Mother Africa is known for the quality and beauty of her jewelry that’s crafted by tribes throughout the continent. That includes pendants, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and other types of tribal African jewelry. Africa is the birthplace of human and mankind civilization so it should not surprise anyone that people made and wore jewelry dating back to 40,000 years ago. In fact, the oldest African jewelry to date was discovered, in 2004, in the Blombos cave on the southern tip of South Africa.
Fast-forward circa 2022. In searching for up-and-coming African American contemporary jewelry designers who have historically been underrepresented in the fine jewelry industry. Facts are facts and to break barriers to accessibility is the first step to making meaningful change.
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In an effort to amplify African-American voices in the jewelry industry, shoppers must first know that they exist.
Here are a few African American-owned and designed jewelry brands to know, fall in love with, and shop.
We Dream in Colour Jade Gedeon, the creative brains behind the brand creates oversized necklaces and technicolor earrings. https://wedreamincolour.com/
L’Enchateur is created by identical twins Dynasty and Soul Ogun and their pieces are inspired by science, religion, fairy tales, magic, and mythology. https://www.lenchanteur.co/jewels
YAM is named after founder Morgan Thomas’s mother, Yam. Her handmade pieces are nostalgia-driven and available in gold-plated metals adorned with playful charms. https://www.yamnyc.com/
Oma the Label is made for the gold lover with this brand excelling at modernizing classic chains, rings, and even body jewelry. https://omathelabel.com/
Dominique Reneé is a nail artist turned jewelry designer who creates spirited jewelry with a playful tone. https://dominiquerenee.com/
