THE JOURNAL
Fine jewellery for men was often treated with suspicion or just ignored by style setters and consumers. Signet rings, dog-tag necklaces or simple beaded bracelets have always been popular, but anything more elaborate or bejewelled was reserved for fashion-forward dressers.
Not any more. Men’s jewellery is flourishing like never before, thanks to some innovative brands that have built on the groundwork of legendary jewellers such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels to push the boundaries of individuality, self-expression and experimentation.
From colourful gemstones to utilitarian shapes and astrological references, we throw the spotlight on some of our favourite contemporary jewellery designers – Lito, Shamballa Jewels, AS29, 42 SUNS and Sydney Evan – that have caught our eye for their ability to remain relevant (and consistently make their way to the top of our Wish List).
01.
Lito
The brainchild of Ms Lito Karakostanoglou, Lito is headquartered in Athens and draws inspiration from its founder’s travels, sculpture and technical drawing studies. It works closely with local artisans who oversee every aspect of production from inception to the final handmade results. Some of our highlights include pieces from Lito’s Tu Es Partout collection. Inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culture, the jewels are hand-painted with an evil eye amulet to protect the wearer from negative energy.
02.
Shamballa Jewels
Shamballa Jewels brings together two worlds – the Buddhist symbolism that’s been central to the brand’s ethos since its inception and its founders’ Nordic design approach. Established by Messrs Mads and Mikkel Kornerup in 2005, the brand is heavily influenced by the brothers’ fascination with ancient Eastern philosophy. Even its logo, present on every bracelet, necklace or bangle (all handmade in Copenhagen) and engraved on gold beads, references a dorje (sceptre). Legend has it that the Buddhist artefact “represents the thunderstroke of lightning, which leaves humans in a state of enlightenment in the ultimate sense,” says the brand.
03.
AS29
Consider AS29 a diamond expert. Its founder, Ms Audrey Savransky, is a fourth-generation diamantaire. The brand’s jewellery contrasts precious materials – diamonds and 18-carat gold – with utilitarian designs. Think carabiner-shaped earrings and fastenings and thick chain-link bracelets and necklaces. Some of our favourite pieces include the brand’s two-tone designs, an excellent way to mix your blackened and white gold jewellery.
04.
42 SUNS
Flying the flag for the current mood in fine jewellery, 42 SUNS is a new brand inspired by the vibrant, high-impact custom jewellery scene of Los Angeles. Colourful lab-grown gemstones – topaz, yellow sapphire, pink sapphire, orange sapphire and emerald – are the focus of the brand’s 42-piece debut collection, Chapter One, which is available exclusively at MR PORTER. 42 SUNS relies on a zero-waste supply chain, whereby all deadstock or surplus materials are recycled into the next collection.
05.
Sydney Evan
Los Angeles brand Sydney Evan has been at the forefront of fine jewellery trends since it launched in 2001. Rooted on concepts of spirituality and personal expression, its collections are imbued with the laid-back, playful energy of its native California and expertly crafted from a mix of precious metals, diamonds and stones. The pendant necklace is great for layering with other necklaces and the beaded bracelets feature charms that symbolise protection, love, luck and good fortune.