In the world of men’s style, few subjects are as divisive as jewellery. Some shy away from it altogether. Others, meanwhile, boldly bring on the bling. One of these men is Daniel Torjman, who makes cotton T-shirts, bone-handled knives and, yes, men’s jewellery for the Toronto-based fashion line he recently launched, 18 Waits. We caught up with Torjman for some tips.
Bracelets
“Unless you are in a rock band,” Torjman says, “avoid big leather bands, stud bracelets or cuffs.” Instead, go thin, and if you’re opting for multiples, make sure the materials are complementary. “A thin silver chain bracelet meshes well with a watch with a leather band,” he says. And ditch the hemp, he says, “unless you’re at Burning Man. Or a Phish show.”
Get: The simple metalwork of Scosha.
Necklaces
Length matters, says Torjman, who disapproves of both chokers and belly button-length danglers. Necklaces with pendants should hit the middle of your chest; those without can be shorter, landing at the base of your neck. Comfort is essential, but please, no Caribbean beach purchases. “That seashell necklace suited you fine when you were sipping daiquiris on the beach,” he says, “but it doesn’t translate to city style.”
Get: Torjman’s unisex but hypermasculine looks at 18 Waits.
Rings
The wrong ring can very easily send the wrong message. “Dragons and native Indian headdress rings may look interesting,” Torjman says, but stick with thin, simple, monotone rings – and approach multiples with caution – lest you channel the “I-played-guitar-in-a-Sabbath-cover-band-in-college look.”
Get: Teno is simple; Driftwood is bold.
Image courtesy of 18 Waits.
Obviously Mr. Smith is busy looking after his son and has not proofed this article. Happy diaper changing, Russell. The “advanced class” members know that there are also cuff links that come in a variety of materials (solid gold and silver the best). In lieu of the common torpedo style, opt for the classy double sided links or the tasteful push through links that our grandfathers owned. Good cuff links are expensive to buy new, but very inexpensive in estate sales, antique shops and antique stores. For those of you who admire the “Mad Men” look, you may find some great sets for next to nothing. Most of them are torpedo style. Furthermore, gentlemen may opt for small tie pins (not the big large bars that are sold at People’s or Mappins). Stickpins or small push pins with small diamonds, sapphires, or rubies are always tasteful. Finally, in regard to rings, simple is the best. An onyx ring on looks good on the small finger. A signet ring is always good. Diamonds if not too flashy are appropriate. Amethysts or sapphires are great if set well. Avoid the tacky “Sears” look of tiger eye rings or synthetic stones. Women can detect these a mile away. Anything silver in a ring is wrong unless you are one year out of high school and are still pining for Grade 13. The rule should be only one ring worn (except a wedding ring and that brings us to two). If you wearing a ring, don’t wear a bracelet (too much glitz). Cuff links can be worn anytime. I don’t worry about necklaces because I always wear a tie. So should you.