POPSUGAR

40 Black-Owned Jewelry Brands to Instantly Upgrade Your Collection

Jun 17 2022 - 2:04pm

Consciously consuming from Black-owned businesses is a solid place to begin investing in Black wealth. Your dollars help to provide these often-marginalized companies with the crucial visibility and financial foundation they need to thrive. Now that you know where to shop for home decor [1], beauty [2], and fashion brands founded by Black creatives [3], turn your attention to talented Black-owned jewelry brands, such as Kenya-based Jiamini [4] to New York City-based Mateo [5]. From quirky statement-making earrings to beautiful bracelets that double as decorative sculptures, pieces from Black-owned jewelry brands add the finishing touch to any look, whether it's your work uniform [6], date-night ensemble, or wedding-guest attire [7].

Brands like Soko [8] bring together style and social purpose, offering one-of-a-kind pieces made by artisans from around the world. Meanwhile, Jooel [9] is paving the way for affordable luxury with classic accessories that rival its high-end counterparts (tiny gold hoops, for instance, start at $45). Another popular Black-owned jewelry brand among the fashionista set is Oma The Label [10], which designs everything from chokers to anklets in gold and silver finishes. Embrace the latest accessory trends with our guide to the top Black-owned jewelry brands that you can shop from right now. And once you click that "add to cart" button, don't stop there — follow the brand on social media, learn about its history and mission, recommend its pieces to your friends, and bookmark its site for future shopping needs. Let's celebrate the creativity of these Black jewelry makers and designers today and beyond.

Additional reporting by Victoria Messina

Oma The Label

About the brand: Oma The Label creates sentimental pieces to cherish for years. Launched by New York-based fashion stylist Neumi Anekhe, the sophisticated accessories brand challenges the lack of POC representation within the fashion industry.

Where to shop: Online at Oma The Label [12]

Where to follow on Instagram: @omathelabel [13]

Jiamini

About the brand: Sculpting stories into uniquely sophisticated jewelry pieces, Jiamini pays tribute to Kenyan culture as an accessories label made for women by women. It was founded by Jennifer Mulli in 2016.

Where to shop: Online at Jiamini [14]

Where to follow on Instagram: @jiaminikenya [15]

Soko

About the brand: Empowering artisans in Kenya, Soko marries style with purpose, creating hand-carved pieces with a timeless appeal. The ethical brand is women led and uses tech-powered manufacturing that connects artisans around the world.

Where to shop: Online at Soko [16]

Where to follow on Instagram: @shopsoko [17]

Love Leone

About the brand: Love Leone was launched in 2014 by model turned jewelry designer Symone Leone. Specializing in opulent and timeless pieces, Love Leone's creations have garnered wide acclaim from Karrueche Tran, Whitney Port [18], and Duckie Thot, among other notable celebrities.

Where to shop: Online at Love Leone [19]

Where to follow on Instagram: @loveleonebysymon [20]

Romy Studio

About the brand: For playful statement earrings, look no further than Camille Hay's accessories label, Romy Studio. Based in Washington, D.C., the pieces are made in small batches and designed to help you define and boldly express your personal style.

Where to shop: Online at Romy Studio [21]

Where to follow on Instagram: @romystudio [22]

Jooel

About the brand: For the glam-obsessed jewelry aficionados, Jooel curates affordable pieces with a decidedly luxurious look.

Where to shop: Online at Jooel [23]

Where to follow on Instagram: @jooel.co [24]

Edas

About the brand: NYC-based designer Sade Mims carefully makes each Edas piece by hand, drawing a lot of inspiration from her travels. From geometric-shaped earrings to brass wire bracelets, all of her designs are one-of-a-kind. She sells gorgeous bags, too.

Where to shop: Online at Edas [25]

Where to follow on Instagram: @__edas [26]

Jlani

About the brand: Since Lani Nesbit founded Jlani in 2011, the brand has been featured in campaigns for Adidas, Urban Decay Cosmetics, and Maybelline, and has been worn by celebrities like Taraji P. Henson, Beyoncé, and Issa Rae, to name just a few. Her accessories are eco- and budget-friendly.

Where to shop: Online at Jlani [27]

Where to follow on Instagram: @jlanijewels [28]

Third Crown

About the brand: Third Crown is the brainchild of Kristin and Kofi Essel, a wife-and-husband team who glean inspiration from their architectural surroundings to create gender-neutral pieces. Beyoncé and Solange Knowles are big fans of their gold- and silver-plated brass designs, and so are we.

Where to shop: Online at Third Crown [29]

Where to follow on Instagram: @thirdcrown [30]

Jam + Rico

About the brand: Lisette Ffolkes founded Jam + Rico as a way to creatively honor her Jamaican and Puerto Rican heritage. Her earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are a bold, colorful depiction of her cultural roots. Be sure to check out the Aruba Collection [31], which is inspired by the Caribbean sun.

Where to shop: Online at Jam + Rico [32]

Where to follow on Instagram: @jamandrico [33]

Yam

About the brand: Yam founder Morgan Thomas uses recycled metal, vintage, or thrifted beads, in addition to upcycled glass, to craft her unique, sustainable pieces by hand in Queens, New York. If you were a fan of Limited Too back in the day, her rings and necklaces with flower-shaped designs will feel particularly nostalgic. Oh, and fun fact: Lizzo [34] wore Yam earrings in her "Good as Hell" music video. Where to shop: Online at Yam [35]

Where to follow on Instagram: @yam_nyc [36]

Mateo

About the brand: Founded by Matthew Harris, a self-taught designer born and raised in Jamaica, Mateo offers a slew of simple, minimalist pieces made of diamonds, pearls, various gemstones, and 14-karat gold. His fine jewelry designs are adored by the likes of Michelle Obama [37], Zendaya [38], Kate Hudson [39], and Kerry Washington [40].

Where to shop: Online at Mateo [41], Net-a-Porter, Browns Fashion, Matchesfashion, Moda Operandi, Shopbop, Farfetch, and Goop

Where to follow on Instagram: @mateonewyork [42]

Chiegeshiuka Agu

About the brand: After graduating from college and starting a corporate job, Chiegeshiuka Agu quickly realized she was craving more creativity in her life — so she started her own jewelry brand. Right now, she has two different handmade earring collections: one called Misfits (a quirky collection she describes as "bomb AF") and another called The Four Elements, which is a nod to fire, water, earth, and air.

Where to shop: Online at Chiegeshiuka Agu [43]

Where to follow on Instagram: @chiegeshiukaagu [44]

Stella & Haas

About the brand: Owned by Jenni Kaufusi [45], Stella & Haas sells "dope accessories for all." The brand's chain necklaces and hoop earrings are particularly popular picks, but it also offers some fun rings and bracelets.

Where to shop: Online at Stella & Haas [46]

Where to follow on Instagram: @stellaandhaas [47]

Valerie Madison

About the brand: A Black Latina jewelry designer based in Seattle, Valerie Madison creates dreamy engagement rings, wedding bands, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. All her pieces are made with precious metals from recycled sources, and some feature unique gemstones like salt-and-pepper diamonds. Oh, and she does custom orders, too.

Where to shop: Online at Valerie Madison [48]

Where to follow on Instagram: @valeriemadisonjewelry [49]

My Swanky Designs

About the brand: My Swanky Designs founder Marisa describes herself as "just a girl who found her fire" — and that fire has led her to create playful, vibrant jewelry. Her specialty is colorful polymer clay earrings, but she also makes pieces that feature brass as well.

Where to shop: Online at My Swanky Design [50]

Where to follow on Instagram: @myswankydesigns [51]

Khiry

About the brand: Jameel Mohammed [52] founded Khiry in 2016 while studying at the University of Pennsylvania. His goal is to honor the African diaspora with modern earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings with a twist.

Where to shop: Online at Khiry [53]

Where to follow on Instagram: @khiryofficial [54]

Lelia+Mae

About the brand: Lelia+Mae's founder, Nicole, launched the brand "out of pure adoration and love for Black women" and as a way to honor her mother. "I wanted to create something, a small token to Black women to empower us, provide confidence, love and make them feel beautiful as I've always seen us," Nicole told POPSUGAR. The brand's gold necklaces, rings, anklets, and earrings are sleek as can be.

Where to shop: Online at Lelia+Mae [55]

Where to follow on Instagram: @leliaxmaejewelry [56]

Auvere

About the brand: Jamaican-born designer Gina Love founded Auvere to create high-end investment jewelry. Her handcrafted pieces are made of 22- and 24-karat gold and feature sculptural, linear designs. Her celestial-inspired collection [57] is a can't-miss.

Where to shop: Online at Auvere [58]

Where to follow on Instagram: @auvere_true_gold [59]

Nirvana Wild

About the brand: Nirvana Wild is owned by ShaKara Zulu [60], who aptly describes herself as a "crystal goddess." The brand offers a slew of layer-able necklaces, stackable rings, and beaded wrap bracelets at an affordable price.

Where to shop: Online at Nirvana Wild [61]

Where to follow on Instagram: @nirvana.wild [62]

Be Beadiful

About the brand: Having taught herself how to make jewelry, Lillie Rose Woodbury started Be Beadiful after the birth of her second son. Her gorgeous earrings and necklaces star handpicked gemstones like black rutilated quartz, peach moonstone, and sesame jasper gemstone.

Where to shop: Online at Be Beadiful [63]

Where to follow on Instagram: @bebeadiful_jewelry [64]

Lorraine West

About the brand: After studying illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology and teaching herself how to create metal jewelry by hand, Lorraine West started her eponymous brand. Her one-of-a-kind rings and arm cuffs are popular on the 'gram, but she also makes cool bangles, necklaces, and earrings.

Where to shop: Online at Lorraine West [65]

Where to follow on Instagram: @lorrainewestjewelry [66]

Nandi Naya

About the brand: Self-taught jewelry designer Hleziphansi Zita named Nandi Naya after the first of her two daughters. Inspired by architecture, nature, and her South African heritage, Hleziphansi's pieces are sculptural, minimalist, and simply stunning.

Where to shop: Online at Nandi Naya [67]

Where to follow on Instagram: @nandi.naya [68]

ABA Jewels

About the brand: Aja Butler-Burns [69] started ABA Jewels when she couldn't find a specific piece of jewelry she was hunting for — gold ankle cuffs, to be specific. The Miami-based creator makes each piece by hand, including gorgeous crystal necklaces and chokers, as well as stackable rings.

Where to shop: Online at ABA Jewels on Etsy [70]

Where to follow on Instagram: @abajewels [71]

Harwell Godfrey

About the brand: Lauren Harwell Godfrey's brand is based in San Francisco and offers "fine jewelry with aesthetic roots in ancient patterns." Her pieces feature 18-karat gold and precious gemstones, and she's currently selling a black onyx heart pendant [72] with 100 percent of proceeds going to the NAACP.

Where to shop: Online at Harwell Godfrey [73]

Where to follow on Instagram: @harwellgodfrey [74]

Lola Ade

About the brand: Lola Ade is a Nigerian name from the Yoruba language, given to the company's founder at birth. "Lola" translates to "wealthy" and "Ade" translates to "crown." The brand offers tons of stunning earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and anklets that range from minimalist to undeniably eye-catching.

Where to shop: Online at Lola Ade [75]

Where to follow on Instagram: @shoplolaade [76]

ALMASIKA

About the brand: Paris-born designer Catherine Sarr started ALMASIKA back in 2014 with a debut collection that pays homage to the spirituality of the cowrie shell. Her necklaces, earrings, and rings feature 18-karat gold and natural, conflict-free diamonds. Fun fact: Issa Rae has worn pieces by the brand multiple times on "Insecure." Where to shop: Online at ALMASIKA [77]

Where to follow on Instagram: @almasikafinejewellery [78]

White/Space

About the brand: Elegant. Subdued. Versatile. These are just a few words to describe the designs of White/Space founder Khadijah Fulton. A mother of two, Khadijah designs each piece in her studio outside Los Angeles and works with small manufacturers in the city to produce them. Her necklaces, rings, and earrings are perfect for everyday wear.

Where to shop: Online at White/Space [79]

Where to follow on Instagram: @whitespacejewelry [80]

Serendipitous Project

About the brand: Sydney Ziems founded Serendipitous Project to "provide an affordable and sustainable alternative for trendy jewelry." Every item is ethically sourced and inspired by classic art and nature. Fans of the beach are bound to fall in love with her seashell-inspired designs.

Where to shop: Online at Serendipitous Project [81]

Where to follow on Instagram: @serendipitousproject [82]

BR Design Co

About the brand: Sisters Carlene Browner and Cassandra Browner Richardson run BR Design Co out of Charleston, South Carolina, making gorgeous clay earrings. Their personal styles are quite distinct — Carlene likes mixing colors while Cassandra prefers neutrals — so their designs appeal to both ends of the spectrum.

Where to shop: Online at BR Design Co [83]

Where to follow on Instagram: @br_design_co [84]

Peaceimages

About the brand: Camille Peace founded Peaceimages back in 2008. Since then, she's been delighting customers with handmade pieces featuring vibrant colors, unique textures, and a range of materials, all of which honor her heritage.

Where to shop: Online at Peaceimages [85]

Where to follow on Instagram: @peaceimagesjewelry [86]

BYCHARI

About the brand: Searching for timeless jewelry staples you can wear every day? Look no further than BYCHARI. Designer and creative director Chari Cuthbert targets customers "who appreciate simplicity but demand luxury." Think: high-quality initial necklaces, classic stud and hoop earrings, and gold stackable rings.

Where to shop: Online at BYCHARI [87]

Where to follow on Instagram: @bychari [88]

Cocoacentric

About the brand: Obsessed with tortoiseshell and acetate earrings? You've come to the right place. Cocoacentric founder LaToya McInnis [89] makes tons of 'em, along with bold tassel earrings and chic gold and silver pieces. Where to shop: Online at Cocoacentric [90]

Where to follow on Instagram: @cocoacentric [91]

Octave Jewelry

About the brand: Just looking through Octave Jewelry's selection is like a soothing escape for the mind. Based in Brooklyn, New York, the brand offers gorgeous earrings that feature mother of pearl, plus dreamy cuffs with beautiful stones. You also have the options to design your own custom pieces.

Where to shop: Online at Octave Jewelry [92]

Where to follow on Instagram: @octave_jewelry [93]

Épifenē

About the brand: Épifenē offers "a collection of timeless statement pieces designed by women for women." Every item has a dazzling touch of gold and is budget-friendly.

Where to shop: Online at Épifene [94]

Where to follow on Instagram: @epifenejewelry [95]

Misayo House

About the brand: On a mission to create luxury jewelry that's still attainable, Idunnu Tomori [96] founded Misayo House in 2015. (Misayo means "beautiful generation" in Japanese and is the middle name of her older daughter, for reference.) Her pieces are classic, affordable, and feature hypoallergenic materials and stones.

Where to shop: Online at Misayo House [97]

Where to follow on Instagram: @misayohouse [98]

Statement by Nadia

About the brand: Nadia Beeman [99]'s creations do the talking for you — literally. She makes lightweight resin earrings shaped like letters, so you can either wear your own initials or link multiple letters together to create a short phrase. Where to shop: Online at Statement by Nadia [100]

Where to follow on Instagram: @statementbynadia [101]

The Tiny Tassel

About the brand: The Tiny Tassel offers a not-so-tiny and oh-so-gorgeous collection of earrings, courtesy of founder Mimi Striplin, who makes each pair by hand in Charleston. Her designs are bold, brightly colored, and undeniably fun.

Where to shop: Online at The Tiny Tassel [102]

Where to follow on Instagram: @thetinytassel [103]

CIVIL Jewelry

About the brand: Founded by Blakely Neiman Thornton [104], CIVIL "believes that jewelry is not only meant to be beautiful, but also empowering." The brand offers luxe pieces like cuffs and necklaces, and has been worn by celebs like Rihanna [105], Slick Woods, and Janelle Monae.

Where to shop: Online at CIVIL Jewelry [106]

Where to follow on Instagram: @becivil [107]

Vintage Royalty

About the brand: Chicago native Meena Osei-Kuffour is the designer and owner of Vintage Royalty, a brand that leverages the popular acrylic jewelry trend. Her Ghanaian heritage, background in fashion design, and love for vintage art inspire her to create unique, colorful pieces you can't find anywhere else.

Where to shop: Online at Vintage Royalty [108]

Where to follow on Instagram: @vintageroyalty [109]


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