“Do you have any jewelry for men?” was a refrain that Dana Cassara heard on an increasingly frequent basis. Cassara, owner of Danaca Design, Metal Crafting Center & Gallery in the University District, typically steered men in the direction of the largest rings available, with the growing realization that she needed to carry more “man jewelry.”

In response, Cassara arranged a special show, “Jewelry for and Inspired by Men,” featuring approximately 50 jewelry pieces from more than a dozen artists. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Along with a chance to chat with many of the artists, stop by to watch jewelry-making demonstrations and snack on Mediterranean bites provided by Café Paloma.

It’s perfect timing for the opening — you’ll have a chance to find something different for Dad for Father’s Day. Among the man jewelry offerings are money clips, cuffs, bracelets, cufflinks, pendants, bolo ties and pins. Artists use materials ranging from silver, brass, copper, leather and natural elements to more alternative media, like beer bottle caps.

What makes a piece of jewelry manly or conducive to men’s style? “When we think of men’s jewelry, we typically think of leather and natural objects,” says Cassara. But ultimately it’s a matter of individual style and taste. Cassara explains that many of the artists designed with their male partners and friends in mind, envisioning what pieces they would wear. As with other jewelry designs, inspiration came from a concept, sentiment or idea the artist wanted to explore. Most of the artists will be present at the opening to discuss their pieces and inspiration.

The collection is as varied as the artists behind the work. Designer Erin Jane Staples‘ sterling silver cufflinks ($64) with cross-brushed texture are simple, urban and industrial. She prefers a timeless, modern aesthetic for men. The result is an understated, yet rustic style.

Tegan Wallace wanted to create large, organically shaped pieces. “Men don’t want small or delicate pieces, or design elements they consider too feminine or impractical,” says Wallace. Her gold and sterling silver Fissures bracelet ($160) was inspired by her father, a mountaineer and hobby geologist interested in volcanic activity. “I wanted to create a piece that showed some activity below the surface,” she said.

Allan Thorne’s  pieces are inspired by classic western themes. “I like to use the traditional iconography of the West in new ways to express modern ideas,” says Thorne. As a fan of bolo ties, I like Thorne’s rendition entitled “Trilobites Have a Vision of the Future” ($400), which combines sterling silver, brass, leather and Trilobites. Thorne says “The bolo tie is an attempt to evoke thoughts of species extinction using a traditional object.”

The Danaca Design Studio is a wonderful space serving multiple purposes. It’s a metal working studio where classes are held, a gallery showcasing and selling the jewelry artists’ designs, and a small store offering basic jewelry fabrication tools and supplies. You might just be inspired to take a class and start designing for the man in your life.

If you miss the opening, the show runs through July 17.