Now, I told you, I love jewellery. Some people get their kicks buying Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton range, some people get their kicks buying Supreme coffee mugs, some people even get their kicks on Route 66 – I get mine from buying jewellery.
And unlike clothing, which I wear not only for myself, but also to get compliments from other people (don’t judge me, I can be a feminist and also like to be admired) – jewellery is just for me. They’re my talismans.
When I was younger, I used to collect cool shells and pebbles, and I would keep them as a spiritual fortitude. I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m essentially a cavewoman from the olden times. My 23 & Me did say that I have more Neanderthal DNA than 85% of their customers, so you really can’t be surprised that I enjoy keeping talismans on my person.
Except, unfortunately for my bank account, and my chances of owning my own home in the future, I’ve progressed from keeping little shells that I’ve picked up from the beach, to “investing” in more expensive talismans like solid gold – and diamonds!
I have found that I can buy the most amazing pair of Marc Jacobs platform boots and still get bored of them after a couple of seasons. With jewellery I attach meaning to each piece, and I treasure it forever. It gives me a thrill to pick it up out of my jewellery box and cherish wearing it each and every time.
So here are my five favourite five jewellery pieces that I would buy (I’ve limited it to five, help) this year if I didn’t have to pay any bills and made exponentially more money than I do now. What can I say? This girl’s a dreamer.
Image via Mastery of An Art by Van Cleef & Arpels
Brent Neale Gypsy Ring
With a waitlist a mile long, getting your hands on one of these sparkly babies are slim… but not impossible! The trick is to go through a personal shopper (she’s got a strong connection with Hirshleifers – go through Marci). Brent loves a good story attached to the stones, so this is the perfect talisman is my book. Why not have the main stone as your birth stone, and one either side for your brother and sister? She also resets stones, so if you’ve got a fancy brooch from your great-great-grandmother that you’re never going to wear, why not reset the stones into something you can wear every day for the rest of your life? A chunky, bubbly gold ring, with the drama of some gorgeous precious stones set within. Honestly, all I do is drool over her Instagram feed. I’m not lying…
Fernando Jorge Fire Ring II
Fernando Jorge is a jewellery designer that’s been on the scene working quietly up the ranks since graduating from Central Saint Martin’s in 2010. A Brazilian designer, Fernando captures movement and fluidity through his jewellery – inspired by his home country. All the gemstones are locally sourced and hand carved, to add an extra tie to his hometown. Although his designs can be decadent and full of colour, this solid gold Fire ring is one of my favourite pieces, due to its beautiful lines and movement – the light reflecting off the gold is reminiscent of a flickering flame sitting on your finger.
And I know this is just me – but it also reminds me of something evocative of Ancient Greek folklore. As a huge mythology buff, I love anything relating to the Greek gods, and I can totally imagine Athena wearing this ring, as a symbol of her fiery personality.
Jessica McCormack Diamond and Blackened Gold Crescent Moon Gypset Hoop Earrings
Jessica McCormack is a fine jewellery designer beloved by your faves, like Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Kate Moss, Florence Pugh, and Zoë Kravitz. And she’s extra cool, because she’s also representing my home country – New Zealand! Bonus point for me!
Jessica McCormack focuses on creating heirloom-inspired pieces for generations to come. She started out resetting antique diamonds into her new designs, and now her jewellery is a fusion of both antique and modern – looking old but new. She favours blacked gold to add that extra old-timey touch, and next on my wish list are these crescent moon earrings, where the blackened gold and the crescent moon combine to create a talisman to grant all your wishes – or spells, if you’re feeling real witchy. I’m ready to manifest these earrings into my reality, by dressing like the witch of all witches – Stevie Nicks. Wear with long hair, and a flowing dress for extra style points.
Lauren Rubinski Gold Choker
I was totally influenced into loving this necklace by Marie von Behrens, my ultimate icon for minimalistic chic outfits. This Lauren Rubinski gold chunky link choker is perfect for upping the ante on any minimalistic monochrome outfits. Wearing some boyfriend jeans and a Redone tank top, and want to add a little something to make your outfit go from mooching-around-at-home-with-no-plans to the-cool-girl-on-the-block-that-always-gets-invited-to-album-launch-parties? Well, here you go, the easiest, most effortless way to ramp up an everyday look. Rubinski makes lots of different kinds of chunky chains, but I love this one with the elongated links. Wear with an LBD for an extra special occasion, a simple white shirt for understated elegance, or even in the nude, if you want to make your Sunday lie-in all the more luxurious. I don’t blame you – sometimes I wear a pair of Manolo’s when making spag bol! Just makes you feel good, you know?
Retrouvai Yin Yang Ring
Ugh, don’t get me started on this ring. Originally I fell in love with a custom one of these rings in green turquoise worn by Leandra Medine, and then a couple years later, the designer came out with a solid gold version, and I kid you not – I swooned. The solid gold one is almost twice the price of the semi-precious ones, which is why it’s been a repeat on my wish list for four (FOUR) years.
Being a big fan of motifs and symbols, I love the yin yang representing two opposing forces living in total harmony. A sign of change, yin yang reminds you that even if it might not feel like it, the universe is in balance and you are exactly where you need to be. A great talisman to have in times of great change, unrest, or personal growth, this ring can be worn everyday (if you buy it in a small size, it can even be worn as a pinky ring!) or in times when you need a bit of extra fortitude and glamour.