Adventurous males across the world are quickly catching on to the fact that the right pearls can serve as the perfect embellishment to a wide range of looks. Eager designers and craftsmen are giving a boost to this trend with exquisite and wearable pieces.

A recent trip to René Talmon L’Armee‘s Arts & Metier store in Paris revealed a sea of black Tahitian pearls artfully attached to silver skulls. Each one was different, and it wasn’t a question of “are these pearls for men or women?” It was evident that the pearls, dangling from rough-hewn, handmade silver chains, are suitable for both sexes. But they become truly statement-making when worn by men. A tip: due to L’Armee’s very hidden address, he has priced his jewelry wisely. Find him, and a deal is likely in store.

London-based Belmacz‘s recent collection shows two new styles — Requiem and Sarah Bernhardt — which set a singular, cream, baroque pearl (irregularly shaped and lacking an axis of rotation) with an 18K-gold chain to create a necklace that’s sure to juxtapose beautifully with the dark hues of the coming season. The discreet and polished sheen on darker-toned pearls (of the Tahitian variety) are gaining force as an expression of masculinity. With the star sapphire and gold combination in the stunning Diablo necklace as well as with their pearl/stone hybrid bracelets, Belmacz thoughtfully integrates a graded palette of round Tahitian pearls (from charcoal to bronze to silver tinted) to create some arresting and understated jewelry options for men.

Also creating testosterone-friendly pieces is Stockholm-based David & Martin. Their “string of pearls” bracelets and necklaces bring varying jet black beads together on a black rope-like cord for a more whimsical effect while maintaining the necessary subtlety. Belmacz is available at Barneys in NY and LA and select retailers in the UK; David & Martin is sold online and in a handful of Stockholm shops.

A delicate or substantial pearl hanging against a chest-revealing backdrop framed by a casual white singlet, V neck, or half-opened button-down conveys a feeling of nonchalant elegance. This versatility makes pearls the perfect accessory for the jewelry connoisseur and the adornment-resistant male alike.
-David Morrow

Photos: René Talmon L’Armee
Belmacz

Belmacz Sarah Bernhardt
Belmacz bracelets
David & Martin pearl accessories