissance of men’s accessorising in the 2010s and beyond

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