In India, the tradition of men wearing jewellery runs deep. Across regions from Gujarat to Punjab, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, jewellery has been an integral part of men's fashion wardrobe, particularly for royalty. Even today, the kada, for instance, holds religious symbolism in Sikh culture and serves as a mark of pride. Similarly, south India boasts a rich history of men wearing jewellery, showcasing a tapestry of tradition and heritage.
In January, Italian fashion house Bvlgari (or Bulgari) became the latest to launch a man bangle catering specifically to the Indian male demographic, recognising its growing significance in the luxury market. The India-exclusive Kada Bracelet costs Rs 12 lakh.
The move is resonant of a shift in attitude. As more Indian men embrace jewellery, and not just for weddings and occasion wear, global luxury brands are making a beeline for India - a sign of India's growing importance in their portfolios. Indian jewellery makers, too, are upping the ante with unisex pieces and men's jewellery lines.
Tarang Arora, creative director and CEO, Amrapali Jewels, says the revival transcends generational boundaries, signifying wider acceptance now of men's jewellery as a fashion statement. “I see it as a revival of an ancient tradition. I remember my dad told me that he used to wear a bracelet back in the day, quite a big one at that, but now he doesn't. I know a lot of people who used to but now don't. This generation, however, has warmed up to the idea of wearing jewellery,” he says.
Kadas, particularly in the north, symbolised power, strength, and protection against malevolent forces, Arora adds.
Bulgari is known for creating iconic accessories such as Diagono and Haute Horlogerie watches for men to Serpenti timepieces for women. This year, the high jewellery brand looked towards Indian shores and found inspiration in the kada. Here is everything you need to know about the B.zero1 Kada Bracelet and other man bangles out there.
B.zero1 Kada Bracelet
Bulgari’s new B.zero1 Kada Bracelet, an India-exclusive launch, is a modern twist on the traditional kada worn by men in northern India. A minimal bracelet crafted in dazzling yellow gold, it is an ode to India's long-standing cultural affinity for precious metals and stones.
It also represents a ‘modern India’, a confluence of deeply rooted traditions and contemporary, global perspectives. The luxury label roped in Ayushmann Khurrana as the face of their campaign.
Tiffany & Co.’s Tiffany Forge
Tiffany Forge re-imagines a classic motif: the link. The men's bracelet collection features jumbo-sized links, medium links and smaller graduated links. The collection also showcases the skills of the Maison’s renowned Rhode Island hollowware workshop, which continues to forge silver into familiar shapes. The warped, open ends of the bracelets resemble the custom crown of thorns that Tiffany made for the rapper Kendrick Lamar last year, and the open link motif offers a nod to an archival Tiffany style, which was produced from the 1880s until the mid-1970s.
Sabyasachi Heritage Jewellery
In 2021, Sabyasachi launched a heritage jewellery collection for men, and continues the tradition even today. In 2023, his wedding wear campaign featured men in bright red sherwanis, traditional dupattas or stoles and heavy jewels, which included bracelets and OTT neckpieces. His signet rings for men are well-known, but his unisex kadas or bracelets that are a class apart. The engraved gold bracelets are inspired by the foliage, wildlife and cultural symbols of states such as Bengal and Assam, or of the sprawling mangrove forests in the state he calls home.
Platinum Wristwear by Men of Platinum
The Platinum Gilded Accents Wristwear is an elegant kada with minimal geometric gilded patterns. It is crafted from platinum, a metal known for its unmatched strength.
Amrapali and Tribe by Amrapali
Amrapali has a range of precious stones, silver and gold kadas, bangles and handcuffs for men, which are inspired by old-school designs and tribal art. Tribe by Amrapali has introduced a line of subtle and non-blingy hand jewellery for men made from black beads and black metal for everyday wear.
Outhouse
The fun indie brand is recognised for its OTT jewels and statement pieces. The silver Poppi Bolt Handcuff Bracelet is a modern piece of jewellery with abstract compositions. Inspired by an industrial aesthetic, the handcuff is angular and geometric, with the Poppi monogram to soften it. The brand’s Acuti Unisex Handcuff is a razor-sharp twist on the classic unisex cuff handcrafted in 22k gunmetal finish.
RK Jewels metal kada
Goa-based RK Jewels represents the traditional jeweller who is reinventing his game with a new range of jewels. The gleaming gold and platinum sleek, minimal kadas for men feature intricate detailing in black and gold combinations, some with Om Namah Shivah embossed on them.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
