Men have always adorned themselves—with teeth, gold, and gemstones; with rings, watches, or tattoos. Jewelry reveals who you are—or who you want to be. It tells stories of identity, signals power or protest, belonging or separation, tradition or rebellion. Nevertheless, the phenomenon of men’s jewelry has scarcely been acknowledged in cultural-historical terms to date.
Starting October 17, 2026, the Württemberg State Museum will dedicate its first major special exhibition to this fascinating topic. The exhibition will showcase the diversity of men’s jewelry—from historical artifacts and handcrafted objects to everyday items—enriched by educational and interactive elements. It’s not just about mere adornment: What messages does jewelry convey? What meanings were attributed to jewelry elements?
And how is men’s jewelry connected to the changing roles of the sexes and the concept of masculinity?
Various sections offer a fascinating glimpse into history and link historical exhibits with contemporary perspectives: from body adornment and insignia of power to watches and rings, as well as functional jewelry, expressions of faith, and symbols of belonging, all the way to social conventions and their transgression. Loans from the Linden Museum in Stuttgart expand the perspective beyond Europe. In addition, works by students in the jewelry design program at Pforzheim University are presented, bridging the gap to the modern era.
The exhibition demonstrates that jewelry is more than mere adornment—it is a symbol that has shaped images of masculinity for millennia. It speaks to social norms and societal change. And it reveals how notions of masculinity are constantly being reshaped. What signified strength yesterday may be a statement today. What was once a ritual becomes fashion. And what begins as an ornament becomes a symbol.
Starting October 17, 2026, the Württemberg State Museum will dedicate its first major special exhibition to this fascinating topic. The exhibition will showcase the diversity of men’s jewelry—from historical artifacts and handcrafted objects to everyday items—enriched by educational and interactive elements. It’s not just about mere adornment: What messages does jewelry convey? What meanings were attributed to jewelry elements?
And how is men’s jewelry connected to the changing roles of the sexes and the concept of masculinity?
Various sections offer a fascinating glimpse into history and link historical exhibits with contemporary perspectives: from body adornment and insignia of power to watches and rings, as well as functional jewelry, expressions of faith, and symbols of belonging, all the way to social conventions and their transgression. Loans from the Linden Museum in Stuttgart expand the perspective beyond Europe. In addition, works by students in the jewelry design program at Pforzheim University are presented, bridging the gap to the modern era.
The exhibition demonstrates that jewelry is more than mere adornment—it is a symbol that has shaped images of masculinity for millennia. It speaks to social norms and societal change. And it reveals how notions of masculinity are constantly being reshaped. What signified strength yesterday may be a statement today. What was once a ritual becomes fashion. And what begins as an ornament becomes a symbol.
