Hermes Etrier Bracelet Rose Gold Swift Calfskin and Metal Navy H100016FO7UT2

Etrier is French for stirrup, and the metal piece that closes this bracelet is the reason for the name: a small sculpted fitting that the braided cord threads through and pins, rather than a buckle or a clasp. In navy Swift calfskin with rose gold plating, it is the most traditionally handsome version of the design, and it closes comfortably anywhere between 5.7 and 6.1 inches. Made in Italy.

The braid is 0.12 inches across, softly rounded, so it rolls against the skin instead of pressing flat, and the leather’s fine grain gives the navy a subtle depth rather than a uniform dark blue. Around the metal it darkens slightly where the cord bends, which is normal for Swift and, in my view, part of the look rather than a fault.

Navy leather against warm metal is the pairing I suggest to anyone building a first jewellery drawer, because it works with black, grey, brown and denim without ever clashing. I wear mine with a blazer and open collar in the evening, with a striped shirt on weekends, and on holiday with a white tee, where navy and rose gold look almost nautical.

Two realistic notes. The braid can pick up a slight indentation if it presses against a laptop edge for hours, which usually relaxes overnight, and Swift is not a water-loving leather, so remove it before swimming or showering. Store it coiled in its pouch and the shape stays true. Made in Italy.