My jewelry rotation has been expanding as of late—and so has the list of jewelry brands that I turn to. This is not at all a complaint, though. A huge benefit of the job of an editor is the constant, never-ending exposure to new brands, both big and small. Through this exposure, my rotation has been blessed with the pinky rings, statement necklaces, and hoop earrings of my dreams—it has also inspired me to dip my toes into the world of yellow gold which is pretty huge for me.
This month, we’re taking the time to acknowledge the LGBTQ+ owned and operated jewelry brands that bless our feeds and jewelry boxes and complete our looks year-round. From small, independently run brands prioritizing reframing narratives of queer desire to brands creating custom, gender neutral engagement rings out of recycled materials, this collection of brands offers it all.
Ahead, 7 LGBTQ+ jewelry brands to help expand your rotation.
Founded in 2018 by mother and son duo Jill and Max Johnson, mythology is at the forefront of the brand’s designs. Think Aphrodite and Medusa pendants, gemstone rings, and pieces that make you feel protected.
2. Automic Gold
All handmade out of their New York City studio, Automic Gold’s queer, indigenous, non-binary, and refugee founder AL Sandimir founded the brand with size inclusivity as a priority. Sandimir’s jewelry career began with them buying and repairing used gold and diamond jewelry from eBay. Now, Automic Gold’s offerings include wedding bands and engagement rings, customizable birthstone pieces, and pieces meant to be worn everyday.
3. Chouette Designs
@chouettedesignsFounded and operated by wives Ashley and Marine, Chouette aims to create size inclusive jewelry for everyone and custom pieces reflective of specific couples unique love stories. Aside from engagement rings, Chouette’s offerings include stackable everyday rings, statement earrings, and eye-catching pendants.
Owned by Yayoi Forest of Yayoi Forest Jewelry, Written By Forest showcases both her handcrafted pieces and those of other local jewelers. Born and raised in Osaka, Japan, Forest moved to the United States in 1999 to attend the Fashion Institute Of Technology in NYC where she studied jewelry design. Now, Written By Forest’s offerings include unique and ethereal wedding bands, gemstone pendant earrings, and pearl bracelets.
Trevor Mock started Gilty Boy with the intention of channeling symbols of career desire through wearable art and reframing narratives of queer sexuality. With a background in illustration, Mock works out of studio in Tucson, Arizona and offers pieces symbolic of the human body, bolo ties, and more.
Owned and founded by certified goldsmith Charlotte LaRue Mazey, the brand was born in New York City, raised in San Francisco, and is now based in Kingston, New York. LaRue & Co.’s ethos prioritizes size and gender inclusivity, and sustainability.
Founded in 2018 by Simon Zhang and Andrew Lim and based in New York City, Holden specializes in custom gender-neutral wedding bands and engagement rings made with lab-grown diamonds, recycled materials, and with the help of 3D printing. They offer everyday pieces, too, incuding signet rings, tennis bracelets, and statement pendants.
