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by Sana Bun

Jewels & Watches: Contemporary Wooden Pieces For Women

5 Mar 2025

If you think wooden jewellery sounds like something best left to summer camp craft projects and questionable souvenirs, think again. After exploring jewellery made from semi-precious stones, glass, and even ceramic, I wondered: could wood hold the same contemporary charm? Turns out, the answer is a very stylish yes. Today’s creative minds transform this most humble of materials into statement pieces that are anything but rustic. I have curated a selection of brands that work with wood — and no, you won’t find a single boring beaded piece here.

Uncommon Matters

Uncommon Matters is a brand where the name says it all. Founded by Berlin-based designer Amélie Riech, it champions self-expression through jewellery and homeware objects, turning lusciously lacquered wood into sculptural, wearable art.
This vivid, funky wood, though, is just one of the many materials Uncommon Matters plays with. The brand seamlessly shifts between mediums, applying its signature design language to everything it touches. So, if you are into bold shapes and impeccable craftsmanship, do yourself a favour and explore the rest of their collection. Trust me, it is fascinating.

Monies

Founded in 1973 in Denmark, Monies has spent five decades integrating raw, unmanipulated materials — wood included — into designs that blur the line between jewellery and art. Despite its long-lasting legacy and unwavering approach to working with natural materials, Monies’ creations are anything but conventional. Under the direction of Karl Monies, the son of the brand’s founders, the label pushes boundaries with extravagant, one-of-a-kind designs.
When you look at some of his pieces, it is hard to immediately tell what you are seeing. Oversized acacia necklaces, earrings, and rings are adorned with gold foil, making them resemble massive statement metal ornaments. Meanwhile, wood is masterfully mixed with leather and silver, creating a striking contrast of textures and shapes.
It is all so unique, wild, and unapologetic, I just can’t get enough of it!

Hermès

Needless to introduce, Hermès also has its share of wooden beauties in its collection. Think large bangles with a pop of colour, instantly reminiscent of the Maison’s signature stripes, along with earrings and pendants. The pieces crafted from marbled lacquered wood are especially stunning. They reinterpret an ancestral technique by applying different coloured lacquers drop by drop, creating a random pattern that makes each piece unique, with every colour combination varying from one to the next.

Jacquemus

If you are after neater designs, look no further than Jacquemus. A true guru of statement accessories, the brand offers a range of wooden earrings to suit every taste — ranging from barbell studs to stem pendants, and even geometric cuffs. Each piece blends minimalism with a bold twist, making them perfect for adding a subtle yet impactful touch to most everyday looks.

Bottega Veneta

Last, but certainly not least, the only wooden piece in Bottega Veneta’s current collection stands out with its satisfyingly clean silhouette, yet it is full of character. It perfectly captures the essence of contemporary wood — simple, sleek, and effortlessly stylish.
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