Sleeker, lighter and stronger — men’s luxury pieces are starting to sound more like feats of engineering rather than just ‘ornaments’ and it’s time to bring your jewellery collection into the 21st century. High-tech jewellery is meeting the new needs of the modern man, further than just his aesthetic wants. Men’s luxury jewellery is no longer tied to precious metals, titanium and carbon fibre are racing into the game and redefining luxury as they go.
What isn’t broken can still be improved upon; titanium and carbon fibre are proving that. In an attention-deficit world, these materials are not a fleeting trend but rather the future of what men’s luxury jewellery could look like. The modern man has more concerns now than just the finish on his bracelet or watch. There are environmental concerns and sustainability questions every time he browses a new collection. He looks for function and form, something that can withstand the pressures of his daily life. Titanium and carbon fibre are offering new and improved options for the man that wants a durable and ethical piece that is still stylish. Here is why you should not be underestimating these revolutionary mediums.
You may only know the name from chemistry class or as a lyric in a pop song but titanium is becoming a respected medium in the jewellery industry. This material had both an early and late start. Discovered in 1791 but it wasn’t until the 1930s when the proper manufacturing processes were perfected that titanium could be used. Even then, the material was only considered for jewellery around the 1990s.
This new kid on the block is becoming a popular alternative to precious metals and is helping to usher in the new generation of high-tech jewellery. It represents the modern man. It’s lightweight, so much so that you may have to get used to its featherlight feeling if you are accustomed to wearing heavier pieces. But being a lightweight doesn’t mean this material can’t take a few hits, titanium has a similar strength to steel. While this can always be considered a positive tick to titanium’s score sheet, its strength also means that resizing can be difficult.
The strength of this material may lead you to believe that it is overly rugged or masculine but the beauty of titanium is its versatility and fluidity. Titanium is the ideal material for unisex pieces that break out of traditional jewellery norms. With titanium, it is now achievable to create elaborate pieces that would otherwise be impossible with heavier metals. There are multiple reasons to embrace this metal over traditional ones. It’s hypo-allergenic and a more affordable option for a piece that will stick around. For the modern jewellery-wearer that is mindful of their environmental impact, titanium is a sustainable option as can be recycled.
Titanium is mostly scratch-resistant but can fall victim to the scuffs and wear of everyday use. Luckily this high-tech material does not require a PhD to clean. Soak your titanium jewellery in a mix of window cleaner and warm water for approximately 5 minutes, wiping off any dirt with a soft cloth if necessary. Remove from the water and pat dry with a soft cloth. You can also use this mixture to gently wipe belt buckles. If the piece has a leather element, ensure you do not get the leather wet.
How to wear titanium
The most popular iteration of this metal is in wedding bands. It’s a strong, lightweight material— perfect for something you wear every day. But Tateossian saw its potential, incorporating it into cufflinks and belts. There are two ways you can choose to wear this material: by blending it into classic pieces or embracing it unapologetically.
You may still want to embrace the classic style that never falters in the face of trends but with a contemporary twist. The T-bar belt with navy leather has a unique design that incorporates titanium but it’s still classic and minimalistic enough to pair well with your everyday outfit. It is made from nubuck leather which is a more durable choice. This is a belt that will last you and can be worn for almost every event. If you need to dress it up, keep the look cohesive by pairing it with titanium cufflinks. This pair of geometric animal print cufflinks are made from leather so the finish and texture will complement the belt.
Tateossian doesn’t just embrace modernity through high-tech materials but also through our designs. More than just a stylish accessory, this large gear buckle belt incorporates titanium along with Tateossian’s signature use of skeleton gears. Available in blue, brown and black unbuckle leather, this belt is a juxtaposition of future and classic styles that don’t clash but rather harmonise. It’s a forward-thinking accessory that deserves to be worn with confidence. For an alternative cufflink option, be bold with mercury leather cufflinks. The future is bright so your accessories should be too. These eye-catching leather cufflinks have coloured leather— blue, red or yellow— set into a titanium case.
Carbon fibre jewellery should get your pulse racing. This high-tech material has taken the leap from the aerospace and racing industries into jewellery manufacturing. Discovered in 1860 and used by Thomas Edison in the first lightbulb heated by electricity, carbon fibre is the jack-of-all-trades material. It’s used in robotics, drones, SWAT gear and even musical instruments. While titanium is a combination of the old-world charm of metal jewellery mixed with modern appeals, we see carbon fibre as the high-tech usurper in the jewellery world.
Carbon fibre jewellery shares many traits with titanium — it’s hypoallergenic, a sustainable material choice, extremely strong and lightweight. In fact, it is three times lighter than titanium so it is ideal for everyday use or if you work with your hands daily. But while titanium is extremely versatile in terms of design, carbon fibre is a modern choice for jewellery because of a different characteristic: it has a unique and recognisable pattern. The woven pattern of carbon fibre is high distinguishable and injects another layer of texture and interest into a piece. This multi-dimensional property is not made for aesthetic value, although that is an unforeseen bonus, it’s the way carbon fibre is created. It’s not just one piece of material, like a solid piece of metal, but rather it’s made up of tightly-woven fibres.
How to wear carbon fibre
The philosophy behind the Tateossian style is consistency. We will always encourage you to pair similar metals, finishes and colours together. A man who appreciates classic pieces might want to veer away from this futuristic fabric. But if you are willing to step into the future, carbon fibre jewellery will effortlessly upgrade your style. Don’t overthink it, even a simple pair of carbon fibre cufflinks can transform a traditional black suit into something sharp and daring. While multiple titanium pieces can be added to your outfit and still look cohesive, carbon fibre should be worn as a statement and complemented with other metals. Too much and you risk looking like the steering wheel of a Formula 1 car.
Carbon fibre is only available in one colour and one texture but don’t see that as a limitation. The multi-dimensional material doesn’t need much else to look sleek. The favoured way to wear carbon fibre is set into a bracelet. Choose either to keep it monochromatic with a carbon fibre beaded bracelet. There’s something both mysterious and undeniably sexy about an all-black piece but the carbon fibre saves it from becoming a void against an outfit. Or add yet another dimension to your look by playing the texture against a stainless steel chain bracelet. The matte finish of this bracelet gives it a sophisticated edge and the carbon fibre completes the contemporary look.
We have also incorporated this material into what is a modern solution to a modern problem. This non-contact necklace in stainless steel and carbon fibre may look abstract but it’s made with functionality in mind. It can be used to open doors and push buttons as a way of staying as contactless as possible in public spaces. The pendant is highly durable because of carbon fibre’s strength making it a reliable piece to add to your collection. Plus it makes for an interesting conversation starter.
The future is not something to fear. Titanium and carbon fibre are just the start of endless possibilities for the progression of men’s luxury jewellery. It allows the chance to create more nuanced solutions for the wants of the modern man without needing to sacrifice sustainability, design or quality. Who knows, soon it might become just as easy to update your style as it is your phone.