In Black culture, the significance of jewelry runs deep. Whether it’s larger-than-life hoops and liquid gold Cuban links or intricately hand-beaded necklaces and vibrant Fulani earrings, the symbolism is there. That’s why these valuable, artisan-made jewels are more than just sparkly baubles — they’re the perfect holiday surprise to give this year if you want to let a loved one know, “Hey, you mean a lot to me.”
Ahead, we highlighted 23 Black-owned jewelry brands and designers with detailed craftsmanship and undeniable charm that gives their jewelry an extra special twinkle. Click through these icy slides and discover an online shop or two that will make your giftee’s eyes sparkle in awe.
This story includes Black-owned businesses selected as part of Black+, an initiative by VICE Media Group and The National Urban League to support Black Entrepreneurs with free marketing and mentorship opportunities.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. The product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Kevia
Sustainable accessories brand Kevia is named after its one and only founder Kevia Jeffrey-West. According to the site’s about page, Jeffrey-West’s collections are heavily inspired by her travels and “the allure of places near and far.” Score a few of her bestselling jewelry sets on both Amazon and her home site — they’re perfect for everyday wear and anyone looking to dip into eco-friendly fashion.
Shop Amazon
Kevia Set Of 5 18k Gold Stud Earrings, $, available at Kevia
Caputo & Co.
On the hunt for something more masculine? Look no further than Caputo & Co.’s stylish and laidback inventory.
Shop Nordstrom
Abercrombie & Fitch Cozy Rib Long-Sleeve Button-Through Sleep Top, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Off White
The late Virgil Abloh (you may have heard of him) founded Off White in 2013. 10 years later and, although the critically acclaimed American fashion designer passed in 2021, his legacy lives on through his conceptual, experimental collections.
Shop Off White
Off White C/O Gabriel Urist Off Court 3.0 Necklace, $, available at Off White
Melanie Marie
Melanie Marie’s custom buys make excellent and heartwarming gifts for the holidays. You can find plenty of options at Nordstrom or the brand’s full inventory at its home site this very second.
Shop Nordstrom
Melanie Marie Personalized Nameplate Necklace, $, available at Nordstrom
Kat And Clarese
Head over to Kat And Clarese’s Nordstrom shop or the brand’s home site for all kinds of feminine, contemporary, and outfit-elevating pieces — for example, this unique floral choker.
Shop Nordstrom
Kat And Clarese Silk Flower Choker, $, available at Nordstrom
By Chari
This brand’s biggest claim to fame was its custom “Vote” necklace that Michelle Obama wore to the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Although that necklace is a top seller, founder Chari Cuthbert also creates collections of bracelets, rings, anklets, and earrings that are equally as stunning.
Shop By Chari
By Chari Large Sade Hoops, $, available at Amazon
SaharasEssentials
SaharasEssentials offers bold and unique handmade baubles perfect for thoughtful gifting. Order now, and you’ll see tons of smiles from your giftees this holiday.
Shop SaharasEssentials at Etsy
SaharasEssentials Star Earrings, $, available at Etsy
Studio La Touche
Founded By Linda La Touche, StudioLaTouche exists to bring well-crafted handmade Jewelry to the masses. Most of the high-quality accessories are made out of her Bay Area-based art studio.
Shop StudioLaTouche at Etsy
StudioLaTouche Small Simple Hoop Earrings, $, available at Etsy
Ten Wilde
The Los Angeles-based, all-gold jewelry brand Ten Wilde loves putting modern twists on timeless classics. We adore each piece’s modern flair and affordable (under-$100) price tag.
Shop Ten Wilde
Ten Wilde Diamond Heart Bezel Necklace, $, available at Ten Wilde
Soul Simone Isora Earrings
Soul Simone is a made-to-order, small-batch jewelry business out of Vermont. Founded by Aisha McClaren, you can expect luxe hammered metal goods made from her unique perspective.
Shop Soul Simone at Etsy
SoulSimone Isora Earrings, $, available at Etsy
Yam
Yam is the brainchild of jewelry designer and owner Morgan Thomas. Each piece is crafted with love and warmth in Astoria, a bustling neighborhood in Queens, NY. When Thomas was a child, her mother brought home a jewelry-making book that sparked a fascination and eventually led to the creation of the brand, which she dedicated to her mom.
Shop Yam
Yam Posy Earring, $, available at Yam
Aziza Handcrafted
Born and raised in Maryland, Aziza Handcrafted’s Aziza Nicole now crafts her pieces in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to managing her very own jewelry brand, she also explores multiple art forms like sculpture and painting.
Shop Aziza Handcrafted
Aziza Handcrafted Knuckles, $, available at Aziza Handcrafted
Edas
Head designer Sade Mims first started Edas with refurbished home goods, later expanding to jewelry. All of her handmade gems are made to accommodate the “everyday, eclectic woman.”
Shop Edas
Edas Prime Earrings, $, available at Edas
Oma The Label
New York-based fashion stylist Neumi Anekhe created Oma The Label to challenge stifling beauty standards and boost Black representation in the fashion industry. Her quality pieces are designed for a woman who is “intentional about the choices she makes and wants to wear pieces that make her feel empowered and confident.”
Shop Oma The Label
Oma The Label The Gidi Necklace, $, available at Oma The Label
Brooklyn Bleu
The owner of Brooklyn Bleu, Tenisha, founded the brand back in 2010 to showcase the beauty of the items she’d collected over the years. Brooklyn Bleu’s vintage pieces transcend jewelry trends and make perfect timeless gifts.
Shop Brooklyn Bleu
Brooklyn Bleu 1970s Classic Rope Hoops, $, available at Brooklyn Bleu
Omi Woods
This Black-owned brand celebrates African culture with its contemporary and ethically-sourced jewelry. If you have an immigrant parent from African countries, they’d be more than happy to receive a holiday gift with their cultural heritage in mind.
Shop Omi Woods
Omi Woods The Cowrie Infinity Necklace (Gold Vermeil), $, available at Etsy
Auvere
Designer and co-founder Gina Feldman Love creates minimalist and architectural jewelry to “showcase the magnificence” of 22- and 24-karat gold.
Shop Auvere
Auvere Big Heart Ring Sterling Silver, $, available at Auvere
Aquarian Thoughts
The creative process, metal forging, stone setting, and design for Aquarian Thoughts jewelry is all taken care of by the owner, Nadirah B. The brand was born in 2000 and continues to provide its growing fan base with ethically made artisan jewelry.
Shop Aquarian Thoughts
Aquarian Thoughts Birthstone Stacking Ring, $, available at Etsy
Océanne
Anne Harrill named her brand Océanne in homage to her move across the Atlantic from France to Cleveland, Ohio. She creates modern jewelry and apparel that make great gifts, fashion statements, and cultural mementos.
Shop Océanne
Oceanne Form Earrings, $, available at Oceanne
Enarmoured
Designer and founder of Enarmoured Jordan Clarke makes “handcrafted wearable art.” Her brass necklace plates, silver goddess shield earrings, and more unique pieces represent her extensive background in painting and design.
Shop Enarmoured
Enarmoured Wave Collar, $, available at Etsy
Lace By Tanaya
Not only does Tanaya Henry model and act but she also runs this extremely successful jewelry brand. All of her pieces are handmade and fueled by her passion for creating.
Shop Lace By Tanaya
Lace By Tanya CZ Anklet, $, available at Lace By Tanya
Taylor Nikole
Taylor Nikole creates her jewelry to “represent the connection between art and fashion.” All of her pieces are handmade and no two pairs are the same, which, in her mind, makes them even more special.
Shop Taylor Nikole
Taylor Nikole Taylor Nikole Izzy Earring, $, available at Taylor Nikole
Khiry
Jameel Mohammed founded Khiry while he was an undergrad studying political science at UPenn. His ultimate passion project — a luxurious demi-fine jewelry line celebrating the heritage and beauty of the African Diaspora — took center stage when it was picked up by a luxury retailer.
Shop Khiry
Khiry Tiny Adisa Drop With Pearl In Sterling Silver, $, available at Khiry
Harwell Godfrey
Harwell Godfrey relies on inspiration from ancient textiles and ethnic patterns, and the brand is dedicated to giving back. Take this charm, which is crafted from black onyx and diamonds — 100% of its profits are donated to the NAACP.
Shop Harwell Godfrey
Harwell Godfrey Black Onyx Heart To Benefit NAACP, $, available at Harwell Godfrey
ShopCherryCo
Shop ShopCherryCo
ShopCherryCo Gold Crystal Gemstone Dainty Wire Ring, $, available at Etsy
Pure Feminine Energy
Hazel Davis’ Etsy shop is chock full of crystals, manifestation candles, skincare, and great everyday jewelry.
Shop Pure Feminine Energy
Pure Feminine Energy Hand Wrapped Crystal Bead Ring, $, available at Etsy
When Smoke Clears
Smoke Clears solidified its unique style after a devastating studio fire in New York City nearly demolished the brand’s entire first collection. Once things settled down (and the smoke cleared, literally), founders K$ace & Thermal Taveras incorporated a signature fire torch and heart motif into many of their pieces — which, make show-stopping gifts.
Shop When Smoke Clears
When Smoke Clears Charm Rosary, $, available at When Smoke Clears
Jewelry Ave. Studio
Jewelry Ave. Studio is the brainchild of owner Condoleezzia. The line is inspired by her home state of Louisiana and started out as a form of self-expression while she was working as a 911 dispatcher and mental health therapist. The Twisted Vine Rose Ring is one of the shop’s most popular items and is the perfect gift to give to your ring-obsessed loved one.
Shop Jewelry Ave. Studio at Etsy
JewelryAveStudio Twisted Vine Rose Ring | Wire Wrapped Ring | Sterling Silver, $, available at Etsy
Souk + SEPIA
This New Jersey-based, Black-owned brand curates trending styles and boutique products from all over the world to sell in its online marketplace.
Shop Souk + SEPIA
souk + SEPIA ZARIA, $, available at souk + SEPIA
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