Men's Second Style

Nothing says “I love you” like jewelry.  And I’m not just talking about the ladies here–it’s a not-very-secret secret that guys like jewelry, too.  I think it’s because there’s so little good lingerie out there for us.  I mean, hey, a good pair of boxer briefs and we’re done.  (Although, hmm, there are always silks…)  I’m not talking about watches, either, at least not today.  I love watches, but for me they’re more an accessory item than jewelry.  Jewelry is something you wear just because it’s pretty.  There, I said it and I’ll say it again: pretty.  Deep down, you know it’s true.

In case you haven’t noticed, Valentine’s Day is coming right up, check your calendar!  For your gift-giving consideration, I thought I’d suggest some jewelry items that I love and admire.  I’m hoping that you (or your man) might like them too.

dionysia Elytis takes her designs for men’s jewelry very seriously.  The pieces are finely crafted, with beautiful metal and precious stone textures.  What’s more, they’re prominently displayed in her shop, not hidden away in a corner as an afterthought, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding them.  Her men’s necklace and bracelet sets come in a wide variety of styles and finishes.  Here you see the Mystical Moonstone design.  The necklace’s medallion is in the form of a circle quartered by a cross, its arms gently curved.  Softly gleaming moonstones are mounted at the end of each arm and at the center of the cross.  The bracelet encircles the wrist with a bold, simple band of shining silver and showcases a trio of moonstones that seem to shimmer with inner light.  L$300 for the set.

dionysia’s Captive Heart necklace for men is finished in stainless steel  strung on a black leather thong.  The look is subtly industrial, yet still attractive.  The square medallion is suspended at an angle to suggest a jewel, perhaps a diamond, rather than a building block.  The heart entrapped by the steel frame is gracefully curved, and its surface is decorated with etched lines, all the better to stand out in its simple setting.  The heart in turn encloses a bright bead of semiprecious stone, which you can touch to choose from five different stones.  L$150.

The Copper Heart necklace is currently available as a dollarbie, although I understand this is for a limited time only, and the regular price will be  L$100.  Look for this in the very front of the shop, along with other Valentine’s Day specials.

The Take a Piece of My Heart choker is gothly lovely in its elegant simplicity.  A cool, clean band of dark metal encircles your neck, but not too tightly, unless you prefer it so.  Suspended in front, enclosed in a small cage, is a living, pulsing piece of the heart of someone who is (or was?) very, very special to you.  Touch to allow or halt the slow drip of blood, a subtly gruesome effect.  (You may need to reset scripts in the object before this effect will work.  dionysia advised me that she is re-working the script to eliminate this issue.)  Priced at L$125.  Two necklaces are included, so remember your Sunday School lessons: it’s nice to share.

Permissions on all of dionysia’s jewelry items (except for the dollarbie, which is not transferable) are M C T, so gift away!  Available at Dionysia Designs (Learning Pond 114, 215, 24).

Okay, before we go on–speaking of boxer briefs (and we were, earlier) the V-Day specials I’m wearing here are a quality freebie by Jesseaitui Petion.  Pick ‘em up for yourself at Aitui (Aitui 128, 128, 40).  There’s a gift for the ladies, too.

It’s not possible for me to talk about jewelry without mentioning Mhaijik Guillaume.  We go way back after all–my first review for this site (which I see with some astonishment is dated in September 2006) was of her jewelry designs for men.  Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Mhaijik introduces her new collection of Partner Rings.  Seven different styles are available, all in gold, some accented with diamonds.  The delicately engraved gold shines and gleams, and the diamonds seem to have a subtle glow of their own, but you’ll notice that there’s no bling.  These rings are worn by default on the right hand, but you can move them to the left hand if you prefer.  Mhaijik’s Partner Rings are sold in sets of two for sharing with someone special (permissions are M C T).  Priced at L$200 for gold styles, L$350 for gold accented with diamonds.  Available at Mhaijik Things (Pheosia 56, 227, 152).  Mhaijik also provides engraving services and accepts custom commissions.

This Valentine’s Day, be selfless.  Think of what would make you happy, and give that to someone special.  It’s bound to make both of you happy.  And remember–diamonds are forever!