THE JOURNAL
Our winter wardrobes are – both in practice and perception – strategically layered. But while adding knitwear and heavier pieces to your rotation can be a pretty straightforward task, switching up your accessories for the season can take some trial and error. Sunglasses, you won’t need as much. Scarves, hats, gloves, yes. But it’s jewellery, more than anything, that has the power to add that oomph to your look without overwhelming it.
It’s as simple as a gold beaded bracelet, a box-chain necklace or a woven silver ring – all things John Hardy has mastered. Founded in 1975, the Balinese brand has made its mission to push the boundaries of contemporary design while preserving local, centuries-old craftsmanship techniques. And this year, it’s celebrating its five-decade legacy with a new milestone collection, reimagining archival pieces through its evolving signature codes.
Core lines, which have defined the brand since its inception, get a modern jolt – unexpected fusions of metal and stone, silhouettes stripped to their purest lines and fine-tuned details. The result is a balance of opposites that is anchored in John Hardy’s dedication to handcraft every piece – sometimes requiring up to six artisans for a single piece – using ethically reclaimed metals and renewable energy.
01. The rings
Slim bands and thicker rings pay homage to the brand’s archive, inspired by the signature flat chain in sterling silver and 14-karat gold, while the classic signet is reimagined with an onyx in-lay. “If you’re wanting to mix metals and stack different styles, it’s an open playing field,” suggests Benedict Browne, MR PORTER’s Style Director. “Jewellery is so personal, and there should be total freedom with how you go about it. In other words, do as you please but stick with an odd number of rings when stacking them.”
02. The bracelets
The latest collection is packed with options – from classic curb and box-chain bracelets and more intricate weaves, inspired by the ocean, to the Spear cuff, designed to resemble a rope coiled around your wrist. As one of the most unexplored territory in men’s jewellery, cuffs are often hard to get right next to other pieces. “It depends if you wear a watch but my advice is to sport one cuff, and only on one arm,” Browne says. “You should always avoid wearing a metal watch with a cuff as they’ll scratch each other.”
03. The necklaces
“A chain is an easy way to add some character and depth into your look,” Browne says. “And it becomes a bit of a style signature for the wearer.” Whether you’re a seasoned chain stacker or you’re just looking for that piece, John Hardy’s necklaces are the kind that you’ll never get tired of wearing. There’s a slim 22-inch curb chain in 14-karat gold – an easy win for everyday wear – or the Surf and Heishi styles, with the matching bracelet, which will add that extra bit of panache.