It’s Time for Guys to Stop Being Afraid of Jewelry—Here’s Why.
For most men, jewelry can be completely confusing and it’s easy to understand why. The term “man jewelry” has an unattractive stigma around it from decades of limited offerings on the market. Unless a man wanted to be defined by an aggressive, bold piece of chain metal, the only option was to opt for a watch and a wedding band-end of story. That was until Miansai came onto the scene and finally gave men what they always wanted, but never knew they needed.
“I always say we make jewelry for the guy who doesn’t wear jewelry,” says Saiger about his jewelry line. “If a guy will wear a watch, we’ll wear Miansai.”
Michael Saiger, founder and creative director of Miansai jewelry, is a prime example of how the everyman can sport jewelry, without looking wild. Saiger might be thought of as a “cool guy” in Wynwood’s burgeoning design scene, but his style is far from the unconventional, artistic look you’d expect to see during Art Basel. The jewelry craftsman’s personal style is classic, timeless, and without trendy frill; like his jewelry, he’s effortlessly stylish. So, who better than to help navigate men into the complex territory of jewelry?
Saiger’s passion for the brand is evident within minutes of conversation, but he never aspired to become a jewelry designer, nor did he expect to have a successful brand with multiple employees before he even graduated college.
“I was trying to find a bracelet and there was nothing out there I wanted to wear,” says Saiger about the beginnings of his booming business. “The only thing on the market was big, chunky, silver jewelry. It’s for a very particular kind of guy and it makes a big statement about the man wearing it. I try to make an accessory that feels more like an accent to only enhance a man’s personality, but doesn’t necessarily define who he is. They’re conversation pieces, but they don’t overpower.”
Saiger’s appreciation for design began in his childhood years surrounded by antiques in his mother’s shop.Armed with a power drill and vintage materials, he began creating pieces in college and sold them to stores like Ron Herman, Fred Segal, and What Goes Around Comes Around. They sold out instantly. Jewelry making became an obsession for the self-taught designer and he organically grew his business by investing profits from his earlier designs back into his company, purchasing casting machines, polishing machines, and a 3D-printer machine. Saiger had began to establish his jewelry aesthetic that would resonate with all types of men and start a major trend.
“I wanted something that people were nostalgic about and could relate to,” says Saiger. “That’s where my idea for combining materials like nautical cord and nautical rope with sterling silver came from. It was an elevated version of something you would get or make in summer camp. No one was doing that and I just knew my designs would be popular.”
Even if you’re not familiar with this jewelry brand, you definitely know the hook and anchor bracelets that skyrocketed Miansai’s success. The wrap bracelet (available in leather or cord) became a hit with men as an easy, versatile, finishing touch to any outfit and mass-market fashion brands quickly recognized an opportunity to copy this design. If a guy is going to try out a piece of jewelry for the first time, the hook or anchor bracelets are ideal for most men.
What to Look for When Purchasing Men’s Jewelry
“It’s the same way you would shop for a button-down shirt,” says Saiger. “It’s all about what you gravitate towards and connect with. Don’t overthink it.”
Go for versatile pieces that adds an attractive touch to your everyday look. In terms of cost-per-wear, a bracelet, ring, or necklace that won’t overpower your 9-to-5 look and adds a stylish accent to your weekend garb is worth the splurge and will become a signature accessory that enhances your personal style.
“I think that’s the special thing about jewelry,” says Saiger. “You can have it for years and have a lot of different experiences and memories while wearing it. It’s been through a lot with you and essentially becomes part of you.“
To help guide you with your next jewelry purchase, Saiger breaks down how men can wear jewelry and what pieces to look for.
Bracelets
“The trend use to be a thicker kind of leather or metal, but now, we’ve moved towards minimal, refined bracelets that a guy can easily layer or wear on it’s own,” says Saiger. “I like to combine a simple cuff with another bracelet that has a different texture, be it rope or leather. Nothing that’s too overwhelming or looks like an ‘arm party’.”
When it comes to wearing multiple bracelets, it’s best to look at it as a balancing equation. A stylish bracelet shines on it’s own, but if you want to go a little more bold with your look, just make sure the combination isn’t too distracting or heavy. If you’re already wearing a watch and a wedding band on one hand, add the touch of metal or cord to your other wrist.
Rings
“If you’re wearing a signet ring, I would recommend wearing it without another ring on that hand,” says Saiger of the trendy ring style for men. “It looks dope on its own and there’s no need to add to it. But if your style vibe is a bit more bold, you can possibly add one more to that hand, but definitely not more than two rings. ‘Less is more’ should always be the rule.”
A super thick or heavy band will look outdated and feel uncomfortable to wear throughout your active day. Chunky over-the-top rings become distracting to any guy while he’s typing at the office or doing physical work. The best rings are the lightweight, minimal stunners that you might even forget you’re wearing, except for when the compliments roll in from onlookers. Saiger recommends sticking to sleek rings that are no wider than 4-millimeters.
Necklaces
Go for something minimal that feels personal and can be worn both on top of your shirt or tucked in with just a sliver of chain peaking out around your neck. A modern chain necklace with a length that hits mid-chest adds character to a basic T-shirt and jeans for killer style. Saiger suggests avoiding big, thick, diamond-cut chains. The high-polished look can be tricky for guys to pull off, so go for something a bit more unique and ruggedly stylish.
“A great way to layer is to start with a 24-inch simple chain (with or without a pendant), and then layer a 22-inch smaller chain with a pendant to add interest to your everyday T-shirt or sweatshirt. You can mix and match complimentary metals for next-level style,” says Saiger.
Whatever jewelry you choose, and no matter how you decide to wear it, it’s important to go for something that you truly love and will wear daily with ease. A piece of jewelry encapsulates the journeys, adventures, and big moments of your life, taking on sentimental value that’s priceless.
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