Christopher S. Nelson 
Instead of investing in a whole new wardrobe, you can elevate your look by simply adding one or two new accessories – or twelve. Below Shop TODAY has rounded up some of the best, hottest and most popular black-owned jewelry brands that will help you look great even in your most basic t-shirt and jeans. .
Whether you prefer earrings, necklaces or bracelets, we have found something for all jewelry lovers. The best part? They are all quite affordable!
Here are 15 of our favorite picks.
Earings
1. Pansies of Aquarius small heart earrings
We’re in love with these darling heart earrings from Aquarian Thoughts, a brand specializing in handmade jewelry using gemstones and mixed metals. Available in gold and silver, the soft accessory looks romantic when worn on its own or can be easily layered with a pair of hoops.
When it came time to name her jewelry line, founder Nadirah B. was inspired by her astrological sign. Aquarius wanted to express their creativity and uniqueness through their work and it has certainly paid off so far. A happy Etsy customer exclaimed, “I love my new earrings! They are cute, delicate and wonderfully made!
2. Luna Star earrings filled with 14k gold Lola Ade
Reach for the stars! Or wear them on your ears with this playful pair from Lola Ade. The star trio can be worn in multiple directions and the ensemble is just one of many flagship pieces from the versatile brand whose name was inspired by the West African heritage of its founder Pamela Adewoyin.
The jewelry designer grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and was won over by the color and texture that local artists infused into their work. Now that she has her own brand of handcrafted jewelry, Adewoyin has adopted a similar aesthetic for her collections.
3.BR Design Co Brass bee earrings
Talk about a trendy style! These pretty bee earrings are both delicate and delicious and finished with a shiny brass. Carlene Browner and Cassandra Browner Richardson, two sisters from South Carolina, run BR Design Co and are known for their polymer clay accessories.
Etsy shoppers rave about the brand’s top-notch customer service and say these earrings look even better in person. “Sleek design and excellent quality. Shipping was quick, even during the hectic holiday season, and my order came with a sweet handwritten note,” wrote one reviewer.
4. Kendi Amani acacia leaf earrings
If you prefer a more statement piece, these African acacia-inspired leafed brass earrings are sure to impress. The textured design is accented with black pearls and is handcrafted in Kenya.
The brand’s multi-talented namesake was inspired to launch his line while working for a company. “I really wanted people to see how versatile, unique and relevant African fabrics are. We can do so much with them,” she told Essence magazine during a Facebook chat last April. . Now the brand includes hats, travel bags and jewelry.
5. Small organic sculpted Lingua Nigra earrings
After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Alicia Goodwin channeled her metalwork skills to create the Lingua Nigra jewelry collection. Drawing inspiration from the Victorian era and nature, Goodwin crafted brass, silver and gold pieces like these tiny seashell earrings, which were to be rave. “These earrings are absolutely gorgeous. The packaging was gorgeous and I loved the little touches she added !!” a client wrote. Another commented: “I had very high expectations, and they are even more amazing than I thought! I will definitely wear them very often!
Necklaces
1. Omi Woods Cauris Infinity Necklace
This bestseller from Omi Woods founder Ashley Alexis McFarlane was a finalist at Etsy’s Design Awards, and it’s easy to see why. The striking necklace has two cowrie pendants on a 40 inch long chain that can be tied in multiple ways, and is available in sterling silver, gold vermeil, and solid 14k gold. The brand sources fair trade gold in Africa.
McFarlane named his brand Omi Woods to honor his African and Jamaican heritage. “Omi” is a word meaning “water” in the Yoruba language, while “wood” was chosen because “Jamaica” comes from the Taino word “Xaymaca”, which translates to “land of wood and water”.
2. Pure Female Energy Hand Wrapped Crystal Necklace Pendant
Do you like a touch of color? These vibrant crystal necklaces from the Etsy shop of Pure Feminine Energy founder Hazel Davis are a bestseller. The hand wrapped crystal pendants are available in six colors and six finishes and feature a convenient adjustable clasp.
Customers call the design “beautiful”, “robust”, “elegant” and “high quality”. “I have bought 4 necklaces so far and love them all! My favorite is the copper wrapped amethyst. No matter which combo you choose you will not be disappointed,” wrote one lucky buyer.
3. By Chari the love necklace
Chari Cuthbert became a household name when former first lady Michelle Obama was spotted wearing one of her “VOTE” necklaces at the 2020 Democratic National Convention last August. The independent jewelry company, founded in 2012, makes each piece by hand in Los Angeles.
This delicate necklace spells out the word “Love” and has a sterling silver base with a 14k yellow gold plating. Even better? By Chari donates $ 5 from every necklace sale to the Loveland Foundation, an organization that provides therapeutic support to girls and women of color.
4.Hand-stamped gold initial necklace with pink locket
Personalization always adds a sentimental touch to jewelry, and this initial necklace from the Etsy shop The Pink Locket can hold up to three figures per pendant, which are hand-stamped. Make it more personal by choosing the metal pendant and chain, both available in silver or gold.
Kamilah Campbell, of Jamaican descent, launched the Pink Locket in 2008 to inspire the minimalist woman. The jewelry designer’s creations are handmade in the USA and draw inspiration from art, geometric shapes and cityscapes.
5. Armored Shield Necklace
Canadian jewelry designer Jordan Clark describes her small-batch brass and silver designs as “wearable handcrafted art.” The founder of Enarmoured took inspiration from ancient armor for her designs and uses a blend of traditional and innovative jewelry making techniques.
The collection’s Brass Shield Necklace has a textured and shiny finish. The curved triangular shape sits right at the collarbone and has won over many Etsy customers. One reviewer wrote: “The shape and texture is beautiful and the chain length is perfect. It’s a ‘subtle’ piece: it’s beautiful and stands out, but it’s not too flashy.”
Bracelets
1. ABA Jewels hammered bracelet
Bracelets are a staple of any jewelry collection, and this one from ABA Jewels has a nice dose of texture that sets it apart from the crowd. It comes in two sizes and three finishes – brass, sterling silver, and 14k gold.
ABA Jewels founder Aja Butler-Burns launched her collection of metal jewelry and semi-precious crystal jewelry in 2013. Butler-Burns makes each piece herself and believes her jewelry has “the capacity to” ‘raise and add more good vibrations to the world “.
2. Jam + Rico Cowrie Brass Bracelet
Like many black-owned jewelry brands, Jam + Rico incorporates cowries into its designs. The distinctive shell has a long history in Africa, where it has been used for centuries as currency. Now, the brand’s founder, Lisette Scott, uses them to pay tribute to her grandmother.
“The bracelets are special to me because my grandmother who was born and raised in Jamaica wore bracelets all the time. My fondest memories are cooking plantains, rice and peas and hearing her bracelets jingle. as she stirred the pot. I hope this bracelet will bring back memories of loved ones and the Caribbean, “the designer wrote on her website.
Scott donates 15 percent of every earring or bracelet purchase to the Global Fund’s COVID-19 and HIV / AIDS response programs in sub-Saharan Africa.
3. Akweley Design African Bead Stretch Bracelet
Black, gold and yellow pearls combine with hand painted commercial Ankara pearls to form this tribal bracelet. The affordable accessory measures 8 inches and is nice and stretchy, so you won’t have to worry about its fit.
Originally from Ghana, Rita Akweley Agyemang is the creator of Akweley Design. For her collections, she fuses fashion and tradition using bold colors, patterns and designs, and uses a range of traditional pearls to pay homage to her heritage.
4. Esh Jewelry personalized bracelet
Tasha Hussey, the founder of Esh Jewelry, is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and specializes in a mix of vintage, resin and semi-precious jewelry. The handmade collection includes everything from bright and cheerful earrings to colorful bead bracelets and trendy necklaces.
We have our eyes riveted on this personalized bracelet composed of vintage white miriam haskell glass beads and gold plated pearls. The elegant piece is accompanied by a delicate golden letter, making it the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life.
5. Asme brand personalized metal bracelet
Do you like to stand out with your accessories? This bracelet can be personalized with your choice of phrase and font preference. Available in brass or aluminum, the adjustable design is made to order.
Customers cite designer Hellen Twelede’s customer focus as a selling point for the brand. Of course, they are also in love with the quality and the magnificent pieces of the brand’s collection. “I just received my items and love them, especially the bracelet! Thank you very much for your artistry. I will be ordering more items in the future!” a buyer wrote.
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