THE JOURNAL
Ms Coco Chanel once famously said “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off”. This, according to her, is the key to style. But how can you do this if you’re only wearing, say, a sweater and trousers? It’s not particularly elegant to board the train to work in a sweater, macintosh and no trousers – in fact, that kind of thing will likely get you arrested.
This is where accessories come in handy – you can take these off without violating the law. Oh, and they’re also the best way to have a bit of fun with your style. And for those who aren’t wearing jazzy ties or fun scarves when they leave the house, jewellery is the best and easiest way to add personality and individuality to your get-up. Whether you’re dipping your toes into the jewellery waters, or looking to deepen your existing collection, we recommend considering both fine and “fashion” (ie not necessarily made from precious metals and stones) ranges. They offer something a little different in terms of style and price range, but both are worthy and collectible.
By all means, do not limit yourself to one over the other. Mix and match, layer them up and see what works best for you. While you’re at it, take Ms Chanel’s advice with a pinch of salt. As far as we’re concerned, more is more when it comes to the latest jewellery options out there.
01.
Mother of all pearls
Pearls have quite the long history as luxurious status symbols among women of a certain age and fortune, but in recent times the pearl necklace has been a common sight in men’s fashion. The pearl items on display here are, well, slightly more modern in design thanks to heavy geometric clasps and mixed metals. A bracelet – like those here by Peyote Bird and M. Cohen – are a nice way to test out the waters. And the hoop and pearl drop earrings from Hatton Labs take a classic and give them a bit of a cool-guy twist.
02.
More the merrier
This is where you take Chanel’s dictate and throw it out the window. These pieces were made to be stacked and layered. Cuff bracelets are easy to put on in the morning (no need to ask someone to help with a fussy clasp) and generally look best when worn in the company of other cuffs. The three seen here are a nice mix of fine and fashion but if you want to kick your game up a notch, start with the 18-karat white gold and diamond Piaget. Then stack two more casual sterling-silver bracelets from Le Gramme on top. Why not add some chainlink to the mix for good measure? When it comes to silver-tone jewellery the more really is the merrier.
03.
Gem Z
Coloured stones are truly the most luxurious stones. Sure, white diamonds are fun, but they’ve been in the spotlight for over a century; it’s time to branch out. A cushion-cut onyx (a stone that is rumoured to help the wearer ground and balance themselves) set in a generous gold band from OLE LYNGGAARD COPENHAGEN is a true statement piece. Same goes for the amethyst ring seen here set in 14k gold from fine jewellery brand Pearls Before Swine. For something a little more subtle, this pendant in the shape of a book of verse and set with a ruby designed by Bleue Burnham is simultaneously a talking point and something you can wear without feeling too flashy. Same goes for the bi-colour chain (with diamonds, of course) from AS29. All, however, will give you a little pep in your step as all special pieces are wont to do.
04.
Mix your metals
Combining metals is a nice way to add some visual interest when there are few or no gems involved. Spinelli Kilcollin has been making cult-favourite rings from several different types of metal for years and they’re great because you can wear them stacked on one finger or spread between three. The one here is a mix of silver, rose and yellow gold and manages to be casual and elegant at once. We’ve waxed poetic about signet rings in the past so we won’t do it again here, but we are very partial to these modern iterations, one each from Miansai and M. Cohen. Finally, go for a heritage brand with HOORSENBUHS’ signature chainlink in silver, gold and diamond bracelet, which fastens close with a clever T.
05.
Colour code
There is absolutely no reason that jewellery must be very serious and somber. Some of the best pieces use colour in spades and are better for it. Whether you go fine with a Hatton Labs eternity ring featuring rainbow-hued crystal baguettes, or fashion with stackable enamel bracelets from Roxanne Assoulin, you can’t go wrong with some colour. There’s simply something happy when it comes to bright accessories, none more so than a happy-face necklace from Maria Black. And if you want to mix hardcore with joy – look no further than this thick pink-enameled necklace by 1017 ALYX 9SM, which manages to straddle the masculine and feminine with aplomb.