S.T. Dupont’s Mini Sharpie Necklace Puts the Fun in Functional: A New Era of Utilitarian Luxury
“Making your mark” has long been a metaphorical aspiration for creatives, but with S.T. Dupont’s latest jewelry innovation, it takes on a literal and luxurious new meaning. The French luxury maison, renowned for over a century of excellence in lighters and writing instruments, is redefining the boundaries of accessories with the launch of the Marker Necklace.
Designed for the creative thinker, the spontaneous artist, and the visionary who always needs a pen at the ready, this piece is more than just jewelry—it is a tool of expression encased in French savoir-faire. As the line between high fashion and streetwear continues to blur, S.T. Dupont has positioned itself at the forefront of the “functional jewelry” trend, turning everyday objects into symbols of status and artistic intent.
The Marker Necklace: High-Street Utility Meets Haute Craftsmanship
At the heart of this new collection is the Marker Necklace, a daring fusion of high-low culture that elevates the humble permanent marker into an object of desire. The concept is simple yet brilliantly executed: a pendant that serves as a sheath for a Mini Sharpie, allowing the wearer to uncap a burst of inspiration at a moment’s notice.
Priced at $495, the Marker Necklace is not merely a novelty; it is a testament to S.T. Dupont’s dedication to materials and finish. The body of the holder is crafted with the weight and precision one would expect from a heritage brand. It features the house’s signature diamond-head guilloche pattern—a textured, geometric engraving technique that catches the light and provides a tactile, non-slip grip.
A Tribute to the Creative Tool
The choice of a Mini Sharpie is culturally significant. For decades, the Sharpie has been the weapon of choice for graffiti artists, fashion designers, autograph-signing celebrities, and architects. It is the tool of the “maker.” By encasing this disposable icon in precious metal finishes—available in gold, chrome, or matte black—S.T. Dupont is paying homage to the creative process itself.
Subtly engraved with the distinctive “D” for Dupont beneath its sheath, the necklace offers a secret signature of luxury. It transforms a plastic utility item into a permanent accessory, suggesting that the ideas written with it are worth their weight in gold.
Reigniting a Classic: The Lighter Necklace Expansion
In time for the holiday gifting season, S.T. Dupont has not only introduced the Marker but also significantly expanded its popular line of Lighter Necklaces. This collection speaks directly to the brand’s core identity as the world’s premier manufacturer of luxury lighters, but reimagines the experience for a younger, fashion-forward audience.
Previously, the Lighter Necklace was offered exclusively in the classic gold or silver diamond-head guilloche finishes. Recognizing the demand for sleeker, more modern aesthetics, the maison has introduced a stunning new variation: Black Lacquer.
The Allure of Black Lacquer
The new black lacquer editions, available with either gold or silver accents, bring a contemporary edge to the collection. Retailing for $495, these pieces utilize natural lacquer—a difficult and organic material that S.T. Dupont has mastered over generations. The result is a finish that is not only incredibly durable, resistant to heat and acid, but also possesses a depth and warmth that synthetic paints cannot replicate.
The Lighter Necklace allows the wearer to carry the brand’s emblematic “art of fire” around their neck. Whether used for lighting a candle, a cigar, or simply sparking conversation, the accessory bridges the gap between a tool and a talisman.
The Vision of Alain Crevet: Where Purpose Meets Elegance
“Functional and fun? That’s the whole purpose behind S.T. Dupont’s spins on these otherwise everyday items,” explains Alain Crevet, CEO of the accessories maison.
Under Crevet’s leadership, S.T. Dupont has successfully navigated the transition from a traditional heritage brand to a dynamic player in the modern luxury market. Crevet emphasizes that the Marker and Lighter necklaces are not just gimmicks, but a continuation of the brand’s philosophy.
“The idea was born from a longstanding S.T. Dupont conviction: An object of function can also be an object of style,” Crevet says. “The Lighter necklace emerged from this desire to transform one of our emblematic creations into a personal, expressive accessory.”
Streetwear and Hip-Hop Influence
Crevet openly acknowledges the inspiration drawn from streetwear and hip-hop culture. For years, artists in the music industry have worn lighters, keys, and other utilitarian items as pendants, turning them into symbols of readiness and hustle. S.T. Dupont has taken this raw, street-level trend and refined it through the lens of French luxury.
“Call it French refinement through a contemporary lens—something that normally hides in your pocket is now proudly on display around your neck,” Crevet notes. The immense popularity of the Lighter necklace proved that there was a hunger for this type of accessory, which directly led to the development of the Marker.
“We wanted to explore the same dialogue between purpose and elegance by elevating a mini Sharpie—a tool beloved by creatives, thinkers, and artists—into a fashion accessory,” adds Crevet.
A Legacy of Goldsmithing Since 1872
To understand why a $495 marker holder commands such respect, one must look at the history of S.T. Dupont. Founded in 1872 by Simon Tissot-Dupont, the company began as a maker of luxury leather travel trunks for European royalty and the elite. From the very beginning, the brand was synonymous with durability, utility, and exquisite beauty.
“Jewelry is a natural extension of S.T. Dupont. For more than 150 years, we have created personal objects—lighters, writing instruments, accessories—that accompany daily gestures and express identity,” Crevet says.
The transition into jewelry is not a pivot but a return to roots. “Since S.T. Dupont has been a goldsmith since 1872, working precious metals with exceptional mastery, these jewelry pieces are fully part of our DNA. A functional jewel simply continues this philosophy.”
The Guilloche Technique
The diamond-head guilloche featured on the Marker and Lighter necklaces is a signature of the house. This decorative technique involves a precise, intricate pattern mechanically engraved into the underlying material. Originally used to hide scratches on lighters that would see daily use, it became a hallmark of luxury, reflecting light in a way that mimics the sparkle of gemstones without using a single stone.
The Versatility of Modern Accessories
Practicality is a key component of the new collection’s design. Each Marker or Lighter necklace comes equipped with a high-quality chain that is adjustable to three different lengths. This versatility allows the wearer to style the piece as a choker, a standard pendant, or a longer statement piece layered with other chains.
This adjustability reinforces the “genderless” appeal of the collection. Whether worn over a streetwear hoodie, a tailored suit, or a cocktail dress, the necklace adapts to the wearer’s style, proving that utility transcends gender and occasion.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Functional Jewelry
The success of the Lighter and Marker necklaces signals a shift in the luxury accessories market, where consumers are increasingly seeking items that offer interaction and engagement. S.T. Dupont is already planning the next evolution of this concept.
Another iteration of this functional, stylish jewelry concept is slated for release in early 2026. While Crevet remained tight-lipped on the specific details, he hinted that the fashion-forward mindset will continue to align with the brand’s focus on technical rigor and artisan excellence.
The Perfect Gift for the Visionary
As the holiday season approaches, the Marker Necklace presents itself as a unique gifting option. It is an ideal token for the writers, artists, and designers in your life—those who see the world as a canvas. It is also a cheeky, sophisticated gift for the celebrity or aspiring star who needs a pen handy for the inevitable autograph request.
“They are beautiful, practical, and deeply personal. They are companions for those who create, write, sign, imagine. Freeing the pockets while adding a touch of audacity and French elegance,” Crevet concludes.
To offer a Lighter necklace or a Marker necklace is to offer more than just jewelry. As Crevet eloquently puts it, “It is to offer a signature: a useful object that elevates the everyday, and a stylish statement for someone who gives so much of themselves.”
In a digital world, S.T. Dupont reminds us of the power of the analog—the flame, the ink, and the tactile joy of holding a masterpiece in your hand.
