For this edition of Staff Select, we’re hashing it up about all things jewelry, and I’m not talking about wedding bands. Chains, cuffs, bracelets, rings, earrings, money clips, etc. If it’s a luxurious accessory that doesn’t denote your marital status, it counts.
Jewelry is perhaps a divisive topic amongst those in our niche of fashion. It seems to be one of those things that you’re into, or you’re not. Some can’t be troubled with superfluous accessories – even if they’re pretty and shiny. You have to willingly choose to don or carry jewelry, and there are definitely some of us at Heddels who choose the bling, but do we all have the same motivation for doing so? Is it all about the shine and bling of gold and diamonds? Are the pieces we select functional past the point of making us feel pretty? Let’s find out.
Why trust us? Well, we’ve all been in the game long enough to have field-tested a range of quality clothing, and the Heddels operation puts us onto some of the best clothing in the world week in, week out. Whilst our opinions and experiences shouldn’t be taken as definitive, this series will provide you insight into what has worked for us and why.
James – GOOD ART HLYWD Ball Chain 10 Bracelet With Connector
I’m a fussy guy when it comes to jewelry. I have a bit of a complex with rings and necklaces — I’ve always found both a bit uncomfortable and never loved one enough to keep it ’round my neck or finger(s) for any considerable amount of time. Safe to say that has not been a problem with my GOOD ART HLYWD Ball Chain Bracelet, which is one of my prized possessions.
I had hoped to pick up one of these on my premier trip to the States in 2019 but sadly, Self Edge NY was sold out. I tried on a bunch of other bracelets but they just weren’t doing it for me. By the time I got back, my friend had got a job at a retailer that sold GOOD ART and I managed to pick one of these up with a little discount.
Since then, it hasn’t left my wrist. It isn’t a rare or particularly unique bracelet, but it’s mine. It’s what I always wanted from a bracelet — an elevated ball chain made by from GOOD ART’s perfectly crafted .925 Sterling silver which ages beautifully. This thing has only got more attractive over the past 4 years, and I think it will look even better in 10 years’ time.
I love GOOD ART’s Rosette logo which features on the connector, which adds further visual interest to an already charming piece, but what I love even more is the ‘Goosebumps’ Rondel that my girlfriend got me one Christmas. I hope to keep this Rondel on it for as long as possible and add more Rondels as time goes on.
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Available at Iron Heart for $161.
David – Vintage Silver Navajo Cuff
A dear friend of mine is always buying and selling southwestern Indian jewelry. He mostly goes for large pieces, with ornate patterns and heavy turquoise patterns and my narrow baby wrists look on with envy.
A few years ago, though, he showed me a small silver Navajo cuff with a simple repeating pattern he was trying to unload. I put it on and it’s been my go-to ever since. He dated it to some time in the postwar era, likely the 1950s. I’ll have to take his word for it as it doesn’t have any hallmarks (please comment if you have any idea).
But even if the cuff is only a few years old, it wouldn’t affect my appreciation of it. If you’ve read my entries in other Staff Selects, you’ll know my style is more understated and I love the balance the cuff brings to the stainless steel watch I have on my other wrist. The little ridges in the pattern are also fun to run your fingernail over.
Daniel – Bloedstone Monogram Signet Ring
I enjoy wearing jewelry. Chains, bracelets, pendants – I’ve worn a variety of metal jewelry in my day. Back in the day, before I knew anything about responsibly made metal jewelry, I made and wore hemp necklaces and bracelets. And, I think I can dig up some photos of me wearing a puka shell necklace, insert ‘lol’ here.
These days, I find that less is more, but I still wear chains and rings regularly. On my hands you’ll only find a simple .925 Sterling Silver wedding band (made by Studebaker metals) and on one of my pinky rings – a custom-made Bloedstone Monogram Signet Ring. I asked the team at Bloedstone to make me an all .925 Sterling Silver ring with a hand-engraved Old English ‘R’ on its face (to signify my last name).
I *really* like .925 Sterling Silver. I find that it ages beautifully and goes so well with just about anything without fuss, plus it’s basically indestructible. I can’t get enough of silver. Anyway, back to my ring – I think that wearing just one ring on the pinky is a strong look for most people, especially when it’s a nice chunky signet ring, like the one Bloedstone makes. If you need a bit of texture and eye-catching flair on your Bloedstone Signet Ring, order one in gold, or pick up one with a beautiful stone-inlay.
Available for $450 from Bloedstone.
Will – Red Rabbit Trading Co. Classic Cuff
I’m typically quite conservative in my approach to jewelry. Seldom do I willingly venture into uncharted territory. In fact, my jewelry journey starts and ends with watches, really. Not too long ago, however, I wandered gingerly outside my comfort zone and invested in a piece that’s since become like a second skin.
Red Rabbit Trading Company’s Classic Cuff is one of the brand’s signature bracelet styles. The piece is hand designed and stamped for individuality. The cuff comes in two sizes – medium and large – and is malleable (to a degree) for a customizable fit. Measuring approximately half an inch in width, it’s substantial enough so that it’s visible but dainty enough so it’s not in everyone’s face. There are two versions of the classic cuff; one with a turquoise stone and one without. Those that prefer a more minimalistic look might choose the version without, but in my opinion, the stone makes it, so of course I went the whole nine yards.
For those unfamiliar, Red Rabbit Trading Company is a small shop based out of Texas. It produces small batches of handmade sterling silver jewelry and keepsakes inspired by Fred Harvey imagery and pre-1950s jewelry of the Southwest United States. Using time-tested traditions of hand stamping, filing, stone cutting, and more, each piece is crafted with care by artisans.
When some people buy jewelry, they want it pristine; polished with zero marks. Me, I wanted mine laden with imperfections. I love the fact that a chisel – or whatever tools are used to make jewelry – may have slipped during the etching or engraving process. It feels like an heirloom piece without the astronomical price tag. For men, especially, I also think it’s quite eccentric.
The only pain in the behind was finding a stockist across the pond in the UK. If you’re like me, Clutch Cafe, Marrkt and Those That Know have re-stocks from time to time. If you’re US-based, you’ll have no issue ordering direct.
Available for $220 from Red Rabbit Trading Co.
Zach – Fordite Money Clip
In Detroit, Michigan, USA, the mammoths of the automotive industry have left us an archaeological record in the form of “Fordite.” Overspray from painting cars builds up over time. Layers-upon-layers of rich enamel paint formed on fixtures, floors, and machinery–ripe for enterprising jewelry makers to “mine” it and refine it. Every sample of Fordite, also called “Motor City Agate,” is unique. What would otherwise become industrial waste is now crafted into vibrant jewelry settings that recall an earlier era of turquoise sedans and cherry-red station wagons.
I have to admit, I didn’t get excited about money clips until I discovered what the Detroit Institute of Arts was selling. Set in brushed sterling silver that’s reminiscent of American automotive trim work, the Fordite centerpiece pops with lacquered vibrancy. Cars are often an extension of one’s style and taste and the same goes for jewelry. The DIA’s Fordite Money Clip, which comes in a plethora of styles, combines a love of automotive engineering with an appreciation of panache.
You can find the Fordite Money Clip for $239.95 on DIA’s web store.
Nav – Jewelry
Without sounding lame, I’m somewhat “known” for my jewelry — more specifically my rings. As the years have gone by I’ve had many different combinations with many different rings but my current rotation has been a solid mainstay for about 3 years now.
Starting with the piece I’ve had the longest in this trio, my custom-made Wu-Tang ring. And before you ask yes I can name three songs — more like 30 off the dome. I’ve had this now for over a decade and can’t really imagine life without it, obviously a big fan of the group and all individual members, and this ring has started many a great conversation.
Next up and sticking with the musical theme is my MF DOOM ring, this is the official collaboration between DOOM (RIP) and LA-based brand Han Cholo, it took me a long time to track it down, and means more to me now that the great man has passed, sadly the stone is missing due to tons of wear but I’ve got plans to replace it very soon.
Last but by no means least is my Fuct SSDD Death Bunny ring, a really heavy piece that sits solo on my left hand, this came with a matching pendant that I’m still trying to grab. Fuct mastermind Erik Brunetti for me doesn’t get the real props he deserves but that’s another conversation.
Brad – Necklace
Other than my wedding ring, the piece of jewelry I wear the most is my necklace. The sterling silver curby link chain drapes from my neck almost every single day. However, it almost always remains tucked into my shirt, exposed only around the back of my neck as it flows over my clavicles. It’s not that I’m trying to hide anything, I just don’t picture myself as an exposed necklace type of guy. Which begs the question, “Why even wear it, then?”
The answer is that the two pendants linked to the chain have great sentimental value to me. A blue St. Christopher pendant connects to the necklace by a tiny keychain ring. This pendant was given to me by my mother at some point during college. A far more religious person than I am, my mother followed the tradition of gifting travelers with a St. Christopher pendant to protect them on their journeys. I guess she saw it as a way of looking after me when she wasn’t there.
The other pendant on my necklace was gifted to me by my wife for my birthday three years ago. In full disclosure, I had mentioned to her that I wanted this particular pendant but fortunately, my wife is an excellent listener. Stumbled upon on Etsy, the pendant is a sterling silver frame and loop holding a defunct Irish 3-cent coin. Seeing as how the Irish currency is now the Euro, it holds no monetary value. It is a simple reminder of my Irish ancestry. A harp is engraved on the heads side and an Irish hare on the tails side.
