Guys enjoy bling fling

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Abhay Deol flaunt the perfect pieces of jewellery

Whoever said ‘diamonds are a woman’s best friend’, needs to reconsider this thought as modern men are now vying for these “friends” just like their female counterparts. At the recently held India International Jewellery Week (IIFW), the resurgence of male jewellery on the runway was a clear indicator that men are now ready to flaunt their ‘bling quotient’.

According to industry experts there is a remarkable three fold growth in the male jewellery sector in India in the past few years.
Model Sahil Shroff, who was the showstopper for Ganjam Jewellers at IIJW, says, “Men’s jewellery has always been around, especially in the Indian context. Men are getting more aware and starting to explore fashion as a way of life. I feel men will soon start spending more money on jewels along with other designer stuff.” Male jewellery designer Sumit Sawhney of the label Apala feels that the key trend in men’s jewellery is no clutter, just clear and straight lines. He says, “In the past two years there has been a 40 per cent growth in this market. Men between the age group of 16-45 years are now getting more experimental with their looks. Even Bollywood actors like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan are sporting this trend big time. Jewellery items that are in vogue currently are rings, pendants and amulets. These can be rugged or plain with a mantra inscribed on it. Nature and animal inspired designs are an instant hit. Shiva-Shakti and Surya designs also go well with a man’s personality.”
Accessory designer Felix Bendish also feels that throughout history male jewellery has played an important role in making a style statement. He says, “Diamonds and jadaoo were worn by men first in the royal families and now a lot of men are wearing brooches in the form of paisleys with uncut diamonds. There is going to be a trend shift again and men will embrace jewels as a fashion statement. In terms of international fashion, there are men sporting pendants/lockets in unconventional designs.”
Tarang Arora, designer and head of international operations at Amrapali Jewellery, states that the male jewellery segment has grown three times in the past few years. He says, “As opposed to earlier, the urban male is open to buying accessories in recent times; however, the increase in consumption will not be very steep in comparison to women’s jewellery. Men generally like white metal so white gold and silver is popular. In stones black onyx is the most popular. Dog tags are very popular and the most popular for us is cuff links (enameled and colourful) and chunky bracelets.”
Aparna Gujral and Dushyanth Ganjam of Ganjam Jewellery reveal that the percentage of sales has gone up by 10-12 per cent and it is expected to grow by 15 percent in coming years. They says, “In the premium segment, diamond solitaire rings in white gold, custom designed rings, uniquely designed and gem studded cufflinks are popular. Also, chains in various metals, platinum rings and small size engagement rings are in demand.”