Key jewelry has captivated our industry and its customers for a long time, showing up in a surprising array of shapes and sizes, a demonstration of how creative brands and designers can get with their take on the key.
But I’ve never been so captivated with one as I am with the keys offered by Meili, a brand that just bowed in New York City in August 2022.
As I stare at these, practically powerless in my need to procure one, I wonder what it is about these tiny treasures that is so bewitching. Is it the effortless minimalism, a natural, just-born-with-it allure? Maybe it’s the notches and ridges of the blade, details that, despite each key’s charming size, aren’t left out. It could be the luscious yellow gold (the pieces are available in white and rose as well). Or perhaps it’s the fact that the keys are available in almost every standard diamond cut, including a “mar-key” (and if you aren’t laughing at this fantastic pun, do you even laugh at all?). I like to think it’s all of these reasons rolled into one that has me dreaming about adding each and every one of these keys to a charm catcher, like a blinged-out superintendent of awesome jewelry.
“The collection of keys is not only a symbol of the constant flow of opportunities and moments in our lives, but it also represents the power we hold to create our own paths,” says Meili founder and designer Anna Meili Adelman. “Each key serves as a unique reminder that we are the masters of our own destiny, and we have the ability to open new doors and explore uncharted territories. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge the doors that we have passed through and those that we have closed behind us, for they have all played a significant role in shaping who we are today. The collection of keys encourages us to live in the present moment, embrace change, and be open to new experiences, all while remembering the value of the lessons we have learned along the way. Whether you wear this collection as a personal reminder or give it as a meaningful gift to someone special, it serves as a constant reminder to embrace life’s journey with an open heart and a curious spirit.”
The keys range in price from $850 to $1,250 depending on diamond shape, and are available in 18k yellow, white, or rose gold. Each piece is made to order by hand. The keys make up one part of Meili’s Emblems collection, which also includes initials, teeny engagement rings or wedding bands, and arrows.
Top: Key Emblem in 18k yellow gold with 0.1 ct. emerald-cut diamond, $1,250; Meili
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