An exceptional tie bar does more than just keep the tie from getting out of place; it showcases a stylish, sophisticated man who has a profound understanding of fashion. Tie bars have been worn by all the greats, including Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra, and below is a review of the Ed Wiener silver series.

Design Highlights

The Modernist Ed Wiener Vintage tie bar is comprised of .925 silver sterling. It features a polished finish and is 2.5” in length, with a weight of 13.8 grams. It’s simple, yet elegant design is from the 1950s and is an excellent example of Wiener’s work. This tie clip utilizes a bar which slides onto the tie to ensure it is always held in place. The surface is smooth with dual angular bars that are raised and which rest on top, providing a visual accent which is eye catching. A dark patina is visible between the bars which provides both depth and dimension. The tie bar’s underside has the letters ED. WIENER stamped along with the word STERLING.

Background

Ed Wiener was a New York native who specialized in high end American jewelry, particularly, although the later he expanded into gold and other exotic gems. His style is often associated with the Impressionist Abstract movement which became popular by the end of the 1940s and is distinct for its emphasis on bold shapes, organic designs, multiple textures and layered dimensions. He continued his lifelong work until passing away in 1991, yet his designs are still sought after and in fact have become hot collector items in the decades since.

How To Properly Wear It

It isn’t enough to just purchase an Ed Wiener tie bar, you must know how to properly adorn it. When worn the tie bar should rest between the 3rd and 4^th button in your shirt, and should never be wider than the tie itself. Ideally, it should be shorter, and a general rule is that the tie bar should be about two thirds of the tie width.

The tie bar should not be clipped too high or too low. Where you choose to place it is critical. You want to aim for the middle of the sternum. Tie bars which are placed too high won’t be functional, and if placed too low you will look awkward, particularly when leaning forward. If you’re wearing a suit jacket, you also have to consider the location of the buttons when connecting the tie bar. You want a placement where the tie bar can still be sign even when the suit jacket is fully buttoned.

While tie bars come in many different colors, silver or gray is best, and Wiener understood this, which is why he chose sterling for his piece. The metal polish should always match the buttons on your jacket, cufflinks, belt or watch buckle.