Britt’s Pick: Ailes’ Tire Ring

Today’s Britt’s Pick is niche, but it’s so intriguing I imagine it appealing to a wider audience than it may have been intended for.

From Dubai jewelry brand Ailes comes a contemporary treat that’s part novelty, part design innovation—and as luxurious as the Formula 1 racing that helped inspire it. An 18k gold and black rhodium ring is crafted into the likeness of a tire so convincingly, one might wonder if it would feel and smell like a the bouncy, sleek real thing.

“We wanted to turn something strong and industrial into a piece that feels bold, modern, and easy to wear,” according to a statement from Hind and Fatma Janahi, the sisters who founded Ailes. Their ring, while a presumably easy sell for auto racing fans with impeccable taste, could also appeal to those uninterested in motorsports. For me, what does it is that sparkling smattering of diamonds across the tire’s tread—which, as one sees upon further inspection, is composed entirely of black diamonds.

A closer look at the black and white diamond “tread” of Ailes’ Tire ring

Ailes’ piece might remind one of tires’ ability to carry a vehicle with agility and grace. Interpretively, however, we can make something more of it: the intersection of industrial and fine, a nod to luxury, not traditionally elegant yet still possessing of a certain sophistication and poise. It could represent durability and strength, inspiration to keep moving, and the freedom to do so.

The placement of the brand’s name, much like tire sidewall markings, is both form and function. Red lettering and hashmark-like arcs echo the notion that this is jewelry inspired by movement, with high craftsmanship that will endure even the roughest roads.

Top: Tire ring in 18k white gold and black rhodium with black and white diamonds, $9,000; Ailes