Meet the Jewelry Designer Behind Bella Hadid's Go-To Nameplate Necklace

Published on 2/23/2023 at 5:30 PM

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

The M Jewelers may not be a brand name you immediately recognize, but it should be. The jewelry company is behind many of the celebrity-loved pieces shoppers have been coveting for years. The label's famous clients include everyone from Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski to rapper Gunna. And it's partnered with such brands as Nike, Kith, and MLB — yes, as in Major League Baseball.

The M Jewelers came to life pretty organically, as CEO and founder Mark Shami was exposed to the jewelry industry early on in life. "I grew up learning the process and making these styles as a kid in the diamond district while working at my father's jewelry store," he tells POPSUGAR, adding, "We have a vintage collection that's coming out that is reminiscent of the pieces I used to make at my dad's jewelry store in the diamond district."

Alongside that vintage collection, fans clamor for its personalized pieces. In fact, the Butterfly Flower Nameplate Necklace is one of Hadid's favorite pieces to style with model-off-duty outfits. "Personalization and custom jewelry is definitely what we're known for," Shami says. "It's the core ethos of The M Jewelers. Our company's goal from day one has always been about being the best in personalized jewelry."

Now that he's conquered that goal, Shami is setting his sights on retail expansion. The company, which was born and bred in New York City, is opening up shop in Los Angeles with a brick-and-mortar store on one of the city's most famous streets: 8445 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood. "LA has always been in our mind," Shami reveals. "It's our second biggest market, and as far as buildout, it's such a great in-store experience. We love our NY community, and we're really excited to build and meet our LA community."

Keep scrolling for the full interview and to shop some of our favorite The M Jewelers pieces.

On What Makes The M Jewelers Unique

POPSUGAR: What do you want customers — both potential as well as existing — to know about The M Jewelers brand?

Mark Shami: We're a small team of passionate people who operate and produce everything we put out, from content, product, logistics, and customer service. We live and breathe jewelry and are always looking to be better.

On Its Viral Personalized Pieces

PS: While you clearly sell a large amount of ready-made jewelry, would you say that personalization is where you stand out from the rest?

MS: Personalized and custom jewelry is definitely what we're known for and the core ethos of The M Jewelers. Our company's goal from day one has always been about being the best in personalized jewelry.

PS: Did you begin your business in 2013 with personalization in mind? Or did that develop after you designed ready-made pieces first?

MS: Yes, our first product on our website was The Nameplate Necklace, which is still one of our biggest styles today. I grew up learning the process and making these styles as a kid in the diamond district while working at my father's jewelry store. We have a vintage collection that's coming out that is reminiscent of the pieces I used to make at my dad's jewelry store in the diamond district.

On Favorite Celebrity-Worn Moments

PS: What have been some of your favorite celebrity-worn moments? What made them so exciting and special?

MS: We created a diamond-encrusted "ledger" pendant for Gunna. It was one of the first times we mixed tech and jewelry.

On Its Most Popular Item

PS: Which item would you say is your most popular?

MS: Our Flower Cut Ring is my favorite style. It's a piece I grew up making, and once we introduced it to our customer, everyone was super receptive towards it. I love how it's worn and love when I'm out and I see someone wearing it.

On Its New LA Store

PS: You are a company born and bred in NYC, but how long have you had this new LA store in the works? What are you most excited for when it comes to opening your newest brick-and-mortar?

MS: LA has always been in our mind. It's our second biggest market, and as far as buildout, it's such a great in-store experience. We love our NY community, and we're really excited to build and meet our LA community.

Keep scrolling to shop select pieces from the brand.