The Best Black-Owned Jewelry Brands This Holiday Season, According To Amazon Reviews
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As 2023 culminates in the festive holiday season, we're already looking ahead to next year's trends for gifting ideas. Among these are some exciting styles in the world of jewelry, from trending XXL jewelry to moody black gems. But as we compose our shopping lists, it's not all about keeping up with the Joneses. Holiday gifting also provides an opportunity to spend our money at businesses that embody and celebrate our passions and values.
Among consumers, a little intentionality can go a long way. That's why we're excited to lift up independent businesses and honor our loved ones with special, heartfelt gifts from companies that matter — such as the incredible range of Black-owned jewelry brands operating on Amazon.
In its Highlighting Black Voices section of the site, Amazon offers a curated selection of products from amazing Black-owned brands, showcasing everything from skincare and beauty to fashion and accessories, including jewelry. However, you don't have to trawl through this lineup to find special pieces for your giftees. We've explored standouts from this collection to unearth some Black-owned jewelry brands you won't want to leave off your Amazon gift list this year.
Cloth & Cord
Kicking off our list of Black-owned jewelers, the designs from Cloth & Cord are nothing short of show-stoppers. Beautifully melding vivid, patterned fiber arts and knotwork with beading from South Africa, these handmade pieces are utterly unique and captivating. With profound attention to detail, it's no surprise that Cloth & Cord has many popular offerings, such as the brand's range of corded headbands.
But for a fan-favorite piece that marries bold style with wearability, it's all about the layered look of Cloth & Cord's Queen Africa Print Bib Necklace. With over 300 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this necklace is a clear crowd-pleaser. As one reviewer wrote, "This piece of jewelry is an eye-catcher. It's bold, colorful, and beautiful! It spices up any little black dress or blouse and definitely stands out."
Purchase the Cloth & Cord Queen Africa Print Bib Necklace on Amazon for $43.50.
Valencia Key
For lovers of chic metal jewelry, Valencia Key offers a stunning range of products. Boasting pieces like stamped bracelets, statement studs, and striking unisex rings, Valencia Key's jewelry features creative yet elegant touches like its star-and-key motif. Sometimes a subtle accent and sometimes a centerpiece of the design, this image serves as a nod to the brand's ethos of "unlocking the light in your life," including its repeated presence in the brand's Rooted Lariat Necklace, which is beloved for its clear, high-quality detail and adaptability.
As one reviewer wrote of the piece, "Such a dainty, powerful presence. I love how it's 100% adjustable so I can wear it in so many different ways. ... It's so pretty, I love wearing it casually with jeans, a swimsuit, and even formal dress events."
Purchase the Valencia Key Rooted Adjustable Lariat Necklace on Amazon for $50.
Sysaic Knotz
If you're conscientious about putting your money back into indie businesses, Sysaic Knotz ticks a lot of desirable boxes. Not only is the brand Black-owned but it's also woman-owned and military-spouse-owned. This brand sells quirky, handmade products that you won't find anywhere else. Heavily featuring crochet art, the jewelry from Sysaic Knotz is especially charming. Featuring fun, colorful imagery like tacos and watermelon wedges, many of the brand's earrings are utterly crave-able, but there are also more understated options available for the fashionista who values versatility.
One of the most popular designs is the Cowrie Shell Earrings with Citrine. As one reviewer wrote, "Things I love about these earrings: beautiful craftsmanship, perfect size, lightweight, goes with anything, and they are secure." That sounds like a dream to us.
Purchase the Sysaic Knotz Cowrie Shell Earrings with Citrine on Amazon for $22.
Soko
Created to fight poverty and inequality by connecting Kenyan artists with consumers across the globe, Soko delivers beautiful jewelry that you can feel good about. And while this brand doesn't have a dedicated Amazon storefront, a selection of Soko's sleek and artsy metal designs are still available for purchase through the site. In particular, Soko's Ripple Band Ring seems to garner the most attention from Amazon shoppers. The cuff-like cut of the ring provides elegant framing for your digits and a touch of glamor with its gold finish.
One caveat, though: It seems like sizing this piece is key. Expect a thick, chunky fit, and consider opting for a slightly looser band. "Runs a bit smaller so it's a bit snug on my finger," wrote one reviewer. "But it's so pretty!"
Purchase the Soko Ripple Band Ring on Amazon for $158.
T. Victoria
Interested in spiritual practices like energy work or crystal healing? The jewelry designs from T. Victoria feature crystals, geode slices, and traditional iconography like hamsa hands, angel wings, and third-eye pendants. With a range of beaded stretch bracelets and simple chain necklaces, T. Victoria provides easy, affordable options for everyday wear. One of the brand's most popular selections is a pair of long drop earrings accented with labradorite, which is mentioned as a strong protection stone. But even if you don't ascribe to crystal healing, the movement and charm of these earrings are sure to appeal. As one pleased reviewer wrote, "These earrings are exactly what I expected. The labradorite stones are nice and they make a long, linear statement. Very feminine and chic."
Purchase the T. Victoria Labradorite Long Beaded Drop Earrings on Amazon for $44.44.
Kevia
Kevia offers a unique point of view for jewelry shoppers: "Collectable pieces built to last the evolution of your style." Spearheaded by founder and designer Kevia Jeffrey-West, this vision takes shape in the shop's many jewelry sets, which seem to promote a stackable, mix-and-match approach. Shoppers can find eclectic collections of stud earrings, pendant necklaces, and adjustable bracelets, often in sets of three to five items. Among these, Kevia's 18k Gold Stud Earrings Set is a best-seller, offering five discrete designs with marble-style insets, gently sparkling crystals, and simple gold accents.
"These seem really well made, and comfortable! I appreciate that even the larger ones aren't heavy at all," wrote one reviewer. "They're presented in a classy but simple style and box, ready for gifting if that's your intention. ... Recommend for anyone who loves having all of the essentials in one quality set!"
Purchase the Kevia 18k Gold Stud Earrings Set on Amazon for $37.95.
Akweley Designs
Akweley Designs' handmade pieces celebrate life and color with intricate beading and a bohemian flair. Better yet, each piece is a one-of-a-kind work, created sustainably with recycled beads from Ghana. The collection features character-filled stretch bracelets; bright, teardrop-shaped hoop earrings; and some incredible layered necklaces that play with contrast, shape, and proportion. Still, customers especially flock to Akweley's popular waist beads.
"I would recommend these waist beads to any lady who wants a beautiful and unique look to her jewelry," wrote one reviewer, adding, "A tip I would recommend is to measure the waistline in the smallest area and put your index finger in between the measuring tape to consider that time of the month." Another reviewer praises the waist beads' versatility, pointing out how they can be wrapped to fit other parts of the body — making these beads a quick and affordable shortcut to style anklets, bracelets, or even chokers.
Purchase the Akweley African Waist Beads on Amazon for $12.
Bychari Jewelry
Led by designer Chari Cuthbert, Bychari Jewelry offers elegant, staple pieces that will quickly become regulars in your rotation. The brand seems to embrace simplicity and minimalism without sacrificing style, and you can find pieces running the gamut from dainty to bold. Bychari's initial rings are so popular that they're consistently out of stock, but for our money, you can't go wrong with the classic Sade hoops in silver or gold plating.
"These earrings are absolutely beautiful to add to every outfit," wrote one happy reviewer. For sophisticated statement-makers, we especially love the large, head-turning Sade hoops — just bear in mind that some reviewers found them heavy.
Purchase the Bychari Large Sade Hoops on Amazon for $95.
How we selected products
There are a lot of captivating accessory lines out there, from major jewelers to tiny mom-and-pop shops. But when it came to championing Black-owned businesses, we wanted to highlight the makers and entrepreneurs on the front lines. Beyond that, we needed to showcase the scope and breadth of the contributions available from Black jewelers, complete with different styles, aesthetics, and price points.
First, we set about discovering the brands themselves. We explored social media, Amazon's tribute to Black-owned companies, and brand round-ups from industry experts to create a shortlist of unique, Black-owned jewelry businesses. Then, we had the pleasure of diving deep into each brand's catalog. Selecting our stand-out pieces was predicated not on personal preference, though we saw a lot of items we loved for our shopping baskets, but on customer reviews. We looked for the jewelry that had the most feedback and the highest ratings to find out which offerings from each brand resonated deepest with its fans. The result is this list of the year's best Black-owned jewelry brands, along with the signature pieces that make them each so iconic.