Jewelry, however small, shiny or sparkly, carries a story with it. You might have a favorite ring that you wear every day, or a pendant passed down from a distant relative that you can’t live without.
And, if you’re on the hunt for more earrings, necklaces and more to add to your own collection right now, here are five jewelry designers based in the DMV worth checking out.
Designed and handcrafted by Makeda Siobahn Smith, founder of Sio Ceramics, the upcoming release of her “Rise” collection is based off of Black literary influences that have left an impact on the world. These earrings honor Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of We Should All Be Feminists. They’ll be available in early August, but are currently up for pre-order. // Chimamanda Earrings, Sio Ceramics; $50
There’s nothing wrong with wanting simple jewelry that adds a bit of shine to your neck, wrist or fingers. This 14-karat gold bracelet adds a feel of added effort to any outfit, without being distracting from colorful patterns or heavy charms. Alexandria-based Jamie Park Jewelry offers the simplicity and beauty you’ve been looking for. // 14K Gold Open Circle Bracelet, Jamie Park Jewelry; $189
If you’re a frequent visitor at Bishop Boutique, you’ve probably already seen pieces by The Pink Reef, handmade by Alexandria-based Janice Park, an Emmy-nominated journalist. She’s also a classically trained musician, and clearly has an eye for floral-inspired designs too. These handset earrings offer that floral design with the sparkle and shine of Austian crystal. // Aurora Borealis crystal floral burst stud, The Pink Reef; $65
NoVA-based Sophie Blake knows how to make stylish, simple jewelry designs with an emphasis on clean lines and multiple metal options. Here, this Stella cuff shown in gold is an eye-catcher, and is asymmetrical in composition, adding artistic and unique style to any outfit. // Stella Cuff, 14K Gold, Sophie Blake; $295
This is another piece in Sio Ceramic’s “Rise” collection, honoring the names of groundbreaking Black authors. Sio Ceramics is a Black- and woman-owned business based in NoVA, specializing in jewelry and handcrafted home pieces. These necklaces offer a subtle gold design on molded clay pendants, and come in three fashionable designs. This item is currently available for pre-order. // Angela Necklace, Sio Ceramics; $44
Falls Church resident Charles Agel doubles as a local jewelry maker and an art teacher at Justice High School, where he teaches digital art and jewelry design to dozens of local students. This handcrafted ring could be perfect for you during the coronavirus era, based on a prayer or worry ring, meant to give the wearer good luck and good fortune, and rid you of anxiety and worry. // Sterling Silver Spinner Ring, The Captured Muse; $90
If you’ve been on the hunt for a unique ring, this is it. This pear-cut, lab-grown sapphire ring from Jamie Park Jewelry is based off of Victorian-era jewelry and is inset with small, sparkly diamonds too. It’s a made-to-order piece that’s perfect for stacking with other rings, or wearing as a sparkly statement piece with other 14-karat gold pieces from the Alexandria-based company. // Pear Cut White Sapphire Diamond Ring, Jamie Park Jewelry; $496
Forget hoops and studs for a moment, but don’t lose sight of statement earrings to add to your collection. These gold, handset earrings by The Pink Reef give an antique feel with a modern shine, and are perfect for pairing with a stylish thrifted outfit or your dressy weekend attire. // Jewel floral stud, The Pink Reef; $75
A simple pendant necklace, to be paired with any outfit that needs a little extra shine, is hard to beat. This one is designed by Sophie Blake and is a favorite of stylist Lindsey Evans, who has been adding it to some of her summer outfits this season. If rose gold, shown here, isn’t your speed, check out the silver and gold options instead. // Marta Pendant, Rose Gold, Sophie Blake; $295
Also designed by Falls Church-based Charles Agel of The Captured Muse, these mid-century-modern earrings are a great pop of color and have a simplistic design that can add a bit of flare to any outfit. // Mid-Century Chic Earrings, The Captured Muse; $50
For more fashionable finds, subscribe to our weekly Shopping newsletter.
