Monies

Founded in Copenhagen in 1973 by Gerda and Nikolai Monies, Monies turns raw natural matter into unapologetically sculptural jewellery. On the tray: oversized chain‑link necklaces in acacia and goldfoil, carved horn cuffs, freshwater‑pearl strands on leather, and feather‑light clip‑on earrings that look bold without dragging the lobe. Today artist Karl Monies steers the studio as creative director, evolving seasonal collections, a “Mint” line of semi‑precious essentials, and one‑of‑a‑kind pieces built around singular stones. The studio sits on the Copenhagen waterfront; boutiques in Paris (Palais Royal) and Milan present the work year‑round.

Silhouette & construction

Volume that sits comfortably

Monies pieces read generous yet resolve cleanly on the body. Chain silhouettes—Delhi, Seoul, Aella, Catena—stack rounded wood links into graphic loops secured by hidden magnetic locks. Link scale varies from compact collar to opera length, but weight distribution keeps the necklace stable and flat against the chest.

Earrings, engineered

Signature clip‑ons, such as Florence, Havana, and Gaia, use silver‑plated brass mechanisms tuned for grip without pinch. Many styles are offered both as earclips and as 925‑sterling‑post studs (see Harlow variants), making the same form work for pierced and non‑pierced wearers. Product pages publish gram weights and dimensions so buyers can judge comfort in advance.

Fastenings you can trust

Magnetic closures appear across chain necklaces; leather and pearl pieces often finish with toggle clasps carved from stone, wood, or amber. Elastic and cord are serviceable and replaceable. One‑of‑a‑kind work ships with a unique style number, supporting lifetime studio service.

Materials & finish

Nature, minimally intervened

Expect acacia wood (sometimes ebonised), horn, bone, bog oak, amber, freshwater pearls, and selected gemstones like amethyst, rutilated quartz, and ocean jasper. Surfaces are carved, sanded, or polished just enough for comfort; organic character remains visible.

Foils and casts

Goldfoil and silverfoil are hand‑applied to carved wood for warm, mineral shine without metal weight. Select pieces use Green Cast acrylic (a premium recycled‑content resin) to achieve luminous colour and lightness with crisp edges.

Deep‑time curiosities

Occasional one‑offs incorporate prehistoric fossils—from geodes to ancient amber or shark teeth—built into simple architectures that foreground age and texture.

On the body

Wood reads dry and warm; horn and bone feel silky and temperature‑neutral; pearls bring cool luminosity. Foil‑finished links glow in low light and develop subtle patina where jewellery touches skin.

Signatures & icons

• Delhi / Seoul / Aella / Catena chain necklaces: rounded acacia links, often in goldfoil or silverfoil, secured by a hidden magnetic lock.

• Florence clip‑on earrings: sculptural domes in acacia (plain or foiled) scaled from daytime to runway, with published weight for comfort.

• Perline freshwater‑pearl strand: baroque focal pearls on leather with a carved toggle.

• One of a Kind: numbered compositions around singular stones and fossil materials; certificate and lifetime studio repair for normal wear.

• Mint collection: pared‑back pieces in pearl, leather, tourmaline, and crystal that echo the studio’s language at a quieter scale.

How to wear it now

Weekday structure

A Catena or Delhi chain in goldfoil over a black knit sharpens a tailored blazer. Keep metal elsewhere minimal; let the link geometry carry the look.

Evening contrast

Slip dress, Florence clip‑ons in ebonised acacia, and a slim horn cuff. The matte‑gloss dialogue reads formal without sparkle.

Weekend texture

A leather‑strung Perline strand against a crisp white shirt and relaxed denim. Add a small pendant for vertical rhythm.

Travel solve

Magnetic‑lock chain in silverfoil with compact studs. The closure speeds airport checks; wood and acrylic stay comfortable across climates.

Fit & sizing notes

Necklaces: Lengths range from 36–120 cm; circumference and drop are listed per piece. Magnetic locks add a few millimetres; collars sit high, long chains can double once. Weights are published (many 170–410 g for large chains) so you can match to your tolerance.

Earrings: Many silhouettes come as clip‑ons; select styles also offer sterling‑post studs. Product pages list weight in grams (common clip‑on weights span ~10–45 g per pair); if your lobes are sensitive, choose the lighter listings.

Bracelets & cuffs: Inner circumference and height/width visuals are provided. Organic forms read generous but may not flex—measure over knuckle.

Rings: Most rings are one‑size leather‑fit bands designed to accommodate EU ~52–68 (US ~6–8.5). Height and width are listed so you can allow for volume across adjacent fingers.

Care & longevity

• Keep dry: Remove pieces for bathing, swimming, or workouts. Water and perfumes can stain porous materials and dissolve goldfoil or silicon pads on earclips.

• Storage: Separate pouches, out of direct sun and humidity; add a desiccant if you live in damp climates.

• Cleaning: Gemstones, pearls, amber, and foiled wood—wipe gently with a soft damp cloth only. Avoid hot water and chemical cleaners.

• Conditioning: Horn, leather, and wood respond to a drop of alcohol‑ and fragrance‑free lotion, then buffed dry.

• Patina: Foil can soften where it rubs the skin; bone may warm to a honey‑gold tone with wear; silver parts oxidise unless polished.

• Service: Elastics, cords, and clips loosen over years; the studio tightens or replaces components. Web purchases carry a two‑year warranty, and One of a Kind pieces include free lifetime repair for normal wear, rethreading, and minor fixes.

Heritage & today

Gerda and Nikolai Monies began the label in 1973, trained as goldsmiths yet drawn to the honesty of natural materials. Over five decades, they established a language of organic volume that influenced international runways and museum selections. In 2023 Monies marked its 50‑year anniversary; in 2024–2025, Karl Monies formalised his role as creative director, introducing new campaigns and the Mint line while maintaining the brand’s one‑of‑a‑kind discipline. Operations remain centered in Copenhagen, with a Palais Royal flagship in Paris and a boutique in Milan. The studio’s constants—raw matter, human scale, and serviceable constructions—make each season feel connected to the last.

Responsibility

Monies communicates through materials and make rather than manifestos. Facts to note: design and assembly in Copenhagen for core work; selective use of ancient and fossil materials with minimal intervention; repairability across cords, elastics, and closures; and long‑life natural substrates like wood, horn, pearl, and leather. Certifications are not broadly published; assess impact by composition transparency, published weights and dimensions, and a studio repair program that keeps pieces in circulation for decades.