Blog | Jewellery Is For Men, Too

Jewellery isn't just for women anymore. The idea that it makes men less masculine is outdated. From minimal accessories to bold statement pieces, men's jewellery is witnessing a transformation, even in corporate spaces.

Traditionally, masculinity restricted men to wearing only wedding rings and simple watches. But times have changed. Today's men are confident, self-assured, and unafraid to stand out. Jewellery now enhances their style and expresses their personality.

India has a long history of men wearing jewellery, dating back to the Harappan civilisation. Unisex designs were common, and even today, men in rural Rajasthan sport nose rings and toe rings.

Celebrities Lead the Way

Male celebrities have played a significant role in normalising jewellery.

Cricketers like Hardik Pandya flaunt thick chains, while Ishan Kishan often sports diamond-studded earrings, silver chains, and chunky rings. Rishabh Pant considers his gold chains and bracelets lucky.

In Indian cinema, actors have often donned regal jewellery as maharajas. Off-screen, Ranveer Singh embraces bold looks, pairing his eclectic outfits with layered necklaces, dangler earrings, and statement rings. Salman Khan's iconic turquoise bracelet remains a fan favourite, while Vicky Kaushal has been spotted with stylish pendants.

The corporate space, once limited to wedding rings, is evolving. Tie pins, lapel pins, cufflinks, and sleek chains are becoming more common.

Shital Kakkar Mehra, an executive presence coach, observes: “In traditional industries like banking and law, jewellery is still minimal but more common than it was two decades ago. In creative industries, it has always been popular.”

The influence of global trends, social media, and celebrity endorsements has made jewellery more acceptable among Millennial and Gen Z men. Gender-fluid designs reflect evolving attitudes toward fashion.

Even Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who recently lamented the decline of "macho energy" in corporate culture, wears jewellery — a chain featuring a Hebrew prayer he reads to his daughters.

Hopefully, this shift will further dismantle the outdated notion that jewellery is exclusively feminine.

(The author is Contributing Editor, NDTV)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author