Jewelry - Other

Discover the Best “Other” Jewelry in the UK: Personalised Pieces, Men’s Accessories, and Unique Finds

Discover Unique Jewelry Options in the UK

If you’re hunting for jewelry that doesn’t sit in the usual ring-necklace-earring trio, you’re in the right place. The “other” category covers a fun, practical, and often highly personal range of pieces: cufflinks, tie clips, lapel pins, pocket watches, collar stays, and novelty trinkets. These items can be subtle style statements or the kind of keepsake people pass down. In the UK, you’ll find both high-street names and niche makers offering everything from engraved mother-of-pearl cufflinks to rhodium-plated tie slides — and a world of customization beyond that.

Menkind: Personalised Gifts and Playful Men’s Jewelry

Menkind has built a reputation as a place for quirky, stylish, and personalised gifts geared toward men. Think beyond the gadget store stereotype: Menkind stocks elegant cufflinks and tie clips that can be engraved or customised for birthdays, weddings, and milestone events. These pieces are perfect for groomsmen gifts, Father’s Day surprises, or that one accessory that pulls an outfit together.

Personalised Mother Of Pearl Cufflinks

Mother of pearl cufflinks feel both classic and contemporary — a bit like slipping moonlight onto your shirt cuffs. They pair beautifully with navy suits and crisp whites. When personalised with initials or a short date, they shift from accessory to heirloom. Look for solid mounts and clear engraving so the sheen of the shell isn’t lost under heavy decoration. In practical terms, expect cufflink faces around 0.6 inches to 0.8 inches across — just enough presence without shouting.

Personalised Rhodium Plated Tie Clip

A rhodium-plated tie clip is a smart, modern choice for everyday business wear or a special occasion. Rhodium resists tarnish and keeps a bright finish, which means less polishing and more wearing. Personalised options — engraved initials, a small motif, or a short date — add that meaningful touch. Standard tie bars usually measure about 2 inches to 2.25 inches, which fits most ties comfortably without limiting movement.

High-Street Classics: Ernest Jones, H. Samuel, and Goldsmiths

If you prefer the security of a well-known jeweller, UK high-street retailers like Ernest Jones, H. Samuel, and Goldsmiths offer an extensive range of “other” jewelry. You’ll find practical accessories alongside designer collaborations, watch families, and seasonal collections. These shops are great for warranties, aftercare, and the ability to view items in person before you buy.

Why Choose High-Street Jewelers?

Shopping high-street names buys you a level of service — professional cleaning, resizing where relevant, and reliable hallmarks. For items that are going to see daily use, like tie clips or collar stays, that added support matters. It’s also a safer bet when you want metal guarantees, such as sterling silver or plated descriptions that are clearly explained.

Contemporary and Ethical Choices: Pandora, Wolf & Badger, and Independent Makers

The jewelry landscape is shifting toward conscious buying and artisanal craft. Pandora has expanded its remit beyond charm bracelets to include unique pieces that can act as statement accessories. Wolf & Badger and independent shops on platforms like NotOnTheHighStreet showcase designers who emphasise ethical sourcing, recycled metals, and handcrafted detail. If sustainability or originality matters to you, these stores are worth exploring.

Artisan and Independent Makers

Independent makers tend to play in the “other” space more inventively, with bespoke engravings, mixed materials, or limited-run designs. Buying from an artisan often gives you a direct line to customization: different finishes, choice of inlay (think mother-of-pearl vs. enamel), or custom dimensions. Consider this route when you want something truly one-of-a-kind or a piece that tells a story.

What to Look for When Buying “Other” Jewelry

Buying these accessories requires a slightly different checklist than rings or necklaces. Durability, finish, and mechanism (for cufflinks and tie clips) top the list. Ask yourself: Will the piece withstand daily wear? Is it plated or solid metal? Can it be re-plated or repaired? These questions help avoid disappointed recipients and products that lose their shine after one season.

Materials and Finishes

Rhodium plating, sterling silver, stainless steel, and gold plating are common. Rhodium gives a white, reflective finish that resists scratches and tarnish, while sterling silver may need a bit more TLC. Mother of pearl and enamel inlays add visual depth but can be more fragile. For longevity, stainless steel and rhodium-plated pieces typically win; for luxury, solid 9K or 14K gold is harder to beat.

Personalisation: Engraving, Gem Selection, and Sizing

Personalisation is the secret sauce that turns a small accessory into an emotional gift. Engraving initials or a short phrase is the most common option, but you can also choose engraved motifs, birthstones, or hand-applied enamels. Make sure you understand character limits and font options — what looks great on-screen might be too cramped on a 0.6-inch cufflink face.

Engraving Tips for Cufflinks and Tie Clips

Keep engravings short and legible. Initials, dates, and single words work best. If you want a longer message, consider the reverse side of a watch or a small inside plate. Also, choose a clean, simple font for tiny surfaces; script fonts can blur into an indistinct flourish when reduced to cufflink scale. Remember, less is often more when the canvas is small.

Gifting Ideas and Occasions

Need a gift that’s personal but not heavy-handed? “Other” jewelry is perfect. Cufflinks and tie bars are classic groomsmen presents; lapel pins make subtle commemoratives; pocket watches read as nostalgic but chic. These pieces fit weddings, graduations, promotions, and Father’s Day, and they carry the kind of sentimental value that standard gifts rarely do.

How to Pick a Memorable Piece

Think about the recipient’s lifestyle. If they wear suits daily, a rhodium tie clip gets constant use. For someone who rarely dresses up, choose something display-worthy like an engraved pocket watch or a decorative lapel pin. Colour choices matter too: gold tones for warm wardrobes, silver for cool tones, and mother-of-pearl for evening wear. The right piece matches them, not you.

Price Ranges and Value: Getting the Best Deal

Prices in the “other” category vary wildly. Basic stainless-steel cufflinks might start under 20 pounds, while personalised precious-metal pieces can climb into the hundreds. Designer or artisan creations command higher prices for craftsmanship and uniqueness. Think about how often the item will be worn and whether it’s intended as an heirloom; that will help you decide when to splurge.

Where to Find Bargains and Smart Buys

Seasonal sales, outlet years, and clearance sections in high-street stores are great for snagging bargains. Don’t shy away from comparison shopping across known retailers and independent makers. If a piece is plated and you want long life from it, check whether re-plating is offered. Sometimes a small additional cost for a higher-quality finish pays off in the long run.

Care and Maintenance for Special-Purpose Jewelry

These accessories are often exposed to elements like sweat, collar friction, and frequent handling. A soft cloth wipe after use goes a long way. Store items separately to avoid scratches — a soft pouch or compartmentalised box helps. For metal pieces, occasional professional cleaning or light polishing will keep the finish bright. If a piece includes mother-of-pearl or enamel, avoid detergents and store it away from direct sunlight.

How to Measure and Choose the Right Fit

Sizing matters more than most people realise. For cufflinks, pay attention to the shirt cuff style — French cuffs need a secure fastener and a face that sits comfortably between about 0.6 inches and 0.9 inches. Tie bars should be about two-thirds the width of the tie; commonly that’s 2 inches for a standard tie. If you’re buying a belt clip or lapel pin, consider the fabric weight — heavier fabrics hide small pins better, while delicate suits call for a slimmer profile.

Simple Measurement Tricks

Don’t overcomplicate it. To estimate cufflink size, measure the width of the cuff where the cufflink will sit and imagine the piece filling about half to two-thirds of that space. For tie clips, lay the tie flat and measure across to get a visual for the proper bar length. Most retailers list dimensions; compare those numbers to a tape measure to avoid surprises.

Where to Shop Online and In-Store Across the UK

The UK market offers a blend of convenience and discovery. High-street chains provide quick access and familiar service, while online platforms and independent marketplaces let you find niche designers and bespoke options. Stores like Ernest Jones, H. Samuel, Pandora, Beaverbrooks, and Goldsmiths are reliable starting points. For those seeking handmade or limited-run pieces, explore NotOnTheHighStreet, Wolf & Badger, and Etsy UK for direct maker relationships and bespoke options.

Final Thoughts: Make the Small Things Count

“Other” jewelry might feel small in scale, but its impact can be huge. A personalised cufflink or a perfectly finished tie clip has the power to complete an outfit, commemorate an event, and become a treasured token. With thoughtful selection — considering materials, personalisation, and care — you can pick pieces that look great straight away and still mean something years from now. So next time you shop for a unique gift or a wardrobe upgrade, look to the details; they’re where personality lives.

Conclusion: Whether you’re buying for a special occasion or refreshing your own accessories drawer, the UK market offers a fantastic range of other jewelry. From Menkind’s playful personalised pieces to high-street classics and artisan makers, there’s something to suit every budget and taste. Keep materials, size, and personalisation in mind, and you’ll land on a piece that’s as meaningful as it is stylish.