POPSUGAR UK

14 Asian-Owned Jewellery Brands to Support Today and Every Day

20/04/2021 - 12:15 AM

The wave of anti-Asian violence [1] currently happening around the country is truly horrifying, and there are certain steps we all need to take to fight racism and show our support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. In terms of the latter, one of the simplest ways to lend a hand is by directing your spending toward Asian-owned small businesses.

As an Asian American, discovering Asian-owned brands is more than a hobby of mine — it's a passion. And if there's anything that the past year has taught me, it's that being intentional about the brands we support is absolutely necessary. Not to mention, living in T-shirts and sweats [2] has only crystallized that accessorising with jewellery [3] is a surefire way to feel something again. In fact, I made a resolution to keep brands helmed by Asians at the forefront of my purchases (if that isn't the definition of guilt-free shopping, then I don't know what is).

With that in mind, I've compiled a list of Asian-owned jewellery brands for you to shop, whatever your sartorial persona is, be it minimalist, maximalist, or quirky cool. If you're just starting to build your jewellery collection, I suggest investing in a few solid 14k or 18k options in classic silhouettes that will last you a lifetime, and possibly even achieve heirloom status. In the market for trendy, playful pieces? Opt for fun (and affordable) demifine options.

Whether you want to don pieces for the outside world or bedazzle your Zoom look, keep scrolling to shop 14 amazing Asian-owned jewellery brands that deserve all of your support.

Grace Lee

For fine jewellery with a subtle, unexpected twist, Grace Lee is your go-to. We love how the Cali brand fuses minimalism with a touch of whimsy (think: quartz heart pendants on dainty chains, slim ring bands with asymmetrical bow details, and ear huggers featuring intricate Art Deco beading).

Our Pick: Grace Lee Petite Angled Ribbon Ring

Grace Lee Petite Angled Ribbon Ring [4] ($238)

Sonia Hou

Chinese-American jewellery designer Sonia Hou offers demi-fine pieces that highlight her heritage. Beloved by celebrities including Joey King [5], Hou's recent Crazy Asian collection (inspired by the Kevin Kwan masterpiece) highlights bastions of Asian culture with pieces shaped like chopsticks, rice, and even noodles. Suddenly we're hungry.

Our Pick: Sonia Hou Noodle Wave 18K Gold Vermeil Stackable Ring

Sonia Hou Noodle Wave 18K Gold Vermeil Stackable Ring [6] (originally $70, now $50)

Amarilo

Love to layer? Amarilo offers delicate options that look great solo or stacked together. The South Asian-owned brand is perfect for the modern minimalist who wants to build a solid jewellery foundation. From casual chains in 14k gold to diamond-encrusted pendants, options abound.

Our Pick: Amarilo Jules Anklet

Amarilo Jules Anklet [7] ($195)

Limnia

This Filipina-owned fine jewellery label offers an impressive assortment of modular jewellery: necklaces that can be disassembled as anklets, rings that transform into earrings, and multi-way akoya pearl danglers. Go ahead and get creative. Bonus: Limnia's production operations are based in the Philippines to help keep local artisans employed.

Our Pick: Solana 4-in-1 Rings/Earrings

Solana 4-in-1 Rings/Earrings [8] ($1698)

Boma

Boma boasts a variety of fun and modern designs including statement-making pin earrings, oversized hoops, and cute animal studs (Brontosaurus earrings, anyone?). Add these tongue-in-cheek pieces to your rotation when you're feeling extra playful. Each one is made in Thailand to fuel the local economy, so you'll definitely be shopping for a good cause.

Our Pick: Boma Origami Giraffe Studs

Boma Origami Giraffe Studs [9] ($20)

Mejuri

A favourite of celebs like Selena Gomez [10] and Ariana Grande [11], Mejuri offers fine jewellery for everyday wear. Minimal yet high-impact, the brand, founded by Jordan-born Noura Sakkijha, carries a range of price points and offers both gold vermeil as well as diamond-studded 14k options. Croissant earrings, classic hoops, and stackable rings are tried-and-true Mejuri favourites. You can also book a free virtual styling service for layering ideas straight from an expert, if you desire.

Our Pick: Goop x Mejuri Pavé Diamond Dôme Hoops

Goop x Mejuri Pavé Diamond Dôme Hoops [12] ($650)

AMYO Jewellery

Founder Gina Nam comes from a family of jewelers, so it's no surprise that her own label is a treasure trove of essentials. From gold-plated to 14k options, shop AMYO Jewellery for minimal pieces that exude femininity. The best part? Fifteen percent of proceeds from sales benefit AAPI Women Lead. [13]

Our Pick: AMYO Jewellery Stella Starburst Choker

Stella Starburst Choker [14] ($95)

Priscilla Ma

Small business owner Priscilla Ma was on the hunt for non-tarnish jewellery when she decided to launch her own eponymous label. We love the unexpected elements like floral engravings and hammered metal details that offer a subtle nuance, and, of course, the fact that each piece is extremely tarnish-resistant.

Our Pick: Priscilla Ma Chain Link Bracelet

Priscilla Ma Chain Link Bracelet [15] ($26)

Maaari

Inspired by indigenous Filipino culture, Maaari specialises in bold, angular pieces in sculpted brass. The brand's "reimagined heritage" pieces are modern and striking, with generous cuts of stones like onyx and tiger's eye. Add these gems to any casual outfit for instant sophistication.

Our Pick: Maaari Onyx Lunar Collar

Maaari Onyx Lunar Collar [16] ($220)

Notte

If you're into fun and quirky handmade jewellery (let's be real, who isn't?), Notte is the brand for you. Check out their mismatched earrings, glass danglers of Asian cuisine, and beaded necklaces for a statement-making look.

Our Pick: Notte Love At First Sight Necklace

Notte Love At First Sight Necklace [17] ($82)

Maison Miru

Owned by Trisha Okubo, New York-based label Maison Miru was created to offer accessible jewellery that showcases each wearer's unique personality. The resulting assortment is vibrant and lively — just like you on your best days.

Our Pick: Maison Miru Evil Eye Studs

Maison Miru Evil Eye Studs [18] ($49)

KATKIM

Los Angeles-based brand KATKIM's sustainable fine jewellery pieces in unexpected silhouettes are basically wearable art. Psst, it also has a great selection of modern engagement rings, just in case you're conducting some preliminary research.

Our Pick: KATKIM Francesca Ear Pin

KATKIM Francesca Ear Pin [19] ($1,340)

V Coterie

Founded by Leena Van Merkey while she was in dental school, V Coterie is a tribute to all things health care (we're talking kidney-shaped pendants and medical cross necklaces). Fortunately, you don't need to be working in the medical field to wear these cheeky designs.

Our Pick: V Coterie EKG Ear Cuff

V Coterie EKG Ear Cuff [20] ($38)

Kinn Studio

This fine jewellery label founded by Jennie Yoon creates timeless designs in classic silhouettes. Simple yet elegant, the pearl drop earrings, hoops, and signet rings in 14k solid gold are buildable modern heirlooms that are 100 percent worth the investment.

Our Pick: Kinn Classic Hoop Earrings

Kinn Classic Hoop Earrings [21] ($320)


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