How Deakin & Francis can (subtly) elevate your everyday getup
We take a look at one of England’s finest makers of premium jewellery and accessories
Words: Josh Lee
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At GJ, we tend to abide by the maxim of less is more, especially when it comes to menswear. For the most part, we’ll reach for pared-back items – wool trousers in a neutral hue, say, or sky-blue Oxford shirts – as we prefer wardrobe essentials (rather than fast fashion) due to their evergreen appeal. When, however, we do want to add a subtle hit of flair to an ensemble, we usually reach for small, discreet accessories that give bursts of flourish through their unique quality.
One such name that hits the right notes in this department is Deakin & Francis, a heritage maker of fine jewellery and accessories whose every creation is hand-crafted in its Birmingham workshop and imbued with traditional techniques that have been passed through seven generations.
There are, of course, drawer staples, such as cufflinks and signet rings, as well as an array of bespoke commissions – and, indeed, with more than 230 years of expertise to drawn upon, it’s a seemingly immoveable name in the luxury-jewellery sphere.
But, though underpinned by time-honoured practices, Deakin & Francis is also lionised for an ability to mould to the times, having survived world wars, recessions, fluctuating trends and ever-changing tastes. Of particular note, especially in this tech-centric age, are the brand’s two new interactive online tools – the Crest Finder, and a Custom Signet Ring Creator – that dovetail established manufacturing techniques with contemporary habits.
Celebrated for its seal engraving services, Deakin & Francis has brought about its Crest Finder tool in order to provide clients with a comprehensive library in which they can find the crest that belongs to their family or others' – and read about the historical significance behind it – and then have it engraved on a product of choice.
Meanwhile, the Custom Signet Ring Creator is an envelope-pushing function that allows clients to make their own design, giving them the luxury to choose the material used (yellow- rose- and white-gold, in either 9ct or 18ct, and sterling silver); the size; and specific design features to be incorporated, with options including a coat of arms and a modern motif.
Moreover, ahead of Chinese New Year (10 February), Deakin & Francis has released a special-edition collection of signet rings that take influence from the 12 Chinese zodiac signs; face designs include a pig leaning over a picket, a bull striding through a meadow, and a snake wrapping itself around a thick tree trunk.
Each one features a sterling-silver makeup, as well as an oval-face style (available in six face sizes: from 10.5mm x 8.5mm to 16.5mm x 14mm), and, of particular note are the two motifs that pay tribute to the Year of the Dragon – one with an elongated body, which is typical of a traditional Chinese dragon; the other featuring the historical English dragon flying over a green landscape.
“We are so proud to launch this collection in celebration of the Chinese New Year and Year of the Dragon 2024,” says Henry Deakin, managing director of Deakin & Francis.
“These are handcrafted signet rings to honour Chinese culture while also paying reference to Deakin & Francis’s British heritage. We have used age-old hand engraving techniques for over 235 years to deliver impeccable quality throughout our pieces”.
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