THE MEN’S JEWELLERY BRANDS THAT INSPIRED ME TO START MY OWN

Today I thought I'd throw together a listicle of some of my favourite jewellery brands. I've admired these brands for a while and have also considered them as inspirational for my own line of men's jewellery, DION DREYES. Which of course will kick off the list in no discernible order. 

DION DREYES

This was a project that was cooking slowly in the back-burner of my mind for quite a while. The lockdown enabled me to give this project more focus and the feedback I've gotten from friends and clients have been very encouraging. Will there be a second line? Will keep you posted with news shortly. Although if you want to know how to accessorise men's jewellery to a specific look I've offered some style templates on the Dion Dreyes Instagram account. 

The first line released last year was entitled DAMAGED. The DAMAGED collection is a celebration of the human spirit. Overcoming overwhelming odds. We take life's punches and walk on through. (Queue big Rocky speech). Each piece is composed in either 925 Sterling Silver or 18 Carat Gold plating. Each product delivered in a black felt pouch bag, embossed with a DION DREYES logo.

VASHI

I love Vashi. Famous of course for producing locally in the UK and each step takes place in-house, making them the only brand in the world to bring casting in-store. You never need to wonder where your jewellery came from. Hang out with their makers in the store, learn about their craft, and even join them at the workbench to have a hand in the making.

MONICA VINADER

Monica is an artist, adventurer and designer. Her jewellery is 'touched by a thousand thumbs' before it makes its way to you. Skilled gem cutters in Jaipur, master craftsmen in Thailand and their very own design team in Norfolk (lovely corner of the world) inject their unique artistry to make every piece unique. 

In April 2020, they started making all their jewellery using 100% recycled silver. It's a step they've made to make immediate reductions in CO2 and be kinder to our environment. You can check out the Monica Vinader men's edit here. 

CRAFTD

CRAFTD London is a premium jewellery brand founded by Alex Cannon and Danny Buck. They are an online retailer based in the UK, with supporters from over 100 different countries worldwide.

CRAFTD aims to fill the gap between quality jewellery and unnecessary mark-ups across the industry. (Which is a philosophy I've adapted and a model that I've implemented into my own brand). They put design at their core and focus on cutting through the noisy, low quality space that fast-fashion has brought.

BY VICTORIA BAILEY 

Sourced in the UK, made in the UK. All products are made from high quality sterling silver and/or finished in 22k gold vermeil or 22k gold plating. I'm so proud of my mate Victoria. We literally had these ideas entwined at the same time and she really took her idea and ran to the hills. 

It's women's jewellery but in today's world what's to stop us guys wearing them. Their rainbow necklaces are intended to give people hope. These necklaces encouraged people to hold on through the tough times we were facing, whilst also raising money for charity. 

THOMAS SABO

Anyone that tunes into my Instagram channel knows all about my love affair with Thomas Sabo. 

In 1984, entrepreneur Thomas Sabo laid the foundations for a company that was to become the embodiment of high-end silver jewellery within a period of just a few years. Since then, the brand has internationally made a name for itself with hand-finished creations and a constantly-growing watches segment. 

SERGE DENIMES

From Oliver Proudlock, Serge DeNimes is a design-led brand, providing premium but affordable jewellery. 

The brand started in 2011 with the idea of being a creative output for founder Oliver Proudlock. In 2017 they have evolved into a worldwide jewellery brand, well known for their fashion forward designs & premium quality materials.

P&CO

All proudly made in England. Hailing from Birmingham’s creative heartbeat, the Jewellery Quarter, the brand has been built in a place synonymous with quality. It’s historic, hardworking & hardwearing attitude continues to fuel our passion for creating clothing that will stand the test of time.

MISSOMA

As one of the first ever demi-fine jewellery brands, Missoma have been going since 2008. Designing all their unique and iconic pieces in-house at their London based Notting Hill HQ, they now ship to over 200 countries worldwide and partner with some of the world’s top retailers. You can shop the men's edit here.