Designers Are Elevating Everyday Objects into Luxury Jewels

With her Hamburger and Youtensil rings, bicycle-chain necklace, and now Crayola crayon bracelets, Nadine Ghosn never ceases to amuse, drawing on recognizable objects for her quirky, tongue-in-cheek jewelry.  

“I love making the ordinary extraordinary,” says Ghosn. “Inspiration often comes from everyday tools that we don’t think much about, so [I am] elevating and glamorizing these everyday heroes with the finest materials and gems.” Her latest, the Crayola range, is a natural progression of her existing stationery-themed collection and expresses her love of color and childhood nostalgia.

Marla Aaron’s Baby Pulley gemstone pendants in 14-karat gold. (Marla Aaron)

Cartier’s Juste un Clou (“just a nail”) bracelets and the 1930s tubogas, or gas pipe, bracelets from Bulgari are early examples of jewelry designers elevating mundane industrial objects. Continuing that legacy are Hannah Martin’s versatile Rebel Bolt bangles and rings, and Marla Aaron’s playful padlocks and pulleys, which are pleasingly functional.

Hannah Martin Rebel Bolt ring in 18-karat gold. (Hannah Martin)

The sundial ring by 886 The Royal Mint might be less obvious as a common item, but the device that inspired it was an essential one for the ancients. Who needs a watch when you have a ring like that?

Sorellina Playlist necklace with Cassette Tape and Pencil pendants in 18-karat gold, featuring diamonds, rock crystal, topaz and opal. (Sorellina)