As the global black community battles the systemic racism that has blighted it for centuries – and certainly not for the first time – its allies are asking what they too can do to enact lasting change. Beyond resolute resharing of relevant resources, signing petitions and donating money, another way to support black people is to support black businesses. While the act of shopping itself is often decried as frivolous, buying from black-owned brands is an investment into black futures. Black businesses matter along with black lives, and spending consciously is the least we can do to make a difference.
To that end, we begin with black-owned jewellery brands. Please consider purchasing from these the next time you want to add to your jewellery collection.
1/18
JOHNNY NELSON
Citing Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood as influences, Brooklyn-raised Johnny Nelson specialises in ‘conversation pieces that catch the eye’.
2/18
KHIRY
Khiry was founded by Jameel Mohammed after being told by an unnamed CEO that true luxury brands could only ever come out of Paris or Milan.
3/18
SERENDIPITOUS PROJECT
Founded only last year, Serendipitous Project seeks to offer jewellery that is both affordable and sustainable.
4/18
BEADS BYAREE
Beads Byaree is a multidisciplinary brand that focuses especially on handcrafted and inimitable pieces of jewellery.
5/18
CONVERSATIONS OVER CHAI
Look to Conversations Over Chai for jewellery that is as thoughtful as it is cute.
6/18
DIXIEGRAZE
Dixiegraze filled the gap that was missing for its founder in the custom jewellery market – expect nothing that’s not gold-plated and of high quality.
8/18
HARWELL GODFREY
Harwell Godfrey marries the art of fine jewellery with ancient patterns.
9/18
MAHOGANI
Part of Mahogani’s design mission is ‘to shed light on the beauty that you exude’ – what’s not to love?
10/18
MARTINE ALI
From bags to bracelets, Martine Ali is a genius when it comes to precious metals.
11/18
MELANIE MARIE
Melanie Marie is an NYC-born and NYC-raised brand with a wealth of pieces to choose from.
12/18
MATEO
Mateo’s founder Matthew Harris studied Hospitality Management before becoming a self-taught jewellery designer.
14/18
THE JUMA BRAND
The Juma Brand creates collections based on everything from astrology to ancient Egypt.
15/18
THIRD CROWN
Third Crown succeeds in designing statement pieces that can be worn every day.
16/18
VINTAGE ROYALTY
Founded in 2007, Vintage Royalty prizes personal style above all else.
17/18
YAM
Yam is a tribute to the designer’s late mother which highlights the wonder of upcycling.
18/18
SOUL VISIONARY
Soul Visionary creates nothing short of wearable art and is based in London.
First published on Buro247.com.
Now, discover the beauty brands currently supporting the #BlackLivesMatter movement.