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As men’s fashion industry becomes more exploratory, designers are taking a leap into men’s jewelry segment that breaks the stereotype. From marbled signet ring and rhodium-plated bracelets to hoop earrings and diamond-studded pendants, a new breed of modern jewelry designers and brands are creating exclusive pieces that are in no way an afterthought. The trend of men’s jewelry gained momentum when male rappers like Swae Lee, Gucci Mane, and A$AP Rocky were found adorning crystal and pearl necklaces on the red carpet. In fact, jewelry is no longer only a girl’s best friend, especially since male models, influencers, and celebrities have been wearing prominent pieces that are barely going unnoticed. Seeing a potential market for men’s jewelry and a lack of variety, Toronto-based celebrity jeweler Ali Lalani, also fondly named as Franky Diamond, introduced new collection through the means of his brainchild, White Carat Co.
Franky’s statement jewelry designs and manufacturing techniques draw inspiration from ancient times, especially the jewels fabricated by his father and grandfather. Being a third-generation jewelry industry maven, Franky, a Business Administration Graduate from the University of Toronto, decided to quit his full-time job as a Financial Analyst to design jewelry and partner with White Carat Co.
Today, the core category in his men’s jewelry collection is diamond pendants, rings, and bracelets plated in 10K, 14K, and 18K gold. Making classic watches and rings featuring inimitable designs like the Egyptian Pharaohs, Snapchat Ghost, and “CASH MONEY” engraved pendants is Franky’s unrivaled forte that has gained popularity, attention, and praises from Ryuk Chain, Dalton Pompey, Pressa Armani, and Burna Bandz among many others. At the center of his massive jewelry collection is a series of diamond bracelets. Each is placed with multiple mini or mid-sized diamonds carved by craftsmen with a remarkable level of detail, thereby bringing luxury and vibrancy to each jewel.
Franky is often seeing modeling his exclusive men’s jewelry pieces on all of his social media platforms. He has also developed a strong interest in the digital world and the modern way of marketing online. Franky firmly believes, Instagram and Pinterest have had a lot to do with reviving the age-old trend of men’s jewelry. “Men today glance at Instagram, not fashion magazines. Male influencers and social media enthusiasts do style posts and stories and share their look with their friends. This, in particular, has changed the game in terms of making an impact and driving sales. All thanks to the millennials, followed by Gen Z and Gen X who are side-lining the stereotypes head on,” said Franky Diamond.
Franky’s jewelry and accessories are anything but basic, and have managed to make the 10 letters – OUT OF STOCK – an acquainted phrase for those after his contemporary and fresh designs. His high-end jewelry pieces are priced up to $24,000 and the collection in the affordable range costs approximately $700 to $900, yet retains the star element – diamond, and originality in terms of style!
Franky’s long-term vision for White Carat Co. includes appealing to younger buyers and stripping away some pre-defined styles of fashion jewelry, all while preserving its patented craftsmanship and high-end materials. “My designs are neutral and edgy so, I started receiving a lot of positive responses from men of all age groups,” Franky reveals. “This gave me a boost to design and launch more variety of jewelry for men. I want to redefine and disintegrate the age-old social norms, and what is unfolding is a much broader approach to men’s jewelry designs. It’s a joy to contribute towards the bold styling choices that men are not fearing to pursue.”
It’s clear that the boundary between men and women with regard to fashion is blurring in over-all – so why should accessories and jewelry be any different?