Men and Jewelry

The phrase "diamonds are a girl's best friend" once only applied to women who loved diamonds and the attention the diamonds brought.

Precious gemstones make women feel good about themselves when they dress, whether it is for dressing for success in the business world, for a night out on the town, or for everyday wear.

But things have changed, so move over women. Diamonds have become "man's best friend," too, and the jewelry industry is catering to men as well as women.

Men are wearing jewelry like diamonds, gold, silver, and other gemstones and precious metals that, not too many years ago, would not have been acceptable for the average macho man.

It started with gold chains, and bracelets and then it went to gold and diamond studded earrings, and now, jewelry is fair game.

Men are no longer hung up on the notion that a man wearing diamonds and pearls was, at one time, considered feminine and they are not in the least bit embarrassed by it.

Today, it is actually considered manly to be seen in fine jewelry. Gold chains, diamond studded earrings, and bracelets are hot commodities.

And women are buying their husbands and boyfriends jewelry that the women wouldn't mind wearing themselves. And some guys and girls actually share their jewelry.

In certain circles, it is called "bling." Bling is worn as a fashion statement in the hip hop culture and men are wearing it with pride.

Country music and rock stars, professional basketball, football, and baseball players, boxers, actors and other high profile men, have joined the jewelry craze. And so has the average man.

Young, middle aged, and older men are adding jewelry to their wardrobes at a phenomenal rate, driving up the price of diamonds, gold, and other precious metals and gemstones, and the jewelry industry is loving it.

Jewelry that is most worn by men:

• Wedding bands
• Rings
• Watches
• Gold chains
• Gold bracelets
• Earrings

Gold, silver, diamonds and pearls are the jewelry of choice for the modern man when he is out on the town.

Finance Topic of the Month: Facts About VA Loans