Sipping spicy margaritas on a sun-drenched patio, the gold of Tori Dundas’ curb chain necklace caught the light and the attention of her boyfriend. The founder of Vancouver-based jewellery company was not only persuaded to part with her necklace but also inspired to create a new collection of jewellery for both men and women.
We’ve come a long way from the chunky way from the overly heavy chains of the 90s and interest in men’s jewellery has been on the rise since 2018. Dundas’ latest venture is indicative of the new frontier that we are seeing in fashion and beauty across the board: genderless designs.
The uses texture and edgy finishes to appeal to both men and women with understated motifs and varying sizes that are suitable for layering.
The seven pieces highlight travel using symbols like the compass and St. Christopher, the patron saint of travel. St. Christopher tokens were worn by surfers for protection in the ocean, as a symbol of good luck, and on their travels. They are also given to romantic partners as a symbol of going steady and as graduation presents for leaving the nest.
Dundas’ focus on travel in this collection is a gesture towards the borders that confine us, be they geographic or gendered.
The rope chain necklace is inspired by nautical knots and pairs well with the True North compass which is available as a signet ring or pendant but my personal favourite is the Barcelona curb chain (similar to the one she forfeited to her boyfriend).
It was also important to her that the 14k gold jewellery was durable so they could be worn all day every day and survive the most adventurous excursions.
Gold jewellery has been back in fashion for a while now but there is also increasingly a trend toward stacking and layering jewellery as part of a regular outfit. Fine jewellery is at an all-time accessible high and people are seeking to build up their collections not for costume purposes but for every day, why shouldn’t that include everyone regardless of gender?
The True Gender Neutral Collection launches on Tuesday, April 12.
