Tag: goldplated

Northskull

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Logo.pngLong 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!

Miansai

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This particular post was one that I was going to post later on… but upon close inspection and recent findings, I thought why not now.

10852829_753277468084786_1292066568_nI first heard about Miansai through popular fashion blogger Chriselle Lim of thechrisellefactor.com.  I was introduced not via her blog but through instagram on her 2014 Christmas Giveaway post. Needless to say, I entered and didn’t win but it was to win a pair of rose gold colored cuffs (yes I enter all these contests because I’m a sucker for jewelry). I’m not particularly a fan of their ever popular Screw cuff bracelet (see below) because the design honestly reminds me of a pair of shackles.

Please see the following images and continue to read:

10865015_1663479077228905_1412987324_n.jpgDo these designs look familiar to you? Hint: Nautical themed, nuts and bolts, nautical cord? Hello James Barts anyone? Tell me they do not look alike! Okay, okay some of you might be saying the nautical theme is free for all and I get it. But at the same time, personally I like to find unique designs and credit/ buy them from the masterminds. I hop on to their website and click on their ‘About Me’ section- all I find is a generic description of Miansai being made in America and a store in NY, nothing about when it was established and by who. (Later findings found this Q&A on racked.com)

My  only question is, who had the idea first. I have yet to receive 924060_740963412639529_550173921_nmy James Barts bracelet in the mail but looking at pictures, I’d say Swedish quality looks better… (or do they just have better packaging?) Would it be too bold to say Miansai copied James Barts? Suffice to say, there are some very clear similarities in these designs and in my opinion James Barts takes the cake.
Pricing on Miansai’s bracelets are also a little on the pricey side $55+ USD. Options include rose gold plated, gold plated, silver plated, sterling silver, and full 14k gold (alongside various colored cords and leathers).

I am most definitely not a fan of the ‘D’ shape that are Miansai’s most famous screw cuff bracelets. In addition, their leather and cords look a little thin. There only one design I truly adore but it does not help that my expensive eyes dart immediately towards the $2.5k solid rose gold fish hook cuff bracelet.

Playing on Repeat:
Cheap Thrills
By: Sia

Vita Fede

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Introducing my ultimate all time favorite and classic – Logo
I believe every girl (or guy) should have at the very least one item from Vita Fede. Fashion genius American born Cynthia Sakai of Japanese descent is the owner and the designer of Vita Fede. I cannot tress the simple elegance of her famous ‘Titan’ and ‘Mini Titan’ bracelets. These seemingly simple hinged cuff bracelets with conical edges create the perfect shine and breathtaking look. Founded in 2009, Sakai has proven that she can think outside the box while still delivering new and upcoming ideas in fashion jewelry. Just when you think there is nothing more you can tweak with the Titans, she releases new and over the top designs. Most importantly, her bracelets match just about anything and everything! Wear them as a single statement piece, or stack em up! I simply just can’t get enough!

Make and models vary in price. Most all bracelets are 14k plated making them sturdy and durable. I have yet to see a diamond studded piece (which I have mixed feelings over) but she does have a selection that sports fresh water pearls of various colors and Swarovski elements.

images (1)Prices vary depending on bracelet; cheapest would be the Mini Titan ~$250. Lowest price item currently on the website is ~$125 (Ultra Mini Titan Ring). Throughout the years, prices have definitely soared as I scored my gold mini titan on a sale bargain price of ~$185. Personally, I would love to purchase more but it is simply too expensive for 14k plated only. Stoned pieces can rise to as much as $450+! (which is wayyyyy too much). I would however love to see when and if she decides to rise to luxury jewelry – meaning producing her jewelry in 14k gold, rose gold in entirety. This would definitely give Cartier’s love bracelets a run for their money!

Sidebar: her designs are such a hit there are so many copycats out there. While a great way to get styles you love for a better price, quality just won’t be the same.