How to properly style mens jewellery
14th Jun 2020 Fashion & Beauty
A simple chain or the subtle pop of a signet ring can go a long way when you're sprucing up your fashion sense through accessories
As British lockdown continues, many of us are whiling away our days in the company of a good televisual binge-watch. Throughout May, we all fell in love with Normal People, a BBC adaptation of the much-esteemed Sally Rooney novel. Although fans praised its representations of consensual relationships, self-discovery and rarely-represented Irish upbringings, they also got fixated on a tiny detail—the fine chain that circled the neck of leading male character Connell.
Whether it was actor Paul Mescal’s sensitive portrayal of young masculinity or simply how good he looked emerging from a pool, Connell’s chain has become something of a modern zeitgeist. An Instagram account in it’s name has amassed 182 thousand followers, and according to jewellerybox.co.uk, internet searches for “men’s neck chains” increased by 68 per cent during the first week of Normal People’s release.
Chosen well, male jewellery can make every bit as much impact as women’s, with unisex options improving by the day. If you’re looking to secure yourself your very own Connell-worthy piece, here are five independent boutiques worth browsing online.
Dear Letterman
Stocked independently and through Matches, Dear Letterman is a unisex brand owned by Hass Murad, an Australian fashion blogger turned heritage jeweller.
Each delicate piece is designed to evoke ideas of old-world heirlooms, memories of past jewellery that can be passed through families. It’s difficult to imagine voluntarily giving up any of these pieces to another—the classic “Asad” coin pendant would layer beautifully in formal and informal situations, flattering an open-collared shirt.
Stand out pieces:
Ahdeem Ring in Sterling Silver, $290
Malik Ring in Sterling Silver with 22ct Gold Vermeil, $320
Asad Pendant in 22ct Gold Pendant, $165
Zain Pendant in Silver Pendant, $140
ThirdCrown
In keeping with the union of their own respective crowns, New York couple Kristin and Kofi Essel are heavily inspired by geometry.
Favoured by Beyoncé, Solange and Issa Rae, their chunky styles are swiftly becoming popular in the male space too, making a hard-edged statement with minimal fuss. Share their silver rhodium ring set with your significant other, or opt for the timeless link necklace as a perfect accent for an all-black outfit.
Stand out pieces:
Prizm Link 18k Gold-Plated Brass Necklace, $700
Hedron Earrings in Silver Plated Brass, $280
Hedron Signet Ring in Silver Plated Brass, $260
Marcy Ring in 18ct Gold-Plated Brass, $220
Prizm Ring Set in Silver Plated Brass, $140
AliceMadeThis
Founded in 2012 in East London, alicemadethis is you go-to destination for all kinds of male-centric accessories, ranging from cufflinks to bangles to simple chains.
Stocked at Selfridges, Matches, Liberty and Mr Porter, we’d recommend their rose gold chain or copper bracelet as great affordable starter pieces—a wonderful option for Father’s day.
Stand out pieces:
Maxwell Copper Bangle, £140
Charlie Red & Silver Cord Bracelet, £140
Rose Gold Chain, £55
Charlie Silver Ball Necklace, £205
Bancroft Blasted Silver Ring, £175
Ambush Design
Describing themselves as “genre-defying innovators”, Ambush Design are the epitome of Tokyo street-style cool, trading in both fashion and jewellery that embraces city living.
Think barbed wire, repurposed padlocks, chunky rivets… this is punk remade for a fashion-forward age, ideal for anybody who likes things a little on the wild side. Team with a luxury sweatshirt or biker jacket—whatever makes you feel your most rock and roll.
Stand out pieces:
Ball Closure Earrings, $203
Class Ring, $281
Chain Ring, $275
Bike Chain Necklace, $550
Ofuda Necklace, $195
LuisMorais
Floridian designer Luis Morais is big on fun. Fan of a colourful gemstone or quirky shape, his work suits those who favour a bohemian style in the summertime, perfect for wafting around a beach resort or exclusive soiree.
Summer parties may not be on the agenda this year, but there’s plenty of time to start saving for that elegant matte bracelet…
Stand out pieces:
Turbo Gas Matte Bracelet in 18ct Gold, $3960
Goldlink Earring, $330
Gold Hexagon Sapphire Bracelet, $345
Hand Pendant in 14ct White Gold, $1550
Tigers Eye Cabochon Necklace, $480
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