It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to wearing jewellery. Traditionally, for men, it’s fallen into one of three categories: wedding rings and dad chains (boring), naff bling (juvenile) and flashy costume jewellery (terrifying). The result is that jewellery has become something of a dirty word among men — a truly absurd state of affairs, when you think about it.
Just like fine watches and tailoring, jewellery is, at its core, about craftsmanship and subtle elegance. It needn’t be loud or attention-grabbing; just a delicate glint of gold around the neck or a flash of silver on the wrist can elevate the mundane to the interesting.
Fortunately, a sea change in attitude is happening around us. Among those leading it is FOPE, a heritage Italian goldsmith beloved by women for its innovative approach to fine jewellery. For years, the brand has noticed an uptick in men taking home its signature Flex’it bracelets: simple gold chains cleverly engineered with gold springs between each link, allowing them to be rolled on and off with ease. Effectively unisex, their continuing popularity among men has inspired the brand to launch its first dedicated men’s line, opening up FOPE’s concept of everyday luxury to all.
Flexible elegance
FOPE introduced Flex’it in 2007 after decades of development. The original system — in which dozens of tiny gold springs are discreetly built into the bracelet — dates back to the 1950s and blends traditional goldsmithery with technological innovation (some of the robotics used to manufacture Flex’it bracelets are adapted from car manufacturing, and some are custom-made).
FOPE’s Flex’it bracelets are made entirely of 18 carat white or rose gold, finished with either an understated gold rondel or distinguished black diamond pavé. Among the standouts is the Eka Tiny Flex’it bracelet, which features black diamonds set in black rhodium-plated gold hexagons for an industrial feel.
Stacked atop a leather watch strap and peeking out from underneath a suit jacket, a Flex’it bracelet adds sharpness to formalwear. Equally, it brings refinement to everyday dressing all year-round — catching the sun when worn on a bare wrist with a crisp linen shirt or cashmere knit.
A permanent fixture
Ask any man who’s been converted into a “jewellery guy” and he'll likely tell you it was a ring that changed his way of thinking. Once you find the right one, it becomes an intrinsic part of your daily dressing – you feel naked without it, or at the very least, far less erudite.
FOPE’s Flex’it rings provide an artful alternative to solid bands and signets. Borrowing from the brand’s signature bracelet design, FOPE’s skilled engineering makes them incredibly comfortable and eminently wearable. The flexible chain design lends a dynamic, almost industrial edge, complimented by a thin row of black diamonds. This is a ring that once on, you’ll rarely want to take off.
Formal gets playful
Perhaps the most classic of all men’s jewellery pieces is the cufflink: an unsung hero of formalwear that’s surprisingly versatile. Though often considered to be inherently stuffy, a good cufflink can add a sense of playfulness and character to a suit. Among FOPE’s most enticing cufflinks are those with sharp black diamonds set on either edge of the barrel, creating a spiky, contemporary look, as well as those set with opulent sapphires and rubies, which add instant gravitas.
Subtly powerful
Remember last year when the world went briefly mad for a thin, silver chain around Paul Mescal’s neck? It was a piece of jewellery that spawned think-pieces, Instagram accounts and insatiable global thirst. Sure, Mescal is a good-looking lad, chain or not, but it served to illustrate how men’s jewellery can be powerfully evocative when it’s worn well: delicate pieces that the eye briefly lingers on, skilfully combining hard and soft. Another excellent example comes from FOPE, which has perfected the classic chain, in rose or white gold, complete with a black diamond rondel that works just as well with an open collar as it does with a simple white T-shirt.
Start your jewellery journey with FOPE
