2001 Fashion Trends: The Sudden Rise of Men's Jewelry

The early 2000s signed an important fashion era, packed with irresistible, and at times, controversial trends. But one in particular captured the hearts of millions of fashionistas worldwide; Men's jewelry has recently spiked in the graphs and it's here to stay (forever).

From bold and eye-catching chains to sleek and minimal looks, men's jewelry is no longer restricted to luxury or formal, it's an essential everyday piece.

But what caused this comeback? And why men's jewelry is suddenly back on the trend? Let's jump into the early 2000s and discover why this trend is booming today.

A Snapshot Back at the Early 2000s: The Unstoppable Rise Of Men's Jewelry

In 2001, fashion was blended with extremes: From eye-catching leather jackets to oversized baggy pants - not to mention when bucket hats were all the rage.

Men's Jewelry, while not completely missing, was understated. Necklaces and bracelets were limited to casualties like leather bands and beaded kid bracelets, with a rare glimpse of metal rings and chains. Accessories for men weren't as notable as they were for women. However, with the progress of time, we witnessed a complete transformation in how men cherished jewelry, leading to the "boom" we see today.

Why Is Men’s Jewelry Suddenly Spyked in The Graphs in 2024?

The popularity of men's jewelry today can be linked to numerous factors — the constant evolution of fashion, cultural factors, and even the freedom of self-expression within men. Here's why men's jewelry has become such a fashion phenomenon in today's fashion world.

1. The Celebrity Impact

Mainstream celebrities like Bad Bunny, ASAP Rocky, and Harry Styles have been crucial in making men's jewelry popular. Whether it's a pearl chain or a diamond-sprinkled Cuban necklace, these icons have effortlessly integrated jewelry into their wardrobes, making it more desirable for the modern fashionista. Their style decisions have pushed boundaries, making men's jewelry more desirable for men.

1. The Rise In The Streetwear Culture

Streetwear culture, which has been an unparalleled force in the fashion world, has also played an important role in men's jewelry. Brands like Supreme, Off-White, and Fear of God, have integrated men's jewelry in their shopping catalogs, with every type of jewelry available out there. Streetwear has always bridged the gap between luxury and affordable, and jewelry has become the bridge that connects them

1. The Climb of Gender-Neutral Fashion

2024 has also seen a good shift towards genderless fashion, where societal gender standards have been broken down. Jewelry, once labeled as a prevailing jewelry accessory has been dismantled and redefined as gender-free. This approval of gender-neutral fashion has endorsed men to wear never-seen-before styles, like earrings, bracelets and necklaces

1. The Social Media Impact

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have given influencers, and normal people, the stage to express their styles with unique jewelry combinations. The visual-oriented characteristics of social media have made it incredibly easy for men to find inspiration.

Which Styles Are On The Rise in 2024?

As of 2024, the jewelry market is worth 340$ billion. Making it one of the most prominent, and rising, markets out there. Online, the jewelry market is currently valued 57.4$ billion, driven by the easiness for shoppers to explore and buy new styles.

But which styles are currently "booming"? Below, you'll find a quick rundown of the styles that are dominating the graphs today:

1. Gold Necklaces

Whether it's a minimal style or a bold, eye-catching style, gold chains have become incredibly popular today.

Although they can be a good choice for special events, these chain types can be seen on casual hangouts.

1. Stainless Steel Plated Jewelry

A rising star is stainless steel jewelry, this type of metal has many incredible advantages over common gold and silver, due to its anti-tarnish properties and low price point.

1. Pearl Necklaces

One trend that is currently peaking are pearl necklaces. The genderless nature of this accessory makes it more accessible for men to wear.

Incredibly unique in its nature, due to the extra feminine touch; Thanks to Harry Styles who made this trend rise, pearls add an element of sophistication to any look, setting the trend in this fashion era.

1. Leather Bracelets

Since the early 2000s, leather bracelets have always been cherished as an aesthetic embellishment for the modern man. Offering a rugged yet classy feel to any wrist. They work perfectly for a day at the office or for a relaxed bohemian look.

1. Earrings

Since the genderless breakthrough, men's earrings have seen a major rise in popularity. Earrings are cherished by men across all boards and the trend is here to stay. The most common ones available today are small hoops, single earrings, signet styles, etc...

Why is Men's Jewelry so Important?

Jewelry made its way to the top charts by being a true form of self-expression, for men and for women. Jewelry allows men to easily experiment with new styles, automatically showcasing their personality in a unique yet stylish way.

How Tom For and Jean Paul Gaultier Transformed Men's Jewelry in The Early 2000s

At the start of the early 2000s, big fashion designers contributed greatly to redefining men's jewelry as a bold and integral part of style. Tom Ford, period of service at Gucci, was essential in this transformation.
Socially loved for his provocative and edgy designs, Ford injected unparalleled style and sex appeal into the world of men's fashion. He mixed custom suits with jewelry, often featuring classic pieces like silver or gold necklaces, rings, and cuffs. His designs merged masculinity with elegance, inspiring modern men to wear jewelry as a form of personal expression.

Jean Paul Gaultier, known for his cutting-edge approach to fashion, also pushed the limits of men's jewelry. Gaultier's catalog collections often blurred gender boundaries, integrating, nontraditional materials and bold pieces like statement necklaces, earrings, and metal cuffs. His reckless approach motivated men to experiment with the world of fashion accessories. Making it even more socially acceptable to put on pieces that had previously been considered too feminine or over the edge.

Gaultier and Ford used jewelry to transform how masculinity was perceived in the early 2000s. Their fashion shows featured men wearing classic necklace pieces, signet rings, and bold cuffs, blurring the lines between luxury and everyday attire.
By incorporating men's jewelry into their catalog collections, established the trend and changed how society viewed men's fashion today.

Conclusion: Men’s Jewelry — An Emerging Trend That's Here To Last

The rise in popularity of men's jewelry in 2024 is more than a fleeting trend, it's an evergreen phenomenon that's here to stay.

No matter what type of jewelry you're searching for, there is a piece out there for every taste and outfit type.

If you're ready to jump into the jewelry world then visit DRIVN. Our incredible collection allows men worldwide to experiment with different styles and combinations. Visit our store today to find your next favorite jewelry piece.