How Men in Ancient Rome Created & Wore Jewelry

Sharp, valiant, stunning—all words a man would proudly use to describe his own personality. Perhaps that’s the reason that ancient Roman jewelry plays such a significant role in the inspiration of modern designs. Deeply meaningful, jewelry in ancient Rome was not subtle in its ornamentation. Heavyweight pieces took their cue from imposing statues and monuments, while an undercurrent of sophistication nodded to the impossibly chic early refinement of ancient Rome.

Old-World Habits Die Hard

Consider the techniques that the ancient Romans employed to produce some of their more artful pieces of jewelry. They would place actual coins into gemstones to produce a severe study in contrasts and materials. Others relied on spiritual beliefs to concoct pieces that represented everything from nobility to valor to courage. Modern designers aren’t ignorant of this potent imagery. Using the past as a guide, jewel-crafters create pieces that honor Roman history while infusing them with contemporary style. The result: jewelry made for the fashion-forward man of today.

Décor Over Clothing

Though it sounds odd, it was perhaps the most normal and sensible way to dress in prehistoric eras. At the time, people adorned their bodies with all manner of artifacts and made exceptionally creative use of natural findings, like colorful pebbles, eclectic shells, and even fish bones. Hunters used the teeth and bones of animals they preyed upon to produce pieces that, in modern circles, would be considered the very epitome of bohemian style.

The King Wore Jewelry

To some extent, that nomadic lifestyle may have driven the excitement for jewelry design in ancient Rome. It was seen largely as an upscale sign of class and nobility; those who wore jewelry were truly due an almost god-like level of respect. As designs evolved over the years, one constant remained: a respect for guarded motifs that were so important to European history. It wasn’t unusual to discover a geometric pattern inspired by the Greek or a sultry snake straight from the archives of Italy itself.

Today, any man can wear jewelry and elevate his style cachet exponentially—and whether it’s a voluminous ring, a slight necklace, or a handsome watch, it all derives from an impressive past. Many modern designs, especially those made in Italy, have origins that run deep into the capital of a country known for being at the forefront of men’s fashion.