From humble bronze coins strung on cords to intricate gold medallions set amidst a collection of gilded charms, coin jewels — like the one at the center of Laura’s 18k gold chain necklace — are a wardrobe staple. Just don’t call them basic. In antiquity, coins were thought to protect the wearer against disease, misfortune and evil spirits. Today, they evoke a time when a flat piece of metal bearing an official stamp was not only a token of trade, but also of status and protection. Some things never change!
Point of View: Designer Spotlight on Engelbert
Design snobs know that Scandinavian firms have long been considered the pinnacle of classic, minimalist design—and that goes double for jewelry. Take the Swedish heritage brand Engelbert, for example. Founded in 1920 when patriarch Heribert Engelbert opened his studio in Stockholm, the brand is best known, especially in the U.S., for its 10-year-old Legacy Knot collection of rings, “all with different looks and attitude” and its Drop Link collection of stackable drop shaped earrings, available “in different sizes mixing plain gold with diamond pave,” says CEO Johanna Pietsch.
Back to Basics: Buttoned Up
Sure, buttons are cute—but in the right designer’s hands, button earrings are the epitome of class and sophistication. Typically round and chunky, with a post-back or a clip-on, the style takes the classic stud and adds some extra oomph. For examples of how to wear it, just look to the iconic women, from Coco Chanel to Jackie Kennedy, who’ve popularized the ladylike look of button earrings over the decades.
Colette, Cross, Coin & Angel Medallion Necklace, Antique & Vintage Jewelry, Ancient Coin Necklace, Azlee, Zodiac Small Coin Charm Necklace - Scorpio
Engelbert Pave Bangle, Diamond Link Earrings, Small Legacy Knot Ring, Twisted Creole Earrings, Cross Loop Ring, Infinity Loop Earrings, Kundan Studs, Olivia, Coco Chanel
