Dearest Readers,
Hope you’ve been well in this extended hiatus since I’ve appeared in your inbox.
Because the formal nature of this newsletter is intended to be centered around featuring the ins and outs of one brand each week, this is still somewhat of a “special issue” but nonetheless its my passion project so I get to make the rules.
In my personal life, I’ve been trying to learn ways to adapt my college wardrobe to a post-grad wardrobe and often that includes some form of jewelry. Having worked in jewelry some in the past, I also am aware that the mark up of jewelry makes it a challenging market to understand as large jewelry brands attempt to leverage the mystique of luxury to silence questions about sourcing, material price, even what material rarity. But, it also taught me that jewelry is a well-loved, artisan practice at the core of which are true creatives who bring joy, patience, and vision into the pieces they create.
Sooo, in the spirit of recon ;) let me bring that info to you in the form of 5 jewelry brands with a focus on handmade, sustainable designs.
If you want lava lamps encapsulated in silver: Onkalo Jewellery (yes, the British spelling)
With prices ranging from $28 to $260, Nia - based out of Wales - makes jewelry “fit for the end of the world” (which sounds eerily more and more relevant nowadays). Designers have been taking to the runway to display themes of apocalypse for many years now so its not something new to our consciousness which makes it all the more wearing and significant. There are “Globule earrings” and “Gravity rings,” the styles of which range from somewhere between Grundocore and Halo 2 Energy Swords. Given that I’ve now sufficiently exposed myself as a nerd, the point here is that - while conceptually they Onkalo’s collection might be cohesive in its otherworldly experience - on their own, the pieces are super minimalistic, sleek, and perfect for stacking amongst other rings you might have in your wardrobe already.
If you want a custom piece to make you feel like Selena Gomez: Brandon Hurtado Sandler
Boy, boy, boy does Brandon have an eye for stones. One thing I’ve been turned off from during my time working in jewelry is any and all contact with diamonds. The current systems in place don’t properly weed out so-named “conflict diamonds” meaning that diamonds end up being only half checked or barely at all for their tracing practices before being labeled “conflict free.” However, the small hole in my heart for the beauty of diamonds was quickly replaced by gemstones - often rarer, cheaper, more unique, and (in my opinion) more beautiful. Brandon recognizes the beauty of gems and displays them beautifully. Most of his recognizable pieces are lip rings and ear pins, but Brandon’s range really seems limitless. All pieces are handmade and hand set- DM to order on instagram.
Additionally, all shipping and packaging is plastic free :D
If you want a conversation starter at your fingertips: Fuchsia Peach Rings
Based in Los Angeles, with prices between $24 and $50, Fuchsia Peach Rings makes conceptual rings that hang off your finger with a fun detail - a fan, a seashell, a cocktail glass, you name it. All are one-of-a-kind, so you’re sure never to ever need a prom dress facebook group again for your accessories.
If you want the memories turned mold beautified: OTILIA
With flower rings and wormlike earrings, Emily Manion (OTILIA’s designer) has an eye for shapes - generally the less rigid the better. She often works in pastels - sure to bring you into the spring mindset faster than the global warming weather’s random 70 degree days can. While she’s launching on some up and coming platforms, at present the best way to order seems to be via DM so send them a message!
If you’re into the details: Mont Jewellery (oop sandwiched the British spellings in here)
With prices from £45 to £225, Mont makes a range of earrings, necklaces, and rings that are simple yet made eternally complex by their attention to laying their gemstones or tiny little ridges. They partner with Ecologi to assist them in developing a “climate positive workplace” - 3 plants are planted with every purchase! They make a conscious effort to reuse materials - melting down old pieces to create anew - when they have to garner new materials, they focus on local options. They also attempt to minimize waste by properly anticipating demand and limiting stock to reflect it. They even actively share industry specific insights, like the reasoning behind hallmarking with the customers to create a more open dialogue. They’re based in the UK and take orders through their website.
Hope something shiny caught your eye! If you have any feedback for this newsletter, please share your thoughts here.
Thanks so much for reading - happy hump day!
If all goes well, I’ll see you in your inbox next week <3
xoxo