Up Close Look at Byredo’s Debut Fine Jewellery Collection

The story of Byredo is one of constant evolution. Debuting handbags and other accessories at Paris Fashion Week in 2017, the brand has proven itself capable of creating compelling offerings outside of its fragrance roots. This year, Byredo begins a new chapter, introducing fine jewellery as a permanent category.

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As with all of Byredo’s offerings, its debut fine jewellery collection is rooted in personal stories and emotions. The collection is given the name “Virasaat,” a Hindi word meaning “inheritance.” Made to last, the pieces are viewed as totemic objects to be passed on from older generations to the next like a birthright.

The series builds upon two foundational archetypes, “to pierce and to adorn” which decode the practice of self-expression and ornamentation. Simple and elegant, all of the necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings feature rounded pearl shapes interlocked with graphic bars to form a pattern that can be repeated and extended forever. The links take on a fluid shape as if formed by ebbs and flows of water and time, “ready to take on the unique imprint of the wearer,” writes BYREDO.

Founder Ben Gorham originally had dreams of playing Basketball professionally. However, he was unable to obtain the correct paperwork and reluctantly gave up the game, pivoting to the arts. Upon graduating from art school in Stockholm, he met a perfumer by chance who convinced him to express his creativity through fragrances rather than paintings. Despite entering the beauty field as an outsider, his fragrances have been wildly popular worldwide and the brand has expanded its product offerings to include leather goods, apparel, accessories, and now, fine jewellery.

Invited for an early preview, I found the collection of unisex jewellery pieces to be tasteful, versatile, and timeless. The fluid links of the “Virasaat” collection are distinct and recognisable, yet subtle enough to be worn as  everyday pieces. While linked together via individual 18K gold and .925 silver components, the jewellery felt incredibly robust and capable of being passed down for generations as intended.

Byredo’s fine jewellery series officially launched globally on January 25 and is now available at the brand’s Fashion Walk Flagship Store in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Prices start at HK$3,300 for the .925 Sterling Silver ring and range to HK$200,000 for the 18k gold necklace.

BYREDO Fashion Walk Flagship Store
Shop 16B, G/F, 27-47 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay

Images: Byredo/Aaron Chow