brass – Shine & Starfire

Long time no post! Featuring Northskull, a men’s jewelry fashion brand based in London.

I originally was not going to post about this brand simply because I was not too much a fan of their designs. But recently, Northskull of London released a new collection that upped its appeal. Northskull brand signature bracelets feature quality leather, fine metals on bracelets with two skulls head to head. I do believe they have a few stingray leather leather pieces as well as beaded bracelets aswell.

Their newest collection entitled Construct/Disrupt of SS16 features sleek new bangles and bracelets. I’m a crazy bangle/ bracelet fiend and Northskull delivers such beautiful minimal and simplistic pieces with subtle design flare! They have a few aged silver cuffs in a sort of matte finish as well as 18k gold plated brass rings etc.

As far as pricing wise, Northskull is a luxury men’s fashion jewelry line so pieces range usually $100+USD. In my opinion, if a guy is going to buy jewelry for himself he is not going to buy like a gazillion different bracelets like I would… so it is worth it(?) I mean… some of these pieces feel very unisex… so I would totally go wild if sales were in play.

** I could totally see myself stack Northskull’s newest The End Cuff in gold with a Cartier LOVE bangle or Vita Fede‘s Mini Titan for a lovely arm stack!

Let’s talk about statement pieces. To be honest, I don’t own any statement pieces simply because I do not feel like I can rock it. Lionette by Noa Sade is NYC based and creates beautiful statement pieces. I found them via famous popular fashion style blogger Chriselle Lim a few years ago and I just love their pieces. Each piece is so unique and definite statement pieces. You can wear bracelets and necklaces stacked up or by themselves- either way draw attention to the pieces.

Now while I love love love these statement pieces, I doubt I will ever purchase from them via sheer price alone. Lionette NY’s popularity is definitely real and present. (Trust me I’ve seen the prices rise along the years). The prices are (in my honest opinion) utterly ridiculous. I don’t mean to bash them, but their pieces are made of plated brass and simulated semi precious stones like turquoise or opals etc. Let me say that again, plated brass and simulated stones. Why are you charging $400+ for brass and fake stones? I just can’t wrap my head around it. Oh and the designs however beautiful and ingenious can most definitely be replicated via materials from your local craft store (maybe not the cone shaped stones but you know what I mean).

Long story short, while I absolutely love Lionette NY’s designs and pieces (because they truly are gorgeous) I would not buy them because honestly you can get a 14k gold ring plus a tiny diamond for that price. Call me cheap but its simply not worth it. – unless you are filthy rich and do not care.

And while I was lusting after their Sinead bracelet for quite some time, I wouldn’t purchase because my wrists are sooooooo tiny and I doubt they will adjust one for my size (must I mention the fear that they might charge more for an adjusted one? not to mention charge the full price for materials?).