THE JOURNAL

The ultimate accessories to give (or receive) this Christmas.
Often a neglected facet of the male sartorial repertoire, the average man’s jewellery box is not always on par with the rest of his wardrobe. While this is a shame, it’s hardly surprising – the fear that jewellery will be too showy or tacky is a completely rational one. Still, given that an abundance of contemporary designers are in fact making tasteful, versatile jewellery that can dress an outfit up without having you looking like an overly decorous Christmas tree, that fear is misplaced. Not just gold and silver, of course, but geodes, gemstones, and variegated beads, there are a treasure chest’s worth of options on MR PORTER, and with the festive season well underway, there’s no better time to seek something special out.
THE CHARM NECKLACE
Unless you or someone you know fancies themselves as the next 2 Chainz (who, untrue to his name, incidentally wears more than two chains at all times, even while sleeping), the best bet for a necklace is something on the subtler side. To show off a little personality, though, there’s nothing more charming than a charm. This light blue necklace from Brazilian jeweller Luis Morais, for instance, is made from smooth glass beads and has a small enamelled gold hamsa hand amulet (an ancient symbol thought to bring happiness and health to the wearer) as a pendant. Alternatively, this Peyote Bird necklace is inspired by the American southwest and comes with a feather pendant that symbolises wisdom and strength.
THE TEXTURED BRACELET
Bracelets are more than just a chain for your wrist, and there are a great many options in leather and beads as well as precious metals. They can add a bit of rakish charm to any outfit, and these days can be worn with a suit as well as with casual wear. Inject a little worldliness into your look with this Mikia bracelet, made in Japan from red jasper and turquoise beads inspired by the designer’s globetrotting. For something a little more metallic, try this Miansai Klink bracelet, fashioned from sterling silver and a marine-grade cord fastening.
THE EYECATCHING CUFFLINKS
Whether you’re dressed to the nines for an evening out or simply favour a sophisticated office look, the right pair off cufflinks can add some polish to an outfit, and will put a cultivated edge on even the smartest getup. This is one area of men’s jewellery where making a statement shouldn’t be shied away from, and there are a few pairs on MR PORTER that draw the eye – in particular these two sets from Tateossian and Trianon. The Tateossian pair holds two unique geodes between their sterling silver settings, while the Trianon cufflinks, made from 18-karat white gold, have been inlaid with vibrant blue stingray.
THE STATEMENT RING
If you really are stuck for choice when it comes to jewellery, a statement ring may just be the thing. Masculine and minimal, this thick golden band from Maison Margiela comes engraved with the brand’s signature strip of numbers (circled at 11 to denote the brand’s jewellery line), and will add a little opulence to your look. If gold isn’t your bag, this silver onyx signet ring from American jeweller David Yurman will do nicely. It’s chunky but refined, meaning it’ll look the part both for formal and informal events.