The buzzword that’s had a chokehold on social media for the past two years — “thicc”, with two or many more “c”s — has no doubt hit the world of bling. From chunky bronze bracelets to gumball-sized beads on necklaces and shoulder-grazing drop earrings, bigger sure seems to be better in the latest jewellery releases.
By virtue of its size, chunky jewellery makes for a great statement piece; even on lazy days, just slipping a bracelet or necklace on can immediately lift an outfit. At the same time, balance should still be kept in mind. Using multiple pieces of big jewellery should come with more layered, complex outfits; overloading a minidress with, say, too many heavy bangles, can throw a look completely off.
Unveiled at Bottega Veneta’s spring/summer 2024 collection, the Fin earrings come in a pair of angular studs. These are a new interpretation of the viral Drop earrings, which were first introduced in creative director Matthieu Blazy’s debut collection for the brand in 2022. The Fin comes in 18-karat gold, sterling silver, and enamelled gold versions in a multitude of colours. Two sizes have been created: small (from $1,050 for sterling silver) and large (from $1,910 for sterling silver).
Over at Loewe, a collaboration with American artist Lynda Benglis has given rise to a set of crystal-studded pieces, all of which feature large amorphous forms. Among these in the Glitter Fragment collection is a ring with bright red crystals ($3,550) and earrings in turquoise and yellow ($4,350). The mix of irregular shapes, along with the crystals set across each piece, can easily add texture and visual interest to any ensemble.
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Also from the Loewe x Lynda Benglis collaboration is the WOW cuff ($17,850), a coloured aluminium piece that comes in blue and purple variations. Based on paper sculptures by Benglis, the metal folds, crumples and curves along the wearer’s arm.
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Tiffany & Co, meanwhile, has released the Bone and Split rings to celebrate designer Elsa Peretti’s 50th anniversary with the brand. Inspired by the Bone cuff from 1970 — which continues to make waves today — these new rings add new meaning to the phrase “large and in charge”. Both have been rendered in sterling silver ($1,450 for the Bone, $1,250 for the Split) and 18-karat yellow gold ($7,150 for the Bone, $6,700 for the Split).
Stacking the odds
Big pieces may be having their moment in the sun, but there is still room for the small stuff. While layering clothes may not be the wisest decision in Singapore’s humid climate, stacking jewellery is a great way to inject one’s personality into an outfit without trapping heat. Creating a mix of pieces — regardless of brand, size or colour — can reflect one’s aesthetic sensibilities and spark points of conversation.
Look out for thinner pieces, as these usually hold up well to stacking; staying light also means you won’t have any trouble lifting your arms or hands. In general, try and pick things that vary in just one or two factors: colour, shape, metal or texture; having a mix of all entirely different pieces can quickly make things look super busy.
Chopard’s Happy Hearts bangles (from $4,920) are a great option for stacking. Available in a range of metals with different-coloured inlays, the bangles are perfect for adding an understated, feminine and sleek vibe to any stack. The Happy Hearts range also includes necklaces, earrings and more, so there’s plenty of opportunities to get a coordinated look as well.
Building on the stacking trend, other brands are creating multi-layered items that, in and of themselves, create a tiered look. Taking the guesswork out of combinations means it’s easier to get that mix-and-match style without having to worry about clashes.
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Take, for instance, Cartier’s recently launched multi-wear Love earrings; the drops can be added or removed to one’s preference. The earrings, which are priced from $6,750, come in yellow, white and pink gold, with half-pavé versions available as well.
There is also the Eggcado necklace set ($890) from AGMES, a New York-based brand that’s recently gone viral for its unique and sustainable approach to jewellery. Created in collaboration with Danish coffee chain Joe & The Juice, the Eggcado necklace set comes with two sterling silver chains with two pendants: one in sterling silver, and the other in 18-karat gold-plated silver. Wearing these together is an easy way to mix metals without fear of a fashion faux pas.
