The ring cycle

ready to wear:

Whilst sovereign rings and big initial rings in "rough cut" 9ct gold worn by anyone, let alone men, are so unattractive as to make me want to cry, a tasteful piece of jewellery on a man - and not too much of it - looks splendid. One area that's really exploded on the boys' rocks front is that of betrothal rings. Diana Porter makes some excellent ones (inscribed with such things as "on and on and on" or "the feeling of we" written across two rings - so it only makes sense when the two are joined) and of course they don't have to be worn by men; if you fancy giving your girlfriend something other than a diamond then these can make for a less "heavy" alternative.

From top: Silver Archers thumb ring, pounds 130, Vass Ludacer available from Jess James, 3 Newburgh Street, London W1. Enquiries: 0171 437 0199. Silver oval signet ring, pounds 180, Detail, 4A Symons Street, London, SW3, 0171 730 8488. Silver Celtic band, pounds 85, The Great Frog, 10 Ganton Street, London, W1, 0171 439 9357. Double silver hallmark bands, pounds 88, Sam Salmons, available from Jess James, as before. Silver domed hallmark ring, pounds 95, Detail, as before

Buckle ID bracelet, pounds 260, by Detail, as before. Heavy silver chain, pounds 315, The Great Frog, as before

Heavy silver chain, pounds 315, and Garnet dragon claw ring, pounds 98.75, both by The Great Frog, as before

Photographer: MARK

HAMILTON

assisted by KEVIN WHITE

Styled by:

ZOE BROWN

assisted by SARAH JANE WHITFIELD

Model: BRENDAN IVORY

at MODELS 1