What’s in your Black-tie toolkit? An inky tuxedo, naturally — all satin side seams and peak lapels. Jet patent leather lace-ups? Almost certainly. And then there’s the tie itself: a midnight silk, self-tie bow, the finishing touch to the perfect eveningwear ensemble. Or is it? Many modern men are missing a critical element: a prominent piece of jewellery. And we’re not talking your dress watch. We’re talking gems. Black, naturally.
Enter Cartier, with a trio of additions to its neo-classic Clash de Cartier collection. In 18K rose gold, these novelties may glint with diamonds, but the spotlight belongs to onyx — that deepest, darkest of stones.
The highly revered gem takes centre stage in a new tie pin, a pocket jewel, and a pair of matching cufflinks from the French house; the Clash de Cartier collection has previously introduced necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings featuring onyx. Round, polished, and intensely black, these beads are deceptively simple — yet a real feat for the lapidarist, the expert stonecutter tasked with teasing out the gem’s smooth, rich colour.
Cartier’s signature picot studs also add just the right amount of edge to the pieces. Softly pointed and conical in shape, they hark back to designs first seen in the early 20th century, blending haute history with punky modern attitude. From the pin to the pocket jewel, these details give the pieces an elegant yet daring feel — unique, yet unmistakably Cartier.
So next time you’re tying your bow and studding your shirt, consider what’s missing. Because if you wear a touch of onyx on your tux, you’ll not just be dressing for the evening — you’ll be stealing it.
