In recent years, the category of men's jewellery has become exciting compared to the outdated attitude of past centuries.
So in the context of gender-fluid dressing (the violation of social principles dictated by one's gender), today's return to more elaborate jewellery styles for men is a welcome change for Sotheby's vice president of jewellery Frank Everett.
She has curated “For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition,” which highlights more than 100 pieces of jewelry that show the evolution of men's jewelry from the mid-1800s to the present day.
The “For the Boys” exhibition will feature antique and vintage jewellery from Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Verdura and David Webb. Along with contemporary jewellery from David Yurman, Shaun Leane, Chrome Hearts and NN by Nghi.
“Since the dawn of time, men have always worn jewelry,” Everett explained.
“However, this recovery has gained momentum lately thanks to celebrity pursuits. Like Harry Styles, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell and others who have helped push the modernisation of men's jewellery. Also the adoption of styles and materials that were, often, considered only for women. Jewellery with precious and semi-precious stones and generally creating more confidence.”.
With more than 150,000 followers on Instagram, Everett has been influential in championing the style of men's jewelry. As with his social media campaign for #bringbackthebrooch.
He started in jewelry retail and worked for Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston and David Yurman.
In 2013, he moved to Sotheby's. She oversaw sales such as “The Collection of Mrs. Paul ‘Bunny’ Mellon” and “The Personal Collection of Shaun Leane”.
Everett also collaborated with British Vogue jewellery editor Carol Woolton for the 2019 “In Bloom” sales show.
In 2021, she co-curated Brilliant & Black with jewelry editor and author Melanie Grant. The groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to black jewelry designers.
For the men's jewellery exhibition, Everett said he wants to break down gender norms about jewellery rather than reinforce them.
“The purpose of this exhibition is not to explain jewellery in terms of gender, as I truly believe that jewellery should and can be worn by everyone. But rather it is a celebration of self-expression and the ever-changing evolution of men's style from the past to the present,” he explained.
“With this exhibition we hope to not only educate and introduce jewelry to a new male audience. But even to break down pre-existing boundaries. To also speak to an audience that consciously wants to freely express their individuality through the power of jewelry.”.
Auction items will be priced from $3,000 to $300,000.
“For the boys: a Jewelry Exhibition", opens to the public at Sotheby's New York from September 23 to October 5.
Source: nationaljeweler.com
