Many fast fashion retailers such as Zara, H&M, and Forever 21 are producing statement pseudo-quality jewelry with an ethnic flair. You’ll be tempted to purchase them because of the price and their unique ethnic aesthetic only to realize that they’ll fall apart, irritate your skin, or fade within a few wears. Smaller, independently owned, jewelry companies such as 84 Gem are making stunner statement body adornments that are made with time, love, and quality sourced materials.
A statement from the brand owner, Kimone Young, “A combination of contemporary and traditional tribal jewelry styles, 84Gem offers very unique pieces reminiscent to jewelry found in other countries and cultures. Inspired by my personal travels, the designs consists of an organic mixture of natural gemstones, beads and metals. All pieces are handmade in Brooklyn and material is sourced from India, Istanbul and some parts of Africa. Each piece is created to evoke a sense of power, strength and confidence to the wearer. ”
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I had the pleasure of reviewing and sampling a few of 84 Gem’s pieces and fell in love with the crafts’woman’ship of her pieces. Each of her pieces is distinctly designed with strong elements of cultural details from her travels. (Check out each piece in the video above). I’ll be doing a bit more traveling within the next few months and will be sure to purchase a few of her earrings and necklaces to pair with my destinations.
