INTELLIGENT JEWELS

The Method Behind the Craft

“Adding a chunky cuff over the top of a pared-back shirt instantly adds a point of interest and elevates an otherwise casual outfit. I also love the effect of a bold statement necklace worn over a really simple cashmere jumper, or a tonal all-black look… it looks considered but effortless.”

- Clare Hornby, Founder + CEO

Words by: Isla Philo. Design by: Melanie Makariou

Introducing ME+EM Jewellery, a collection of modern heirlooms that celebrate a new evolution of our intelligent design ethos, with an emphasis on fit, layering and detail. There’s serious intelligence behind these pieces. Earrings that transform from stud to drop, necklaces that go from long length to choker, rings that slot together perfectly. These investment pieces have a clever advantage, designed to work for multiple occasions, with multiple outfits, in multiple ways and - most importantly - for multiple generations.

Woman wearing silver cluster earring and trench coat.

The Science of Contrast

Delivering the unexpected is a cornerstone of our designs. Looking at crystal jewellery, your first thought probably isn’t fluidity. But for certain styles like the Crystal Cluster Earrings, we’ve used articulated cup chains that naturally drape and add unexpected movement. The chain of the Transformer Necklace is crafted from rows of channel-set crystal rings, which create a chunky yet articulated finish. The sense of movement is ideal for creating contrast against crisp, clean textures like poplin shirting, or adding further complementing fluidity to satin or crepe.

It’s not just about the shape; mastering the science of contrast is in the styling too. That’s why we say don’t save jewellery only for special occasions. Adding a crystal necklace to a cashmere knit, or a bold earring alongside a casual tee is a shortcut for creating a high-low look.

Perfected Lengths

The way we see it, there are two ways of ensuring a necklace sits at the perfect length. One requires rounds of testing, shaping and perfecting precise measurements, and the second, although still the product of intense planning, involves more of a do-it-yourself approach.

The Crystal T-Bar Necklace comes in a choice of three colors, including a neutral white crystal or colorpop Smoked Topaz and Emerald Green. It’s not your traditional choker necklace; rather than sitting too high on the neck, it has a relaxed drape, designed to perfectly complement round necklines.

The Lariat Necklace comes in a choice of lengths, both of which have abstract pendants fitted with a push mechanism, so they can be slid up or down the chain to alter the final look. A pair of abstract pendants trimming the length of the chain gives a naturally weighted effect, assuring the necklace retains a streamlined drop that creates a flattering, elongating look over layers or to highlight open necklines.

Thoughtful Features

We’re always thinking of ways to make your life easier. And that absolutely includes jewellery. All of our cuff bracelets are fitted with a hinged opening. There are two major benefits here. No painful contorting them over your hand and the added benefit of more styling options. Our personal favourite is adding them over the cuff of tailoring or shirting for a modern feminine-masculine balance.

We’ve also thought about how to make statement earring more comfortable, which is why the Crystal Drop pair is fitted with clip fastenings for a more evenly distributed fit and feel on the ear. Plus, those with unpierced ears can also enjoy adding an edge to their looks.

Outfit Alterers

Because jewellery is more than an ornament. Enter our brooches. From tailoring lapels to jumpers and scarves, wherever you place it, they extend the styling power of your outfit. This season we’re looking to the Pearl Pin Brooch as the ultimate outfit texturiser. Pin it at the waist to create flattering ruching for a contemporary rework of your favorite knitwear. Or, once you’ve arranged your scarf in just the right draped finish, secure it in place.

Ways To Wear

To quote ourselves, our collection of modern heirloom jewellery is ‘designed to work for multiple occasions, with multiple outfits, in multiple ways and - most importantly - for multiple generations.’ That means adding intelligent details and clever features that multiply the styling options. Starting with the 2-in-1 Drop earrings. Crafted in Italy from brass plated in 0.5 microns of 24k gold, the pair features detachable pendants which can be removed for a stud earring look or reversed to introduce the black marble-effect resin side.

It’s not a competition, but if it were, the Transformer Necklace would win in the ways-to-wear category. Consisting of two sections of chain that connect with a circular magnetic clasp, this style can be worn as a long mixed-media design, wrapped into a choker, or worn with just the faux pearl or crystal chains.

Close up of woman with hand on hip, wearing rings.

Modern Heritage

And because no collection of ours would be complete without a subtle nod to our British heritage, our signature Swan is a key feature across some of the designs. The classic signet ring gets a witty reimagining with our Cygnet Ring, shaped to the traditional flat-surfaced silhouette that’s engraved with our signature emblem, and crafted in brass plated in 0.5 microns of 24k gold. Or for a more dimensional rendition, the Cygnet Stacking Rings include a domed design with an embossed Swan motif - learn more about how this effect is achieved in our Enter The Atelier editorial - and a silver-tone ring that’s curved to form a perfectly aligned stacking pair.