Prestige Promenade pearls and sweets
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/673690
54 www.thejewelrybook.com M I C H A E L O ' C O N N O R G E T Y O U R R O C K S O N Michael O'Connor is one of the most infl uential tastemakers in the jewelry industry today, consulting on everything from styling Hollywood's red carpet elite to educating fi rst time buyers about custom bridal design through the online magazine, Engagement 101. He is owner and president of Style & Substance, a full service marketing, branding and celebrity place- ment fi rm specializing in fi ne jewelry. He is also an incredibly knowledge- able jewelry historian and fashion trendsetter. He started talking and we listened up! What do men need to know about wearing jewelry? One of the most important things men need to realize is that jewelry is an accessory – the most beautiful, important accessory, but still an accessory – socks, belt, tie, pocket square. Like any of these items, the wearing of jewelry is an extension of who they are as a person and provides an oppor- tunity to express their individuality. Throughout history men have always worn fi ne jewelry. In the early 1900s for example, well-dressed gentlemen always had cuff links. If they were wealthy enough to own a tuxedo, they had a set of shirt studs. Clothing tended to be less varied, these small touches set them apart. For centuries wearing jewelry has been historically important to men and a signifi er of many things: wealth, status in life, whether married or single, clan, affi liation, brotherhood. In war, medals were jeweled, enameled, colorful. They exemplifi ed very masculine ideas of bravery, camaraderie and patriotism. After the war, in the 1950s and 60s, jewelry took a horrible hit. Well- dressed gentlemen still wore cuffl inks, but in general jewelry fell by the wayside. We came across a generation or two who felt the wearing of jewelry was not really masculine enough for them. That pendulum has swung back. Men of today have realized that the wearing of jewelry is as masculine as wearing any other accessory. Get Your Rocks On Interview with celebrity stylist, television spokesperson and image consultant Michael O'Connor BY BROOKE CONNER SEVENAU Michael O'Connor Deakin and Francis Mark Schneider David Heston