Photo: cartier/Instagram
One of the many fashion trends we keep seeing recur is the synergistic use of masculine and feminine silhouettes, where boxy, angular and structured pieces are juxtaposed with the flowy and elegant.
Cue unique jewellery that draw inspiration from unlikely objects – nails, chain links and chain mail. These pieces are versatile, dressed down with a simple white shirt and jeans for a casual weekend, or as a power dressing element for the working woman (for example, you can pair it with these tuxedo dresses!).
Photo: ambush_official/Instagram
Their tough look and vibe give these pieces an added hardy, masculine edge that, under the hands of masterful craftsmanship, get transformed into exquisite pieces that make a fierce statement.
Don’t believe us? Just take a look at our top picks and you might just be convinced.
https://www.herworld.com/style/watches-jewellery/unconventional-industrial-jewellery-luxury-edgy-hardware-nails-chains-mail/
Unconventional jewellery
Cartier juste un clou bracelet in pink gold, $9,350
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We can’t discuss hardware-esque jewellery without including Cartier, can we? The nail-inspired Juste Un Clou was created by Aldo Cipullo, the same designer who also created the popular Love collection, in New York in 1971. The series has since become iconic for its minimalist and androgynous look.
Gucci blind for love bracelet in gold, price available in store
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With a chain mail aesthetic made of 18k yellow gold that we adore, this Blind For Love bracelet is part of a romantic narrative created by Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele in 2016 for the Cruise 2017 collection.
Tiffany & Co. hardwear graduated link earrings, price available in store
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Another piece inspired by New York, Tiffany’s HardWear series began with an archival sketch of an unisex bracelet from 1971. Released last year, the collection was created by former designer Francesca Amfitheatrof as her swansong before Reed Krakoff took over. Devotees love the utilitarian vibe of this collection inspired by the ball and chain. of chain links and ball that make this collection a unique one within the Tiffany stable.
Jennifer Fisher adwoa gold-plated earrings, US$374.91 from Net-a-Porter
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Crafted entirely by hand, these stud earrings from American jewellery designer Jennifer Fisher was purposefully created with cascading chains to create an appearance of three hoops in one. A definite conversation starter, especially since the Hadid sisters may have worn the very same piece.
Ariana Boussard-Reifel despina gold-tone cuff, US$562.36 from Net-a-Porter
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Rather unusually, Ariana Boussard-Reifel drew inspiration from battle rings worn by the ancient Mayans when she created this gold-tone brass slip on cuff. Making a name for herself with her sculptural jewellery, she has gained celebrity devotees like Beyonce (Queen Bey worn this exact bracelet to the 2017 Grammy awards).
Ambush gold padlock link necklace, $1,363 from Farfetch
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When a hip hop artist and a graphic designer come together to create jewellery, it is probably wise to expect something extraordinarily edgy: Take for example this padlock and link necklace created by Verbal and Yoon, two style icons from Tokyo, Japan. We hear even Kanye is a fan.
Foundrae 18k yellow gold letter B pendant diamond link necklace, $13,880 from Farfetch
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Created by Foundrae co-founder and creative designer Beth Bugdaycay, the chunky long necklace is made of 18k yellow gold and studded with pave diamonds. This necklace is versatile enough to be worn either alone or layered with other necklaces to create a different silhouette.
ALSO READ: BOLD JEWELLERY TO ADD A STATEMENT TO YOUR ENSEMBLE
