Words: Izzie Price
It is a truth universally acknowledged that men should not wear jewellery. Right?
Wrong. That may have been true, once upon a time; but minds are broadening, and men’s jewellery is a burgeoning industry set to equip modern gentlemen with stylish, sophisticated regalia. Of course, we’d certainly never advocate donning anything tacky, ostentatious or garish; there’s jewellery and jewellery, gents. But there are plenty of pieces out there that will elevate any gentlemanly style aesthetic to one of the utmost elegance; especially when paired with the perfect clothing ensemble.
We know, however, that the line between an elegant style statement and an ostentatious style faux pas can be a precarious one to tread. So we’ve curated a gentlemanly guide to modern accessories, which shouldn’t leave you in any doubt as to the veracity and suavity of men’s jewellery; and, most importantly, will give an indication as to which are the best pieces to buy. Time to start knowing your alloys…
Ease yourself in with a tie clip
If you’re new to the world of gentlemanly accessories, there’s no better way to ease yourself in than with an elegant tie clip. It does wonders in lending an indelible aura of debonair charm to any ensemble, and it’s subtly stylish (or, indeed, stylishly subtle): it’s accessorising for beginners, if you will. Simply clip your pin onto your tie, and your aesthetic will be significantly elevated to a whole new level of sophistication.
Tateossian has a truly masterful collection for any gentleman wishing to avail himself of a tie clip or two; the Brushed Classic, for example, is complete with a rhodium finish — and its sleek, clean surface is perfect for those who’d like to opt for minimalism when accessorising. If you’re seeking to add an extra dash of colour, the Lock Tie Clip is similarly minimalistic; but it sports eye-catching blue lapis in rhodium plated silver.
And this presumably goes without saying, but if you’ll be adding an accessory to your tie, you’ll want the tie to be suitably simple in its design; there is such a thing as ‘too much’, gents. This Burgundy Grenadine offering from Emma Willis should do nicely. Accessorise away.
Give your cufflinks some added panache
As a debonair, well-styled gentleman, you’ll be no stranger to cufflinks and all they can do for a formal ensemble. Even if you generally run a mile in the opposite direction at the mere mention of jewellery, we’d hazard a guess that you’ve begrudgingly dusted off your cufflinks for the occasional wedding or black tie dinner. And if you’re looking to broaden your range when it comes to accessories, investing in a new pair of statement cufflinks is the way to do it.
As statement cufflinks go, you couldn’t do better than Patrick Mavros. These cufflinks aren’t just accessories; they’re works of art. The Mavros family is one with a mutual love of Africa, animals and drawing. Subsequently, the cufflinks produced by this family-run luxury brand are exquisite workings of wild animals — both those you’d find on safari, and those you can spot a little closer to home — with microscopic attention to detail and a gleaming finish.
We’re partial to the wolf and lion options — both crafted from sterling silver — and if you’re looking for the perfect shirt with which to pair them, you couldn’t do better than this Casino Royale Dress Shirt from Turnbull & Asser: as worn by Daniel Craig himself for his debut in the Bond franchise. Get those cufflinks clipped on — you know Bond would.
Don’t be afraid to introduce a relaxed bracelet into a casual ensemble
All right, gents; we’ve eased you in so far with tie clips and cufflinks — both accessories that are likely to be an established part of any gentleman’s formal (or not so formal, depending on taste) wardrobe. Now the real jewellery begins; but we’re keeping things relaxed with a casual bracelet.
A woven silk bracelet is just the thing for any gentleman looking to introduce some subtle jewellery to his overall aesthetic. They’re lighter than air — perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to be weighed down by volumes of sterling silver — and they’re just the thing for a smart casual ensemble, of which you’ll presumably be taking full advantage during the summer months.
Rubinacci got the relaxed bracelet memo, and they’ve risen admirably to the occasion. The dark gray option is perfect for those looking to keep their jewellery game as subtle as can be; and if you’re seeking to add a little more zest to your holiday apparel, there’s also a somewhat brighter blue. Pair with Apnée’s Ecru linen shirt for the ultimate smart casual appearance — with just a hint of roguish charm.
Step it up with a casual necklace
You’ve got the laid-back bracelet; now it’s time to introduce a casual necklace into your accessory repertoire (not necessarily at the same time, of course — always remember that less is more, gents). Retro is making a serious comeback, and we’d never want you to be behind the times; so embrace this seventies look and stay right on trend.
Miansai is ready and waiting to help you do just that, with its stellar collection of slim, subtle chains that will unfailingly bring an added level of effortless, stylish cool to any relaxed get-up. If you opt for either the sterling silver or gold vermeil Rope Chain necklaces, you’ll be keeping things simple — if in doubt, always keep it simple — whilst maintaining an enviable level of laid-back charisma.
When it comes to pairing options, we’ve already extolled the virtues of pairing a simple chain with a plain white t-shirt — so if you’ve been paying attention, this particular piece of style advice presumably won’t come as any surprise. If you’re still looking for that perfect white t-shirt, though, this cotton Riviera offering from Sunspel will cater to all your necklace-pairing needs.
Introduce an added level of elegance with a silver bangle
We’re taking it up another notch; and if you’re a cynical jewellery discerner, don’t worry: we think you’re ready. There’s no need to be afraid of a silver bangle; there is a need, however, to be afraid of anything verging on overly chunky, unnecessarily beaded or blindingly colourful. In case we haven’t emphasised it enough already: less really is more.
Keeping things simple with a silver bangle will bring a hint of stylish silver to any outfit. It’s subtle — it doesn’t throw itself in anyone’s face — but it’s unmistakably, undeniably there, giving your ensemble a note of character that oozes sophistication and a certain roguish charm.
Serges Denimes know this to be true: the Silver Arrow Bangle or the more traditional Hallmark offering (crafted from 925 and 990 sterling silver, respectively) are the perfect gentlemanly options for enhancing your aesthetic with a glint of silver. And when it comes to pairing, we’d advocate long sleeves every time — Aurélien’s Extrafine Merino V-Neck, for example. Slip your bangle onto your wrist, and let the silver twinkle away amidst the folds of that silky merino wool in that subtle, bewitching manner it does oh-so-well.
Keep your stars aligned with a good luck charm
All jewellery speaks of something more than pure aesthetics, and this is particularly true when it comes to pendants or medallions; often known colloquially as ‘good luck charms’. Slip a good luck charm around your neck, and you’ll be more than the perfect gentleman; you’ll be a man of mystery, with hidden depths and complexities.
If that sounds good, then Aligheri’s collection will be of particular interest. The brand crafts ‘modern heirlooms’ — just the thing for a modern gentleman looking to make his mark upon the world. The Il Leone Medallion is clocks in at 24 carat gold, and is crafted from an ancient Venetian coin — and the Lion depicted is the very same beast faced by Dante, before Virgil appeared to offer him counsel and companionship. Consequently, the Medallion acts a reminder to be courageous at all times; as is the Medium Snow Lion Necklace: a sterling silver necklace, similarly crafted from an ancient Venetian coin and restored with Aligheri wax.
If you’re thinking that it takes courage just to sport a necklace adorned with a charm, then take heart: you can always save it for a poolside aesthetic or beach ensemble, where it’ll fit right in with those relaxed, holiday vibes. If this sounds good, pair it with Hemingsworth’s Comber Polo Shirt; and just let it peek out from beneath the collar. Remember: subtlety is everything.
Complete your collection with the perfect ring
At last: the one you’ve all been waiting for. The rings. Rings are a failsafe way to show the world that you’re a man of taste; a man of style and substance. Take signet rings, for example. If you’ve already got a signet ring proudly bearing your family crest, then you’re good to go. But signet rings are by no means limited to displaying a family moniker; they can imbue your person with style with or without a crest. Take this suave Black Onyx offering from Ruffs, for example — or this handsome Landscape Oval option, courtesy of Rebus.
And you’re a sterling silver man at heart, Deakin & Francis have got you covered with a handcrafted cushion signet ring; and if you’d like to have an engraving of your choice — your initials, a motto or even a coat of arms — the team are only too happy to oblige.
Whichever ring you choose, slip it onto your little finger and let it tell the world who you are.
Looking for further styling inspiration? Here’s how to dress like Gianni Agnelli…
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