Summer’s a time for maxi dresses and flowy tops, sandals and flip flops, bold, bright colors and big, bangin’ jewelry. In my opinion there’s nothing more summertime sexy than short natural hair, sizzling eye makeup and huge earrings.
You know I love my jewelry, and I love my up and coming designers. I have been collecting and reviewing and curating a list for you bellas for a minute now! If you’re seeking some hot new jewelry with which to adorn yourself this summer, read on. But don’t blame me if you wind up doing some shopping halfway through this post!
Jewelry designer #1 — Jaz Jewelz.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jasmin Mitchell of JazJewelz at events here in Chicago, and I currently own two pairs of her earrings. I would describe her jewelry as subtly stunning. Jasmin has a unique style and her jewelry is funky, yet understated. JazJewelz makes use of a variety of natural materials — seeds, fossils, feathers, shells and semi-precious stones. In person Jasmin is very laid back and sweet, and if you live in Chicago you might be lucky enough to catch her selling her wares in person at a natural hair meetup!
Earrings by Jaz Jewelz
These are her 14 karat gold filled and amethyst briolette earrings, to give you an idea of her style. Click here to check out her Etsy page, and click here to follow her on Twitter!
Jewelry designer #2 — KFleye.
KFleye’s jewelry is not for shy girls or shrinking violets. If you’re the kind of woman who loves turning heads with truly unique, statement making jewelry, prepare to fall in love. In person, Kelley of KFleye is as sweet as pie, super friendly and genuine. Her jewelry is most often made from leather, stone, wire and acrylic, and many of her pieces are definitely conversation starters.
Earrings by KFleye
Her metallic leather pocketbook earrings are quirky, unique, and give you just a sample of KFleye’s style! Check out her Etsy shop for more, and click here to follow her on Twitter.
Jewelry designer #3 — Cab Crochet.
When Cheryl, the creator of CabCrochet, contacted me to share news about her new jewelry line I was excited to see her work even before clicking on the link to her Etsy shop. Cheryl is a Trini like me, and besides that she is also a breast cancer survivor! Cheryl’s jewelry is made from thread and wire, and as the name would indicate, it’s all about crochet. Her big, bright crochet earrings just define summertime outdoor festival chic, but my favorite of her pieces are made of gold and silver metallic wire, which she crochets into bracelets and dangling earrings. They’re very fly and cool while still being feminine and classic.
earrings by Cabcrochet
Check out her Hoop x 4 earrings, just $15, super lightweight, and timelessly chic! Click here to follow her on Facebook.
Jewelry designer #4 – Lingua Nigra.
Bold, edgy and fierce – Lingua Nigra jewelry is not for the timid. Made in Brooklyn by Alicia Goodwin, Lingua Nigra means “black tongue,” and her jewelry is best described as organically funky. I first saw her jewelry in Chicago at the One of a Kind Show (I think!) — all I remember is, Lingua Nigra jewelry made me stop in my tracks and turn around to see more. Alicia uses brass, gold, coins, and etched sterling silver to handcraft truly unique adornments.
I think I need her Alien Key necklace in my life! Click here to follow her on Facebook.
Jewelry designer #5 – Adha Zelma.
OK, so Adha Zelma isn’t a person. It’s the name of the jewelry line made by Brooklyn-based designers Cherise TrahanMiller and Sheanan Bond. All I can say is, this is jewelry for rock stars. If you’re a lady who wears studs and button earrings, Adha Zelma may not be for you. But if you’re a performer at heart, if you love the kind of jewelry that a rock star would wear, don’t look any further. Feathers, abalone, moonstone, 24 karat gold – these designers create audacious jewelry out of an interesting collection of materials.
earrings by Adha Zelma
How gorgeous are these arabella earrings? Wow. Click here to like them on Facebook.
See anything you like, you need, you have to have? Feel free to thank/tell me off on behalf of your bank account in the comments!!
I am a island boy who loves the ladies, even more so when they are all natural. There is not a more beautiful masterpiece like that of an all natural woman,such a lady have a brother like me saying “Whoa man!” 🙂
I am a jewelry designer and i am looking to start on working with wire. These are some BEAUTIFUL pieces and I am inspired, thanks!
lOVE it!!!
You are gonna get me in TROUBLE w/the MR. First mac lip glass now these earrings. I have already peeped some pieces from Jaz I’m about to order.
Loving Adha style the feather features are my fav! :}
Thank you for this list
Thank you for sharing the Adha Zelma Love!
Enjoy 20% off of your order through July 4th!
Use check out code: Stars
http://shop.adhazelma.com
Happy Weekend!
Sarah
Thanks again for this feature Bella. I appreciate it so much.
Beautiful pieces from all the jewelers. My poor pocket book!
Thank you, Bella, for the blog post. I also recommend the Bohemian Spirit jewelry blog. I own several pieces. It is stylish, affordable jewelry. 🙂
I took a course this past Spring at FIT on jewelry and I now make my own pieces, but I still support other artists as I love buying from independent jewelers and wear different pieces.
First MAC now this! THANKS! : )
Bella, I adore you!
I just realized that KFelye is the designer whose earrings I fell in love with in the short film shown on BET website! I saw her fashions on tv (Kim Fields was the host of the show) and loved her items! I’m so glad I now know who the designer was!
THANK YOU!!! : ) *Thumbs up again!!!*
Thank you Bella!!!
Fabulousness! Thanks, I just ordered from Jaz Jewelz!
Thank you for profiling these artists!! I ordered two pair of earrings from Cab Crochet and they are BEAUTIFUL! and QUICK shipping too. I ordered on Friday and got them Monday! I will be ordering more!
Congratulations!!! to my fellow EAOC(etsy artist of color) team member…
Congrats fellow EAOC members and other ladies!! Handmade ROCKS!!! So proud of you! Keep blessings others with you gift!
~Blessings!
Chari
charitsinspirationalcreations.blogspot.com
Great article…as an artisan jewelry designer of color, this type of exposure is appreciated. So much talent!
Good post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject?
I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Thank you!
Greetings Sister Afrobella,
I’m the owner of LovinPink.com. I use 100% gemstones handmade jewelry. Please visit my website and include me in your next up and coming jewelers you should know. Feel free to contact me at akaodell@gmail.com I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sisterly,
Shela Brooks
I look forward to being in your next up and coming jewelers you should know. Thank You!
Hi, Thanku for sharing these Designs.