Sometimes you just need a little something to get excited about, yanno? Like a coffee or a little walk in the park (alone) will do the trick…but what about a shiny new ring? Or a fresh pair of studs? To each their own, right?
7 Black-Owned Brands Designing Seriously Gorg Jewelry
We’ve rounded up seven jewelry brands that we’ve had our eyes on recently…and they’re really good. There’s some simple, everyday pieces that will go with just about anything, (hello, Linzi’s daily bracelets) and some statement wear that will add that little bit of shine that your outfit is missing (like this super-cool snake ring). Oh, and they’re all from small, Black-owned businesses.
Gwen Beloti / Br Design Co. / Omi Woods / SOKO / Knature The Label / The Folklore / Valerie Madison
Br Design Co.
Br Design Co. was founded by two sisters with a love for the art of polymer clay — and they kiiinda kill the clay earring game. They have a bunch of really good collections including neutrals, metallics, black and whites, and some super-colorful options. Basically, there’s something for everyone in their shop. Meredith introduced us to them a few months ago.
Meredith’s Pick: Br Design Co. Earrings
Meredith says: I’ve raved about Br Design Co for ages and own several pairs of their earrings. They are made in Charleston and the polymer clay designs are totally unique. I’m eyeing this pair of green palm textured clay + brass earrings. They aren’t studs, but they’re also not huge statement earrings. A perfect in-between. I’m also obsessed with their fruit earrings, like these Papaya Earrings.
Gwen Beloti
Gwen Beloti is a recent fave of ours. Her jewelry is simple and understated, yet feels like total luxury. (I mean, just look at the product pic above. So pretty.) Gwen Beloti has strong ties to her community; she organizes volunteer programs and donation programs every year through her business. Read more about her community promises and give-backs here. Receive 10% off when you sign up for emails at the bottom of the homepage.
Laura’s Pick: Gwen Beloti Cubed Necklace
Laura says: I adore Gwen Beloti’s understated-yet-gorgeous jewelry. I have a pair of earrings I wear constantly and am now wanting to add this beautiful Cubed Necklace. It’s so delicate and sparkly. You can see how it looks layered or on its own. Gorg.
SOKO
OK, first of all, SOKO’s editorial pics KILL ME. The jewelry + models are like…showstoppingly beautiful. They make me want every single piece of jewelry. SOKO is a “women-led, people-first, ethical jewelry brand and tech-powered manufacturing platform built to connect artisans in Kenya with the global market”. Currently on the SOKO site, teachers, first responders and medical professionals can get 20% off their orders. You can also sign up online to receive 15% off your purchase (for everyone) if you scroll to the bottom of their homepage. Linz is a huge fan, and Lex got her stepmom a strikingly gorg pair of earrings over the winter holidays. You can purchase their pieces directly through SOKO’s website, through Black-owned business The Folklore, or at Nordstrom and Verishop.
Linzi’s Pick: Soko Earrings & Bracelets
Linzi says: It’s going to come as no surprise to many of you that I’m featuring SOKO as my top pick — I wear and adore many of their pieces. I wear these earrings and their bracelets almost daily.
Omi Woods
Omi Woods jewelry is individually and ethically handmade with fair trade African gold and globally-sourced, conflict-free fine metals. They are Black- and woman-owned, and donate a portion of sales each year to a local or global non-profit or charity. Their heirloom-esque, contemporary jewelry is available in a wide range of budgets and styles from simple, everyday wear to unique statement pieces.
Amy’s Pick: Ancient Egypt The Ankh Signet Ring
Amy says: I’m not a big jewelry person, but what I will wear (probably forever) are minimal gold pieces. Omi Woods makes gorgeous pieces from fair trade African gold and globally sourced conflict-free fine metals. I’m currently drooling over this signet ring. They have something for every price range!
Scotti’s Pick: The Heavy Link Choker
Scotti says: I love the simplicity of this link necklace from Omi Woods…I have a similar one that I’m wearing with all the things lately, but the color is rubbing off. This one is 18K gold plated, so it won’t have the same issue! (Love the toggle closure, too!)
The Folklore
The Folklore is a pretty cool online retail concept. They have a small, carefully-curated product line of high-end and emerging brands from Africa (and the surrounding areas) all in one place on their website (where you can get 10% off your first order when you sign up). Their handful of designers are seriously cool and pretty unique. (Peep the above pic, for example… Like?? Gorgeous.)
Abby’s Pick: Twisted Dash Ring
Abby says: This ring just speaks to me. It’s a lot like a few that I have (I love that dome/bulge shape type of ring) but better. It’s very luxe and organic looking, which I love in jewelry…pretty minimalist but will definitely cause double takes.
Knature The Label
Knature The Label uses premium materials for long-lasting wear of their pieces. Their suppliers source conflict-free recycled gold and silver, as well as eco-friendly stainless steel (they’re also close to implementing the use of 100% recycled metals across all products throughout every future collection, which is totally awesome). Their pieces are manufactured and handmade in India and are made to last. Sign up for 15% off your first order on their website.
Jess’s Pick: Lokah Snake Ring
Jess says: The label KNATURE makes my favorite kind of jewelry to wear: symbolic, meaningful and empowering. I’m obsessed with their gorgeous, gold amulet rings; I want all of them. The Lokah Snake ring is embellished with Onyx Stone eyes and symbolizes the awakening of the divine-feminine energy.
Valerie Madison
Valerie Madison is a women-run brand of simply gorgeous (and really unique) jewelry pieces. They feature styles and stones not seen in traditional pieces — like salt-and-pepper diamonds, rose-cut diamonds, uniquely shaped stones, vibrant hues and more. We love ’em.
Shana’s Pick: 14K Gold Baby Flat Chain Necklace
Shana says: I’m very into layering a couple of really delicate necklaces, and I love the texture (and shine) of this one. It’s made from a solid 14K gold (not just gold plated), so I’ll be able to wear it 24 hours a day without worrying about tarnishing.
Let us know if you have a favorite Black-wwned jewelry brand in the comments; we’re always looking to find some shiny new pieces and to support small and Black-owned businesses. Also, shop our Black-owned Business directory here, if you’re looking for more style inspo.
Xo, Abby
Ps: This one’s for the Pinners
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Thank you for this round-up! The only one of these companies I’d heard of before is Soko (which I love), but now I have several more to check out. So gorgeous.
Beautiful jewelry pieces. They are so pretty. Thanks for sharing.