In recent years, the luxury fashion landscape has undergone a significant transformation. Accessories for men are no longer an afterthought, as the emergence of meticulously crafted jewelry highlights a shift in personal style that transcends traditional items like sneakers and watches. Chains, rings, cuffs, and pendants have become staple accessories, reflecting a move towards fashion that is expressive and modern.
This evolution is particularly intriguing with the rise of Black-owned jewelry brands that are reshaping the industry. Rather than imitating European luxury traditions, these designers are crafting their own unique narratives, drawing inspiration from heritage, architecture, music, street culture, and exquisite craftsmanship. The outcome is a vibrant generation of brands offering some of the most innovative and personal men’s jewelry available today.
Discover seven Black-owned brands that are making waves in the jewelry world…
Auvere
Auvere, established by the husband-and-wife duo Steven Feldman and Gina Feldman Love, operates on a bold premise: jewelry should be crafted from genuine gold. Unlike many commercial brands that use 14k or 18k gold, Auvere opts for 22k and 24k gold, providing pieces with lasting intrinsic value. Their collection is characterized by bold, architectural designs, including statement chains and geometric pendants, all handmade by expert artisans in New York City and Jaipur.
Auvere also features “The Singular,” a unique line of exclusive pieces with certificates of authenticity, positioning their jewelry as a wearable investment.
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Martine Ali
Martine Ali, a designer based in Brooklyn, crafts jewelry reminiscent of a ’90s hip-hop aesthetic. Her creations, which include silver chains, chokers, ID bracelets, and wallet chains, are designed to be modular. This allows for customization as pieces can be clipped together or adjusted, combining functionality with striking design.
Ali primarily uses sterling silver and a custom “heirloom silver” that develops a vintage look over time. Her designs have been worn by celebrities like Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga, making her brand a blend of streetwear and luxury.
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Khiry
Jameel Mohammed founded Khiry in 2016 in defiance of a luxury executive’s assertion that true luxury could only originate from places like Paris or Milan. He created a jewelry brand rooted in the African diaspora’s rich heritage and philosophy.
Khiry’s standout pieces include the Khartoum bangle, inspired by the Dinka people’s cattle horns. The brand uses materials like 18k gold vermeil, sterling silver, and semi-precious stones. Mohammed’s success was solidified with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award in 2021, positioning Khiry as a leader in contemporary luxury fashion.
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Third Crown
Third Crown was created by Kristin and Kofi Essel, whose diverse backgrounds span Harlem, London, Ghana, and Jamaica, adding depth to their brand. Their designs are bold and architectural, maintaining a strong visual identity while being completely gender-neutral, making them accessible to everyone.
Collections like Arc/Marcy, inspired by architectural arches, and the Bizote collection, featuring stones like tiger’s eye and amethyst, showcase their unique style.
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Didris
Didris, founded by British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris, is a tribute to his mother who sold gold jewelry across Europe. The brand offers handcrafted, unisex designs ranging from simple 18k gold bands to intricate diamond-encrusted cuffs, using ethically sourced materials from African countries such as Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
All gemstones are certified by the Kimberley Process, and the pieces are made in Mumbai using traditional jewelry-making techniques. Prices range from $1,200 to high-end six-figure commissions.
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Bernard James
Bernard James is a self-taught jeweler who honed his skills in New York’s Diamond District before launching his brand in 2020. His pieces are distinguished by their hand-carved, fluid designs inspired by nature, particularly the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Collections such as Flora, Fungi, and Crushed Link have a natural feel, with each piece crafted in New York City from solid sterling silver and gold. James has received accolades, including ESSENCE’s Accessories Designer of the Year award, and has gained a celebrity following for his custom engagement and wedding rings.
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Mateo
Mateo, founded by Matthew Harris in 2009, began with a men’s collection inspired by a working man’s toolbox. Harris, who grew up in Montego Bay, Jamaica, taught himself jewelry design by studying in New York’s Jewelry District.
The brand eventually expanded to women’s fine jewelry, but Harris’s signature clean lines and modern minimalism continue to define the label. Mateo’s pieces are crafted in various shades of 14k gold and incorporate diamonds, pearls, and vibrant gemstones.
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Why These Brands Are “It”
The success of Black-owned jewelry brands isn’t just about diversity becoming trendy. Their innovation is transforming luxury by introducing new narratives and aesthetics into an industry often dominated by tradition.
These brands broaden the meaning of men’s jewelry, making it more than just a status symbol. It can now express culture, emotion, architecture, minimalism, rebellion, or deep personal significance, sometimes all at once.
This evolution is why these brands are gaining attention and are poised to influence the future of men’s accessories.
Featured image: @thirdcrown/Instagram
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