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15 Asian-Owned Jewelry Brands to Shop Today and Every Day

Apr 19 2021 - 4:15pm

The wave of anti-Asian violence [1] that has recently swept the country is truly horrifying, and there are certain steps we all need to take to fight racism and show our support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community every day, especially during APIA Heritage Month [2]. One of the simplest ways to lend a hand? Directing your spending toward Asian-owned small businesses [3].

As an Asian American, discovering Asian-owned brands is more than a hobby of mine — it's a passion. And if there's anything that the past year has taught me, it's that being intentional about the brands we support is absolutely necessary. Not to mention, living in T-shirts and sweats [4] has only crystallized that accessorizing with jewelry [5] is a surefire way to feel something again. In fact, I made a resolution to keep brands helmed by Asians at the forefront of my purchases (if that isn't the definition of guilt-free shopping, then I don't know what is).

With that in mind, I've compiled a list of Asian-owned jewelry brands for you to shop, whatever your sartorial persona is, be it minimalist, maximalist, or quirky cool. If you're just starting to build your jewelry collection, I suggest investing in a few solid 14k or 18k options in classic silhouettes that will last you a lifetime, and possibly even achieve heirloom status. In the market for trendy, playful pieces? Opt for fun (and affordable) demifine options.

Whether you want to don pieces for the outside world or bedazzle your Zoom look, keep scrolling to shop 15 amazing Asian-owned jewelry brands that deserve all of your support this month and beyond.

Grace Lee

For fine jewelry with a subtle, unexpected twist, Grace Lee is your go-to. I love how the Cali brand fuses minimalism with a touch of whimsy (think: quartz heart pendants on dainty chains, slim ring bands with asymmetrical bow details, and ear huggers featuring intricate art deco beading).

My Pick: Grace Lee Petite Angled Ribbon Ring

Grace Lee Petite Angled Ribbon Ring [6] ($238)

Sonia Hou

Chinese-American jewelry designer Sonia Hou offers demifine pieces that highlight her heritage. Beloved by celebrities including Joey King [7], Hou's recent Crazy Asian collection (inspired by the Kevin Kwan masterpiece) highlights bastions of Asian culture with pieces shaped like chopsticks, rice, and noodles. Suddenly, I'm hungry.

My Pick: Sonia Hou Noodle Wave 18K Gold Vermeil Stackable Ring

Sonia Hou Noodle Wave 18K Gold Vermeil Stackable Ring [8] ($50, originally $70)

Amarilo

Love to layer? Amarilo offers delicate options that look great solo or stacked together. The South Asian-owned brand is perfect for the modern minimalist who wants to build a solid jewelry foundation. From casual chains in 14k gold to diamond-encrusted pendants, options abound.

My Pick: Amarilo Marina Anklet

Amarilo Jules Anklet [9] ($225)

Limnia

This Filipina-owned fine-jewelry label offers an impressive assortment of modular jewelry: necklaces that can be disassembled as anklets, rings that transform into earrings, and multiway akoya pearl danglers. Go ahead and get creative. Bonus: Limnia's production operations are based in the Philippines to help keep local artisans employed.

My Pick: Solana 4-in-1 Rings/Earrings

Solana 4-in-1 Rings/Earrings [10] ($1,698)

Boma

Boma boasts a variety of fun and modern designs including statement-making pin earrings, oversize hoops, and cute animal studs (Brontosaurus earrings, anyone?). Add these tongue-in-cheek pieces to your rotation when you're feeling extra playful. Each one is made in Thailand to fuel the local economy, so you'll definitely be shopping for a good cause.

My Pick: Boma Origami Fox Studs

Boma Origami Fox Studs [11] ($20)

Mejuri

A favorite of celebs like Selena Gomez [12] and Ariana Grande [13], Mejuri offers fine jewelry for everyday wear. Minimal yet high impact, the brand, founded by Jordan-born Noura Sakkijha, carries a range of price points and offers both gold vermeil as well as diamond-studded 14k options. Croissant earrings, classic hoops, and stackable rings are tried-and-true Mejuri favorites. You can also book a free virtual styling service for layering ideas straight from an expert, if you desire.

My Pick: Goop x Mejuri Pavé Diamond Dôme Hoops

Goop x Mejuri Pavé Diamond Dôme Hoops [14] ($650)

AMYO Jewelry

Founder Gina Nam comes from a family of jewelers, so it's no surprise that her own label is a treasure trove of essentials. From gold-plated to 14k options, shop AMYO Jewelry for minimal pieces that exude femininity. The best part? Fifteen percent of proceeds from sales benefit AAPI Women Lead. [15]

My Pick: AMYO Jewelry Stella Starburst Choker

AMYO Jewelry Stella Starburst Choker [16] ($95)

Priscilla Ma

Small-business owner Priscilla Ma was on the hunt for nontarnish jewelry when she decided to launch her own eponymous label. I love the unexpected elements like floral engravings and hammered metal details that offer a subtle nuance and, of course, the fact that each piece is extremely tarnish-resistant.

My Pick: Priscilla Ma Chain Link Bracelet

Priscilla Ma Chain Link Bracelet [17] ($26)

Maaari

Inspired by indigenous Filipino culture, Maaari specializes in bold, angular pieces in sculpted brass. The brand's "reimagined heritage" pieces are modern and striking, with generous cuts of stones like onyx and tiger's eye. Add these gems to any casual outfit for instant sophistication.

My Pick: Maaari Onyx Lunar Collar

Maaari Onyx Lunar Collar [18] ($220)

Notte

If you're into fun and quirky handmade jewelry (let's be real, who isn't?), Notte is the brand for you. Check out its mismatched earrings, glass danglers of Asian cuisine, and beaded necklaces for a statement-making look.

My Pick: Notte Love at First Sight Necklace

Notte Love at First Sight Necklace [19] ($78)

Maison Miru

Owned by Trisha Okubo, New York-based label Maison Miru was created to offer accessible jewelry that showcases each wearer's unique personality. The resulting assortment is vibrant and lively — just like you on your best days.

My Pick: Maison Miru Evil Eye Studs

Maison Miru Evil Eye Studs [20] ($49)

Katkim

Los Angeles-based brand Katkim's sustainable fine-jewelry pieces in unexpected silhouettes are basically wearable art. Psst, it also has a great selection of modern engagement rings, just in case you're conducting some preliminary research.

My Pick: Katkim Francesca Ear Pin

Katkim Francesca Ear Pin [21] ($1,340)

V Coterie

Founded by Lynna Van Merkey while she was in dental school, V Coterie is a tribute to all things health care (we're talking kidney-shaped pendants and medical-cross necklaces). Fortunately, you don't need to be working in the medical field to wear these cheeky designs.

My Pick: V Coterie EKG Ear Cuff

V Coterie EKG Ear Cuff [22] ($38)

Kinn Studio

This fine-jewelry label founded by Jennie Yoon creates timeless designs in classic silhouettes. Simple yet elegant, the pearl drop earrings, hoops, and signet rings in 14k solid gold are buildable modern heirlooms that are 100 percent worth the investment.

My Pick: Kinn Classic Hoop Earrings

Kinn Classic Hoop Earrings [23] ($320)

Seree

For affordable and effortlessly cool jade jewelry, look no further than Seree. Founded by Chloe Zhao and Eva Zhang, who were both born in China, the brand specializes in one-of-a-kind minimalist designs inspired by traditional pieces, with a modern touch. Psst, Seree comes from "serendipity" — and we feel very fortunate to have accidentally stumbled upon it!

My Pick: Seree Coin Green Jade Hollow Earrings

Seree Coin Green Jade Hollow Earrings [24] ($38)


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