Adorn
'To enhance the appearance of, especially with beautiful objects'
A tangle of pearls, a clatter of bangles, and the sparkle of a brooch carefully pinned to a lapel - jewellery is the percussion in the symphony of a sartorial ensemble. It adds individualism, tactility and a sense of fun, elevating even the most simple of outfits.
Jewellery and accessories are often the first things my eyes are drawn to when I meet someone. Maybe it's because, in many ways, jewellery is frivolous and undeniably non-essential, yet that’s exactly what makes it such a revealing expression of the person wearing it.
We no longer require brooches or pins to fasten our clothing, and jewellery today doesn’t necessarily signal wealth or social status the way it once did. Instead, it speaks more subtly, offering a glimpse into personal style, sentiment, or even a hint of the wearer’s story - whispering something enigmatic and deeply personal about the one who chose to wear it.
I found myself somewhat at a standstill while gathering inspiration for this piece -there are so many directions to explore within this discourse. Not least of all because we seem to find ourselves in an era of a jewellery renaissance.
Perhaps, as post-pandemic ‘dopamine dressing’ collectively tones down, the baubles and charms are now taking centre stage, adding a touch of subtle drama to our daily ensembles.
The spark ignited however with a lucky find at a local charity bookshop - a copy of the wonderful Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen. I’ll admit, I’d completely forgotten how obsessed I used to be with the Advanced Style YouTube videos (definitely due for a rewatch!) honestly, just look at the incredible style inspiration in these pages.
If these outfits don’t make you want to throw caution to the wind, I’m not sure what will!
My own jewellery collection has always veered more comfortably into the ‘costume’ terrain, and has been largely accumulated like the wardrobe that accompanies it. Predominately secondhand, stumbled upon without intention, but beloved for the charm or craft of the piece.
In the summer at car boot stalls, my hands methodically foraged through mountains of broken and tangled trinkets, bric and brac and bijouterie, salvaging and excavating singular beads that caught my eye like a magpie. These were then restrung together with thought and consideration, to allow the texture, colour and vivacity of each bead come to life once more.
When I say these homemade pieces became my favourite accessories overnight, I promise you, dear reader, I’m not exaggerating! They somehow go with everything, have sparked countless conversations, and as a fun little bonus - they double as the perfect ‘fidget toy’ during those particularly long or tedious work meetings!
I do however, go through spells of wanting to feel unencumbered by trinkets - for instance, I didn’t wear anything on my wrists for the best part of a decade! That changed when I was drawn back in by a few simple, woven charm bracelets from the Danish brand Bare Braunstein and later a baroque pearl bracelet by Claudia Bradby
Sometimes, when I’m feeling tired or run-down, putting on jewellery feels like the sartorial equivalent of polishing a turd. If anything, a bright, luminous pearl necklace just seems to highlight the exhaustion on the face above it. Dour, I know!
I have however found joy in my recent foray into brooches, amassed from the inspiration of one single gold fish charm - inherited from my Mum - I have found myself continually drawn to piscine pieces in all manners.
A little fish on a blazer lapel is just so charming and perhaps unexpected - they just make me happy! I’m also currently lusting after this Blooming Dreamer Koi necklace and it’s slightly more budget-friendly Blue Fish pal!
There’s an undeniable nostalgia to jewellery - one that feels somehow more visceral than with clothing or other sentimental items.
I remember with fondness the quiet Sunday afternoons spent mooching around my childhood home - this was an era when Sunday’s meant anywhere worth going was closed, and pre-internet, you had to find your own amusement. For me, this meant tiptoeing into my parents bedroom, where my curious fingers would rummage through my mum’s jewellery box.
There, in a cream case that clicked open to reveal a scarlet velveteen lining, lay a classic string of pearls, sapphire-studded rings hugged in halos of lustrous diamonds, and tiny fragments of pink seashell strung tightly together into a matching necklace and bracelet set.
Nearly three decades later, and I find myself the age my Mum was when I raided her jewellery collection, now carefully curating my own treasures with the same sense of wonder and nostalgia.
It has to be said though - my own collection is distinctly less ‘grown up’ than my Mums, and I’m still trying to decipher if that’s just me, or perhaps my generation in general. I can’t think of many friends who wear fine jewellery - and if they do it’s likely inherited.
I feel like I’m getting to the point where I do want some more special (read - costly!) pieces, that I can own for the coming decades, and always feel attuned to, whatever my age.
So in case you were curious what my aspiring ‘grown up’ jewellery looks like (though this pinterest board is a pretty good place to start!) here are some pieces I’ve found myself coveting recently.
This JuJu Vera necklace (as seen on Blanca Miró Scrimieri and accessory aficionado Leandra Medine Cohen) is so timeless. These Frida Kahlo inspired chair earrings by Úcar Studio are unexpected and surrealist. I’m also lusting after pretty much everything from the new Sita Nevado ‘Gilda’ collection - OOF!
Lastly, I don’t think I’m an exception in adoring the incredible rings of Sophie Bille Brahe! I just don’t know if I’m THAT grown up yet!
Meanwhile, my costume collection continues to scale. I’ve accumulated a small collection of chunky bangles from the car boot sale and flea markets in Brighton, and find they complete numerous looks with just a small pop of colour. Despite the decade of naked wrists, I’ve grown quite accustomed to the weight of chunky bangles or beads now.
The car boot sale also remains the place where I always find high-quality pieces at bargain prices, like a string of amber beads, or a jade beaded bracelet - both only costing a couple of pounds each.
Lastly, if you find yourself inspired but perhaps don’t know where to start in adorning your own wonderful self, there is so much to draw inspiration from!
Some of my favourite style icons had exceptional taste in jewellery - some of whom are below.
And if you’re looking for more contemporary sources, might I suggest these very inspiring accounts on Instagram, as each of them have inspired me in specific ways when it comes to adding the finishing touches to my own outfits.
(L-R Below) Leandra Kathrine Simone Sarah Liu Blanca
I hope there is inspiration here for you too - Happy treasure hunting!