While I’ll always love a stack of minimalist, thin rings or a layering of delicate gold chain necklaces, recently my jewelry taste has gotten funkier, bolder, and nostalgic—I’ve even been test-driving an anklet. In my recent bedazzled renaissance, I’ve encountered tons of independent jewelry designers producing pieces at a variety of price points. Below, I rounded up a handful of my favorites, all founded by women in the past five years. If you are ready to venture outside the world of dainty gold chains, this is a great place to start.
Anna Kikue
Anna Kikue Levenson’s jewelry line adds just the right amount of edge to staples like chain necklaces and signet rings to make them stand out while maintaining their casual wearability. Handcrafted from recycled and ethically-sourced silver, gold, and stones, Levenson’s pieces are a fresh take on timeless classics.
Yam
Queens-based jewelry line Yam produces cheeky, handmade pieces that are charming and ultra-wearable. Founded by Morgan Thomas, the line features upcycled materials, pearls, and millefiori beads in delightful, feminine designs.
Beepy Bella
If you want to know what cool girls in the East Village are wearing, it’s Isabella Lalonde’s ethereal jewelry line, Beepy Bella. With its whimsical combinations of pearls with butterfly, strawberry, and mushroom charms, the brand's pieces are gorgeous and quirky with a hint of after-school-craft nostalgia.
Mudd Pearl
Another cool-girl staple, Mudd Pearl’s stunning, unconventional strands have been seen on Charli XCX, Chloe Cherry, and Hunter Schafer. Founded in 2021 by Yasmin Moon and Mary Anderson, the line has a sexy mermaid babe in the bayou vibe for those who desire a unique take on the pearl trend.
Harlot Hands
Established in 2020 by two fine artists, Harlot Hands makes jewelry an Elvin warrior princess would wear. Silver claw-like shapes are running motif throughout their pieces, juxtaposing the beautiful and the deadly in a homage to dark fairytales.
