It’s easy to get stuck in a hole of shopping from the same old online retailers, seeing the same thing and searching for the best price you can find. But this often leaves many amazing small businesses forgotten or undiscovered.
Buying from small businesses means you often end up with a product that isn't mass produced, but it can also improve diversity and representation, especially when they're owned by women or people from BAME communities. So not only do you get to wear a piece of jewellery you're unlikely to see duplicated on everyone else, you're supporting underrepresented communities. Win win!
If you want to Buy Black but have no clue where to start, we’re here to give you a friendly helping hand, starting with Black-owned jewellery brands. From affordable handmade pieces to luxury fine jewellery, we’ve uncovered some amazing emerging and already established brands you need to know about.
Wakudawww.wakuda.co.uk
Wakuda offers a selection of stunning jewellery designed by Black-owned businesses in the UK, many inspired by African and Caribbean cultural heritage. From statement jewellery to personalised one-off pieces, their products celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of African jewellery such as this beautiful necklace from one of Wakuda's talented businesses.
Feathers + Wingsfeathersandwings.co.uk
Feathers and Wings is a jewellery studio based in London, specialising in fine jewellery and demi-fine jewellery. All their pieces are handcrafted by Black female founder and metalsmith Jane Bannor, who creates sustainable and ethical rings, necklaces, jewellery and bracelets using recycled gold, recycled silver and gold-fill. She has everything from incredibly delicate, low-cost pieces, to captivating necklaces, and pieces available for customisation - perfect for gifting.
Oma the Labelomathelabel.com
Oma The Label is a brand challenging industry standards while creating quality pieces that can become staples in anyone’s wardrobe. Created by New York-based fashion stylist Neumi Anekhe in 2018, Oma The Label was created after Neumi saw a significant lack of POC representation within the fashion industry. She sought to create a brand that would not only provide high-quality fashion pieces but also further diversify the imagery and representation that have dominated modern fashion.
Chalkwww.thechalkhouse.com
Chalk was founded by London-based Malaika, an architect-turned-designer who draws inspiration from the vibrant patterns worn by diverse cultures around the world. Her unique, standout pieces are exquisitely crafted, unconventional and showcase her experience as an architect to balance form and function.
www.off---white.com
Founded by the late Virgil Abloh, Off-White is black-owned and recognised globally by their signature arrows-motif, found on everything from their clothing to jewellery. Streetwear aesthetics are in full force with Off-White jewellery. The Italian label is ready to point you in the right direction with logos, motifs and signature symbols. Pledge your brand allegiance with logo pendant necklaces and find iconic Arrows on everything from stud earrings to chunky gold-tone rings.
auvere.com
For luxury jewellery, look no further than female Black-owned Gold jewellery brand Auvere. Launched in 2017 Auvere is a brand that celebrates the art of handcrafted gold jewellery in its purest forms – 22 and 24 karat gold. The allure of Auvere’s gold jewellery lies not only in its lustrous hue but also in bold design and exceptional craftsmanship. So, for a super special treat and items that will see you through a lifetime check out everything Auvere has to offer, like these beautiful Heartbeat Threader Earrings.
Omi Woodsomiwoods.com
The exquisite jewellery of Omi Woods honours the founder, Ashley Alexis McFarlane's Jamaican-Akan-Indigneous-Maroon heritage and the handmade collections use fairtrade, fully traceable African gold, recycled and ethically-sourced fine metals and gems. The designs celebrate Island and Africana culture and are destined to be handed down through generations as heirloom pieces.
Up to the Neckwww.uptotheneck.com
Up To The Neck know a thing or two about demi-fine jewellery. Their stunning collection includes this best-seller, the With Love From Africa necklace, which features a gold-plated stainless steel outline of Africa on a 50cm chain. And if you want to complete the set the brand also has matching hoop Africa earrings.
How can I Buy Black-owned brands?
Black Pound Day is a great place to start, it lands on the first Saturday of every month so it gives us an extra excuse to discover independent brands that may not get as much publicity as bigger brands – all while supporting a good cause.
Black Pound Day was founded in June 2020 by So Solid Crew member Swiss. Swiss was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and set up the monthly event to support the growth of the UK’s black economy. The goal: to encourage the British public to change their shopping habits and invest in the talents of black entrepreneurs.
Black Pound Day has its own searchable website directory, which covers everything you can think of including groceries, home improvements, plumbing, and even takeaways.
You can search out black-owned clothing brands, hair brands and everything in-between to diversify your shopping habits, and probably discover a new favourite at the same time.
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.