Gen Z And Men's Jewellery: The Taboo has Been Lifted

For generations, jewellery was quietly tucked into gendered boxes. Bracelets and earrings for women; watches and cufflinks for men. Anything beyond that was often met with raised eyebrows and unsolicited advice about masculinity. But walk through Connaught Place, scroll through Instagram reels, or glance at a college campus today, and the picture is different. Men from Gen Z are flashing silver bands, layering necklaces, experimenting with earrings, and even painting nails to match.

The taboo is not just lifting, it's breaking wide open. This transformation has roots in history, is fuelled by pop culture, and sustained by an undeniable hunger for individuality. Yes, Gen Z has embraced men's jewellery confidently, breaking past taboos, redefining masculinity, and celebrating self-expression through bold, stylish accessories today. Let's unravel how this cultural shift took shape and why Gen Z is redefining men's jewellery trends and showing no signs of slowing down.

Gen Z today's is rewriting the script as far as men's jewellery is concerned. What was once seen as taboo has now become a confident declaration of style; Photo Credit: Pexels

Why Gen Z is Redefining Men's Jewellery

1. A Past Where Jewellery Told Stories

Before jewellery became boxed into 'feminine' or 'masculine' categories, kings, warriors, and spiritual leaders wore ornaments with pride. From Mughal emperors adorning pearls to regional traditions where men wore nose rings or toe rings, jewellery often symbolised power, wealth, or divine blessing. Over time, Western ideals crept in, narrowing jewellery to wedding bands and gold chains for men. The rest was quietly sidelined.

Gen Z fashion, however, is digging into history and discovering this forgotten truth. Wearing a silver kada or a chunky ring isn't a modern rebellion; it's a revival of something ancient. This sense of connection to the past has given young men the courage to step into jewellery stores without hesitation. It's not about copying trends alone, but reclaiming a legacy. 

2. Pop Culture: The Spark That Lit the Fire

Turn on the TV, scroll reels, or watch a Bollywood film, and you'll spot actors, rappers, and cricketers flaunting jewellery. Ranveer Singh's flamboyant pearls, Virat Kohli's bracelets, or Badshah's diamond-studded chains set trends that ripple outwards. For Gen Z, celebrities no longer feel like distant stars; they feel like style guides.

Music videos and influencer content especially fuel this fire. When a rapper casually flaunts layers of pendants worth lakhs, it tells viewers that jewellery isn't taboo; it's aspirational. Even regional film stars are no strangers to gold chains and gemstone rings. And since Gen Z thrives on visuals and reels, such cues stick faster than billboards or catalogues. Jewellery now carries the weight of pop culture coolness, and that coolness is addictive.

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3. Social Media: The Real Runway

Instagram and YouTube have replaced glossy magazines as the runway of style. Here, trends don't trickle, they flood. A college student in Pune can experiment with stacked silver rings, post a picture, and by evening, someone in Kolkata might be inspired to try the same look. This instant connectivity has democratised fashion.

Jewellery brands know this too. Many are collaborating with influencers, sometimes micro-influencers with just a few thousand followers, to showcase new collections. The result? Men see jewellery on relatable, everyday figures rather than untouchable celebrities. Gen Z especially loves this authenticity. Jewellery doesn't just appear glamorous; it feels accessible, experiment-worthy, and affordable. One post, one reel, one comment, and the taboo melts a little more.

4. Beyond Tradition: From Shaadi Gold to Everyday Bling

For decades, men's jewellery was restricted to wedding rituals, thick gold chains gifted by parents, a diamond ring exchanged at engagement, or perhaps a kada passed down generations. Anything beyond that was branded 'too much.'

Gen Z is rewriting this narrative. Chains are now paired with streetwear, rings with casual tees, and ear studs with hoodies. Jewellery is no longer boxed into ceremonies; it has slipped into daily life. This shift has also nudged jewellers to offer lighter, quirkier, and budget-friendly designs in silver, stainless steel, and even leather accents. What once cost ₹2 lakh is now rivalled by a stylish bracelet under ₹2,000. For young men, this means freedom to buy, mix, match, and flaunt, without waiting for a wedding.

Here are the Gen Z and Men's Jewellery top collections; Photo Credit: Pexels

5. Gender Norms Are Finally Cracking

One of the biggest shifts lies in how Gen Z views gender. Jewellery isn't tagged as 'his' or 'hers'; it's simply style. An earring isn't 'girly'; it's edgy. A pearl necklace isn't 'feminine'; it's classic. This attitude challenges rigid notions of masculinity that weighed heavily on earlier generations.

Walking into a café in Delhi today, you'll find young men with painted nails, chunky rings, and layered chains sitting comfortably with friends. Nobody gasps. Nobody sneers. For them, the real test of masculinity is confidence, not conformity. And jewellery has become a visible way of showcasing that confidence. This new openness is less about rebellion and more about freedom, the freedom to own who you are, without needing approval.

6. Affordable Luxury for Pocket Money Budgets

Jewellery once carried the burden of high price tags. Only gold or diamonds were considered worthy. But Gen Z isn't bound by that rulebook. They are chasing 'looks,' not just precious metals. Silver, titanium, beads, enamel, and stainless steel have entered the conversation, making stylish jewellery accessible at prices starting as low as ₹500.

This affordability has unlocked experimentation. A student can buy three different rings in one semester, try them all, and still stay within budget. Brands have picked up on this trend, launching collections targeting younger buyers who want quick style without breaking the bank. Jewellery is no longer locked in lockers; it's sitting on wrists, necks, and ears, out in the open, every single day.

7. Jewellery as Self-Expression

For Gen Z, jewellery is not just about shine; it's about story. Each piece carries meaning. A silver ring might remind someone of a trek in Himachal, a bracelet may represent friendship, or a pendant could hold a symbol of faith. These small details make jewellery more than an accessory, it becomes part of identity.

Unlike their parents, who often wore jewellery as a symbol of wealth, Gen Z wears it to communicate personality. Minimalists might prefer sleek silver bands, while maximalists go for layers of chunky chains. Both choices are valid because jewellery has become an extension of self. In an era obsessed with individuality, these glittering pieces are more than decoration, they're declarations.

Here are the Gen Z and Men's Jewellery top collections; Photo Credit: Pexels

8. The Rise of Unisex Designs

Step into a trendy store today and you'll find collections marketed not for men or women, but simply as 'unisex.' Sleek rings, simple studs, quirky pendants, all designed to appeal across the spectrum. This shift has made it easier for men to browse without awkward stares or uncomfortable questions.

The appeal lies in versatility. A chain picked up by a man might later be worn by his sister, or a ring gifted to a girlfriend could also match his own. This fluidity appeals to Gen Z's dislike for rigid boxes. They prefer fashion that moves, adapts, and blends. And unisex jewellery delivers just that, helping erase the last traces of taboo.

9. Small Businesses and Local Creativity

Not all jewellery comes from big names like Tanishq or Malabar. Many small businesses and Instagram-based creators are thriving, crafting handmade, edgy pieces that speak to Gen Z's love for originality. A handcrafted silver ring from Jaipur or a quirky bead bracelet from Goa markets can sometimes carry more charm than a brand showroom piece.

These small businesses often thrive on customisation. They allow buyers to engrave initials, choose charms, or mix designs. For young men who crave uniqueness, such details matter. Jewellery isn't just purchased, it's co-created. This sense of personal touch transforms jewellery from a product into a memory. It's fashion with a heartbeat, something mass production often struggles to replicate.

10. From Taboo to Normal: Where We Go Next

The shift is clear: jewellery for men is no longer whispered about; it's worn with pride. What began as cautious steps, perhaps a ring, maybe a bracelet, has turned into bold strides. Ear studs, pearls, layered chains, even nose rings are entering mainstream spaces. The taboo has lifted, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.

The future looks glittery. More collaborations between designers and musicians, more unisex lines, more affordable collections, and more acceptance. For Gen Z, jewellery is not just adornment, it's a language. A language that speaks of freedom, confidence, and identity. And this language has finally found its audience.

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The story of men's jewellery is no longer about 'crossing lines.' It's about rewriting them entirely. From history to pop culture, affordability to self-expression, Gen Z has cracked open the door and walked through with confidence. Jewellery is no longer hidden in lockers or restricted to weddings, it's out on the streets, in classrooms, on Instagram feeds, and at cafés.

The taboo has been lifted, not with rebellion, but with style. And as chains clink, rings shine, and studs sparkle, they carry a larger truth: fashion has no gender, only expression. Shop Men's Jewellery now online. 

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purposes only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories, and brands listed in this article.