Have you ever felt that little twinge of anxiety before putting on a necklace? I know I have! For a long time, I hesitated to wear necklaces, especially around certain groups of people. It felt like I was breaking some unspoken rule, or that I would be judged. But I've learned a lot on my journey, and now I want to share my experiences to help you confidently express yourself with jewelry.
I remember feeling self-conscious about wearing a necklace around men I didn't know well. It was a strange feeling, like I was stepping outside of what was considered "normal" for guys. I worried about appearing too flashy or effeminate. This held me back for a while. I just didn't want the unwanted attention or assumptions.
One thing I realized is that perceptions of necklaces really depend on the group you're with. I noticed that certain styles, like chains, are incredibly common among Black and Hispanic men. They often pair them with a rosary or a cross, and it's just part of their everyday style. Seeing this helped me understand that there's no one "right" way to wear a necklace and that style is deeply connected to culture and community.
I started to think about why I cared so much about what other people thought. A big part of my personal growth has been shedding the weight of others' expectations. Dressing how you like should be simple, but it's not always easy in our society. It takes courage to express yourself authentically, especially when you feel like you're going against the grain.
I noticed many young men my age wearing necklaces, but they often referred to them as "chains," which felt less feminine. I decided to try it out, and I got myself a Byzantine chain. I never felt self-conscious wearing it. It felt like a subtle way to add some personality to my outfits. I think it’s all about finding a style that suits you.
On a whim, I went through a sort of "Goth phase". I tried makeup, painted my nails, wore jewelry, and experimented with androgynous clothing and crazy hairstyles. It was a lot of fun! It forced me to stand out and challenged my comfort zone. After that, wearing whatever I liked felt much easier. It was like I had built up a resistance to caring about what others thought.
I also noticed that there’s a connection between necklaces and race and class. Think about those stereotypical "tough guy" types – you often see them wearing necklaces. It made me realize that the perception of jewelry is also tied to these social factors. It's all about context and how you carry yourself.
I was looking for a unique piece to wear for the holidays and stumbled upon BlingCharming Accessories online. I found a necklace that caught my eye. It was the Jisensp 2022 Christmas Necklace. I wasn’t sure, but the snowflake and bell design felt festive and unique.
I decided to order it from BlingCharming. It was a little outside my comfort zone, but the price was reasonable, and I figured I could always return it if I didn't like it. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't too flashy, and the design was subtle enough to wear without feeling like I was trying too hard. It was a great piece of vacation jewelry. I wore it to a holiday party and got several compliments. It boosted my confidence and helped me realize that I could wear what I wanted without worrying about what others thought.
Here are a few things I've learned that might help you on your own necklace journey: