A new breed of jewellery is appearing on necks, ears, arms and fingers
everywhere – and it’s not pretty. Forget la-de-da ladies with their
dainty gold necklaces; the new school is bloody tough looking. We’re
talking white-gold skull rings with ruby eyes and a bracelet fastened
with a mini Uzi. The kind of stuff you can wear to a street-fight and
not be called a poof.
These aggro accessories aren’t cheap market trinkets; they’re skilfully
crafted from top quality materials. Melbourne based William Llewellyn
Griffiths (
www.metalcouture.com),
has been working with “precious metals” for over 25 years. “Every piece
is crafted with infinite attention to detail,” he says of his range
which features tattoo inspired designs. His solid silver “Ships &
Guns” is testament, with perfectly puffed sails billowing in an
imaginary wind.
Another local brand, Iggy&LouLou (
www.iggyandloulou.com),
produce an eerie range of gothic-type designs. Skeletons are
meticulously painted on fine Australian porcelain and fired up to four
times. The result is charming and creepy all at once. Even posh UK
brand Garrard (
www.garrard.com), signed Jade Jagger to inject some rock’nroll into the
brand. The collaboration, features diamond-encrusted wings reminiscent
of many a cock-rock t-shirt.
If you’ve avoided jewellery like public transport because you didn’t
want to be adorned in joyous gems, this new wave is for you.
If you think this new wave of heavy metal is to your taste check these out:
www.tombinnsdesign.com
This Irish jeweller Tom Binns has worked with rock foremother, Vivienne Westwood.
www.exhibitionistnyc.com
NY darling Michael Spirito’s Momento Mori collection features skulls encrusted with various gems.
www.nomination.com
The brand that brought us cutesy charms now serves up handcuffs and guns.