Design, Identity, Legacy: Celebrating Black Voices in Jewelry

In honor of Juneteenth, we celebrate the powerful legacy Black Americans have had on jewelry design—an impact that spans generations and styles. From modernist sculptures to iconic hoops and personalized nameplates, Black designers haven’t just shaped trends—they’ve shaped culture.

Their work tells stories of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride, blending deep-rooted traditions with bold expressions of identity. Let’s explore just a few of the remarkable ways Black artists have shaped the jewelry world.

💎Modernist & Sculptural Jewelry

This style was pioneered by Art Smith, one of the most significant Black jewelry designers in American history.

“A piece of jewelry is in a sense an object that is not complete in itself. Jewelry is a ‘what is it?’ until you relate it to the body.” – Art Smith

Born in Cuba and raised in Brooklyn, Art Smith brought a new vision to jewelry in the 1940s–60s. A bold modernist, Smith created abstract, wearable sculptures using copper, brass, and silver. His work was deeply influenced by African art, surrealism, and modern dance—and often challenged traditional beauty norms.

Opening his own studio in Greenwich Village in 1946, Smith overcame the racism and homophobia of the era to become nationally celebrated. His jewelry was featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and today, his legacy lives on in the collections of the Smithsonian, the Brooklyn Museum, and beyond.

Smith’s designs still influence minimalist and statement jewelry today—and his story embodies the intersection of identity, artistry, and liberation.

💎Afrocentric & Tribal Inspired Jewelry

Deeply rooted in African heritage, this jewelry often features:

• Cowrie shells

• Ankh and Adinkra symbols

• Wooden beads and tribal motifs

• Beadwork inspired by Maasai and Fulani cultures

Popularized during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements of the 1960s–70s, Afrocentric jewelry was (and remains) a visual statement of cultural pride.

💎Hip-Hop & Urban Jewelry 

Originating in the 1970s and '80s, hip-hop jewelry is about self-expression, status, and power.

• Gold chains, oversized pendants, iced-out watches

• Made famous by artists like Run-DMC, Notorious B.I.G., and later, Jay-Z and Pharrell

• Designed by influential jewelers like Jacob the Jeweler, Ben Baller, and Greg Yuna

This bold, extravagant style continues to evolve with innovations in lab-grown diamonds, custom engraving, and gemstone settings—remaining a key part of hip-hop fashion culture.

💎Nameplate Necklaces & Personalized Jewelry

What began as a trend in the 1970s and 1980s in Black and Latinx neighborhoods became a cultural staple:

• Custom gold or silver nameplates and initial pendants

• Often paired with bamboo hoops or layered chains

• A personal way to express identity, especially for those historically excluded from mainstream narratives

Still beloved today, nameplate jewelry has been reimagined by designers and worn by icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Zendaya.

💎Red Gold Jewelry

Introduced to luxury markets by Nigerian-American designer Chris Aire, red gold (a warmer shade of rose gold) became a symbol of elegance and innovation.

Aire—known as “The King of Bling”—worked with stars like LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal, redefining high-end men’s jewelry and timepieces.

 

💎Beaded & Wire Jewelry

Drawing from African beadwork traditions, this style often incorporates:

• Glass, gemstone, wooden, or clay beads

• Wire-wrapping techniques and spiritual motifs

Modern Black-owned brands often blend these traditional methods with contemporary aesthetics—each piece serving as a symbol of ancestry, spirituality, and style.

💎Statement Hoop Earrings

Hoops are more than a fashion statement—they’re a declaration. Popularized in the 1960s–70s by Black and Latina women, they remain an enduring symbol of confidence and identity.

Styles range from:

• Oversized and gold-plated

• Bamboo or textured

• Script or charm-embellished

Today, hoop earrings are a cross-generational staple—worn with pride and often passed down like heirlooms.

 

Honoring Legacy, Celebrating Innovation

From gallery worthy modernism to bold street style statements, Black jewelers and designers have continually reshaped the meaning of adornment. Their pieces speak volumes—telling stories of resilience, pride, joy, and radical self-expression, all rooted in heritage and fueled by creativity.

This Juneteenth, we celebrate that legacy—not just by looking back, but by lifting it up, and supporting its future.