The older I get the more my style evolves, but truth be told, I’ve always been a jewelry girl, even when I was little. Upon opening my online bohemian shop, Arden Trading Co., a few store owners told me in different words, “Always sell jewelry because deep down all women love it and will buy it.” I think there is definitely some truth in that. I wear my jewelry as art and always as a finishing statement to each outfit, but I mostly wear it in a sentimental way. Especially if it is gifted to me by someone I love. I wear a ring my father gave to my mother around my neck as a pendant that reminds me of each of them daily. There’s just something about jewelry that is special and timeless to each person that wears it. Lately, I’ve been gravitating more toward artistic, hand-made jewelry that has a certain sturdiness to it. Sometimes it’s fun to wear a simple ensemble of all black paired with larger statement earrings. That way I can pull my hair back and still feel fancy and put together. My fiancé has called me a Bob Ross look-alike before, he has even told me that I look like a second-grade substitute teacher, an art curator and that I work for the United Nations, “You just look political,” he said to me the other day. Which I overarchingly agreed with and mainly attribute to my extensive jewelry collection. “I just like to call it style,” I told him, and thank God I have it.

With a profound love for jewelry, I am always on the hunt for my next favorite piece or jewelry artist to follow and admire. I recently worked with our editorial team to pull together some of our favorite jewelry brands that we are crushing on lately. I’m excited to share these artists with you. These are all ladies that are doing things their own way and with a distinct sense of style. I would love to hear what your favorite jewelry brands are these days!

1. EM Jewelry + Design

Opis earrings // Heavy Tola Cuff // Mini Lei Hair Pin

This fall, Ellen Mote, owner of EM Jewelry + Design, sent us an email introducing her stunning line of handmade jewelry. Within minutes of browsing her site, I felt captivated by the artfully crafted designs and apparent attention to detail. Pulling inspiration from the linear and geometric forms of buildings and skyscrapers, EM Jewelry is unique yet timeless. The latest Sela Collection focuses on bringing it back to basics, featuring pieces made to be worn every day of the week.

2. Annika

Holiday Earrings // Sealed Ring // Feelings Cuff

The W&D team is super excited about the new direction that Annika Jewelry, formally known as Annika Kaplan, is taking following the brand’s relaunch last fall. In addition to the name change, the rebranding presented a whole new look, website and the launch of a sister line of custom-made commitment jewelry, Annika Fine. Inspired by nature and folk traditions, both collections feature earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings that are hand-made using sterling silver, bronze, brass with occasional pops of gold.

3. Sophie Buhai

Arp Earrings // Medium Everyday Hoops // Wave Ring

An accomplished designer across several disciplines, Sophie Buhai’s line of jewelry is truly a work of art. It should be no surprise that many of her designs are inspired by artists like Georgia O’Keefe and Robert Mapplethorpe. Each piece is beautiful, elegant, and often of substantial weight, similar to a sculpture. Sophie Buhai’s team of master artisans in Los Angelos use recycled materials in hopes of minimizing their environmental impact. Beyond their online boutique, shoppers can peruse the jewelry at the Dover Street Market, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter and The Line, as well as at several institutions of art and design.

4. J. Hannah

Petite Venn Necklace // Rectangle Signet, Dendritic Opal // Lumen Bracelet

After inheriting a few pieces of her grandmother’s vintage jewelry, Jess Hannah (founder of J. Hannah), gained an entirely new appreciation for elegant, exceptionally crafted jewelry. Her increasing fascination with the history of jewelry led her to launch her own line, a reflection of the family heirlooms she cherishes so deeply. Each J. Hannah collection carries some form of historical significance, serving as a point of connection to a different era and a constant source of inspiration to the modern woman. All designs are made-to-order from solid and 14K gold, as well as ethically sourced semiprecious stones.

5. Fay Andrada

Uuma Earrings // Alexa Bracelet // Kulma Ring

Brooklyn-based brand Fay Andrada creates minimalist jewelry that evokes maximalist beauty. Using the principals of graphic design as its foundation, her jewelry is hand-crafted using hammers, files, and flames. Despite the brand’s structural basis, Fay encourages her artisans to embrace the imperfections of the human hand, creating organic pieces each different from the next. Designs include bold earrings, delicate pendant necklaces and cuff bracelets made of gold, silver, and brass.

–

Top image via Sophie Buhai, all others courtesy of companies linked.

Stefani Ellenbecker is the Editorial Director at Wit & Delight. When she’s not feverishly editing or writing about style and interiors, she runs her bohemian shop  Arden Trading Co. where she sells artisan-made textiles and home goods. She lives in Minneapolis with her fiancé Muhamed.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave