Frequently Asked Questions
About Pen Mané
What does the name "Pen Mané" mean?
"Pen Mané" is Breton (the Celtic language of Brittany, France) for "Headland of the Hill," or "Top of the Mountain" — poetically, "overlooking the horizon." The name comes from founder Vincent Guy Raffin's ancestral family home on the Atlantic coast of Brittany. Just as the headland offers a vantage point over the horizon, it reflects Pen Mané's forward-looking design vision: rugged coastal elements meeting modern micro-engineering and artisanal fine jewelry craftsmanship.
What is the design philosophy behind Pen Mané fine jewelry?
Pen Mané follows a design-first philosophy: every material and technique is chosen deliberately to serve the design, not the reverse. Each handcrafted piece blends French artisanal savoir-faire, technical material innovation, and architectural structure into a timeless object built for everyday luxury. Inspired by the house of Pen Mané on the cliffs of Brittany, the collections carry the soul and rigor of high jewelry into what we think of as wearable architecture — structural, tactile, and engineered for bold, sculptural geometry on any occasion.
Where is Pen Mané jewelry made? What is the country of origin?
Pen Mané jewelry is handcrafted in Hong Kong, by a hybrid network of master goldsmiths and specialized high-precision workshops. While the brand takes its name and design inspiration from the founder's family home in Brittany, France, all pieces are manufactured in Hong Kong, where advanced CAD engineering — used for our proprietary invisible clasps and hinges — works alongside centuries-old hand-setting and finishing techniques, under rigorous quality control for archival-grade permanence.
What makes Pen Mané's aesthetic distinct from traditional high jewelry?
Pen Mané's aesthetic centers on sculptural, architectural forms designed for daily wear, not the ornate, traditional shapes typical of classic high jewelry. Every piece is conceptualized with wearability, comfort, and versatility at its core — clean, sculptural lines built on the belief that true luxury lives in effortless, everyday expression rather than convention.
Who is the designer behind Pen Mané?
Pen Mané was co-founded by Vincent Guy Raffin, who spent two decades building a global luxury jewelry career across Paris, Hong Kong, and New York, working with houses including Dior Joaillerie, Graff Diamonds, David Yurman, and Hemmerle. He is also the creator of the Instagram platform @Bygats, where he has built an international community of jewelry enthusiasts and collectors. Vincent's dual background — deep expertise in global luxury retail paired with a personal, avant-garde design sensibility — shapes Pen Mané's commitment to high-jewelry standards, technical mastery, and artisanal craftsmanship.
Materials, Metals & Gemstones
What materials are used in Pen Mané jewelry?
Pen Mané works exclusively with 18K solid gold, 925 sterling silver, high-grade titanium, and certified natural diamonds and color stones. Each material is hand-selected for its structural properties, so every design achieves a deliberate balance of weight, strength, and contrast.
Why does Pen Mané incorporate titanium into fine jewelry?
Titanium is lightweight, hypoallergenic, and roughly five times stronger than steel, allowing large-scale, sculptural jewelry forms without added weight or discomfort. It also takes color treatments directly on the metal itself, including a deep matte black that heightens diamond brilliance — an avant-garde material choice that expands the creative range beyond what traditional metals allow.
Will my silver jewels oxidise?
Yes, silver naturally oxidizes over time, which we view as an essential part of its character. Silver is a dynamic metal—it remains bright and luminous when worn often, and softly darkens when left at rest, creating a unique patina that reflects how you live with your jewelry. We even deliberately patinate select designs in our studio to build charcoal tones that contrast sharply with our stones. It’s a metal that tells a story, though it can always be restored to a brilliant shine whenever you choose.
Does Pen Mané use natural or lab-grown diamonds?
Pen Mané uses 100% natural, ethically sourced, conflict-free diamonds, chosen for their geological history and long-term value as modern heirlooms. All center stones of 2 carats or more come with official diamond grading certification.
How are the diamonds sourced for Pen Mané collections?
All natural diamonds are sourced through RJC-certified suppliers, in compliance with the Kimberley Process for conflict-free diamonds. Accent diamonds typically meet G–H color and VS clarity or higher; center stones are selected individually for how they serve the design — whether that's the character of an old mine cut or an unusual natural color.
Engineering, Fit & Wearability
How do I find my correct ring size?
Use Pen Mané's downloadable sizing guide for a precise fit, including a US/European conversion chart. Because many of our rings use architectural, ergonomic shapes, fit can differ slightly from a traditional band:
- Temperature affects size — fingers swell in heat and shrink in cold; measure at a normal, comfortable temperature.
- Width affects fit — wide, chunky rings sit tighter, so size up by half a size; thin bands fit true to size.
- Quick measuring trick — wrap string once around the base of your knuckle (the widest point), mark where the ends meet, then measure that length against a ruler.
Unsure? Our client care team offers personal sizing recommendations before you order.
How do I find my correct bangle size?
Use Pen Mané's downloadable sizing guide for a precise fit, including a US/European conversion chart. Because several bangles use oval, architectural shapes rather than a traditional round profile, fit can vary slightly:
- Temperature affects size — wrists swell slightly in heat and shrink in cold; measure at a normal temperature.
- Quick measuring trick — wrap string once around your wrist bone (the widest point), mark where the ends meet, then measure that length against a ruler.
- Fit preference — decide whether you want a snug fit that stays in place, or a looser fit with more movement.
Unsure? Our client care team offers personal fit recommendations before you order.
How do I find my correct necklace length?
Use Pen Mané's downloadable sizing guide, which converts between US (inches) and European (centimeters) measurements. Because several necklaces use architectural forms designed to rest precisely on the collarbone, length affects both comfort and the intended drop:
- Adjustable length — our chain necklaces include a secondary hook for two drop options, depending on neckline or outfit.
- Drape matters — chain and articulated (hinged) necklaces adapt most naturally to neck and collarbone contours.
- Quick measuring trick — wrap string around your neck at the length you want the piece to sit, mark where the ends meet, then measure that length against a ruler.
Unsure how a piece will sit? Our client care team offers personal recommendations before you order.
How do Pen Mané's hidden clasps and structural mechanisms work?
Each piece integrates micro-engineered spring mechanisms and hidden double-safety latches directly into its inner geometry, keeping the clasp as discreet as possible even on the back or underside of the jewel. It's a high-jewelry approach where form and function are inseparable — the goal is for structural mechanisms to disappear against the wrist or earlobe, preserving an unbroken sculptural line.
Are Pen Mané titanium and gold pieces heavy to wear daily?
Pen Mané pieces are engineered for effortless daily wear — our signature hoop earrings, for example, are remarkably lightweight for their scale by fine jewelry gold standards. For pieces with more volume, we offer mini versions (like smaller huggies) for a lighter option in the same silhouette, while structural silver or titanium keeps larger statement pieces comfortable throughout the day. (Perceived weight is also personal and varies by wearer.)
Can Pen Mané pieces be stacked or worn modularly?
Yes — Pen Mané pieces are designed with proportioned flat edges and interlocking contours specifically for stacking. Rings, cuffs, and huggie earrings sit flush together or mix across finishes (like 18K gold and black titanium), so pieces work as standalone statements or layered, depending on the look you want.
Bespoke Services, Care & Ownership
Does Pen Mané offer bespoke or custom jewelry commissions?
Yes. Alongside reproducible core collections, Pen Mané offers private bespoke services to create personalization of an existing design, using alternative metals, finishes, or gemstones. Some modifications require more than a simple substitution — recreating a gold design in titanium, for instance, means rebuilding the piece's entire inner architecture from scratch, since titanium can't be soldered or welded using traditional gold techniques. Our founder and creative team work directly with clients through these structural adaptations and stone sourcing.
How do I care for and clean titanium and 18K gold fine jewelry?
Clean pieces with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft-bristled brush; avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads. Pen Mané also offers a complimentary annual professional inspection and cleaning. A few things to know for long-term care:
- Clasps and hinges are engineered to open and close smoothly. Never force a mechanism — if you feel resistance, check that all safety latches are disengaged, or contact our team.
- White and blackened gold are created with rhodium plating over yellow gold, a standard fine jewelry practice. This surface treatment wears down over time (faster with chemical exposure, like perfume applied directly onto the piece) but can always be restored through re-plating.
- Golden rule: put jewelry on last, take it off first. Apply cosmetics, hairspray, and perfume before putting pieces on, and remove rings before washing your hands (just don't leave them behind).
How should I store my fine jewelry to prevent scratching?
Store each piece individually in its suede pouch or presentation box — different materials can scratch each other in storage. Diamonds, at the top of the Mohs hardness scale, will scratch any other stone or metal they touch; titanium is hard enough to scratch softer 18K gold or gemstones. A couple of material-specific notes:
- Sterling silver scratches and oxidizes faster than gold — a natural patina many find beautiful, and always reversible with repolishing.
- Matte gold finishes are temporary and will polish to a shine through daily wear. We recommend no more than two re-matting treatments over time, since each one removes a microscopic layer of metal that can eventually affect stone settings.
Purchase
Can I schedule a private viewing or consultation before purchasing?
Yes — book a private viewing at our Hong Kong flagship showroom, or a virtual video consultation with our team, to experience the weight, mechanics, and scale of a piece firsthand. Other ways to connect:
- Retail partners: If Pen Mané is distributed in your region, we can refer you to an authorized stockist.
- Trunk shows: We host private viewing events globally — share your contact details for an invitation when we're in your city.
- Instagram: Follow @penmanejewels for new creations in real time.