Skate brand Palace and McDonald’s—yes, the fast food chain—are teaming up for haute joaillerie. Taking a bite?

McDonald’s has done many things outside their “Two All Beef Patties, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Cheese, Pickles, Onions on a Sesame Seed Bun (okay, that’s the Big Mac for the unaware)”, but not, as far as we’re aware, jewellery (okay, there was that gold ring that was launched in the UK last May for King Charles’s coronation). Yet, in their collaboration with the 14-year-old, London-based skate brand Palace Skateboards (their age difference is 54, if you’re interested), there will be one flashy ring. It is not likely a piece your mother will squeal with delight if they spot it on your finger. But irony enthusiasts and McDonald’s devotees would no doubt adore it.

In signet style, the oval ring is, as Palace proudly described on their socials, “solid golden (does that mean it’s not solid gold?)” and encrusted with little rubies. On top of the red bits—supposedly to mimic the sesame seeds on the bun of the Big Mac—are the dual logo of both brand, with the golden arches atop the Palace logotype. Frankly, we do not know what to make of this. They could be good gifts for long service staff of both brands, but as a piece of jewellery to enhance one’s fashion cred, we are not quite sure of its real appeal if you are not a hip-hop star.

And what is a ring doing in a fast food-promotion drive that is supposedly inspired by Marvel Studios’ Loki Season 2, which shall be streaming on Disney+ in October? To add to the confusion, the merchandise, available from 14 August, is conceived with Palace Skateboard, not quite a jewellery brand. The limited-edition “capsule collection” includes clothing and what is described as “hardgoods”—the ring, “solid golden”—is clearly one of them.

It is not yet known if the Palace X McDonald’s merchandise will be available here. Photo: Palace Skateboard/Instagram