Once considered a fringe market for rockers, rappers, gay men and gangsters, men's jewelry is inching toward the mainstream.
The same guys who read Cargo magazine and enjoy shopping for jeans and facial cleansers are looking to personalize their look in new ways, says Allan Steinmetz, chief executive of Inward Strategic Consulting, a marketing firm based in Newton, Mass. "Accessorizing with jewelry is part of that," he says.
Retailers are responding, albeit gingerly. Last year, Tiffany quietly expanded its usual watch and cufflink collections to include a broad range of sporty men's jewelry, including silver pendants, rings and bracelets mostly priced between $150 and $350. Tiffany has enlisted in-house designers such as Paloma Picasso and Elsa Peretti to craft a number of understated, masculine jewelry styles in silver and titanium steel â€" some studded with tiny diamonds.
Hip Hop Fuels Surge in Men's Jewelry Market
Hip Hop Fuels Surge In Men's Jewelry Market
Trend Themes
1. Rise of Men's Jewelry Market - The increasing popularity of men's jewelry is opening up opportunities for new designs and collections.
2. Mainstream Acceptance of Men's Jewelry - Men's jewelry is moving away from being associated with certain subcultures and gaining acceptance in broader consumer segments.
3. Expansion of Men's Jewelry Offerings - Retailers, like Tiffany, are diversifying their collections to include more options for men, catering to their personalization and style preferences.
Industry Implications
1. Jewelry Retail - The surge in men's jewelry presents an opportunity for jewelers to expand their target market and offer more designs tailored to male consumers.
2. Fashion and Accessories - The rise of men's jewelry creates a new market segment within the fashion industry, leading to potential collaborations and innovative designs.
3. Luxury Goods - Luxury brands can capitalize on the growing demand for men's jewelry by creating exclusive and high-end collections to attract affluent male consumers.