Pride and Joy

Jun 5

6 LGBTQIA+ jewelry designers we love

June is Pride Month, a joyful time to celebrate and show support for the LGBTQIA+ community and the beauty of diversity (represented by every color of the rainbow). But before you empty your pockets at the first large retailer with a mutli-colored ad campaign, consider showing your support by shopping at a queer-owned business, instead. While 7.1% of the US population self-identifies as LGBT+ (according to a 2022 Gallup poll), the reality is that less than 1% of businesses in the US are LGBTQIA+ owned. (And of that 1%, only 30% are lesbian-owned, 2% transgender owned, and 2.3% bisexual-owned, says the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.)

Supporting talented LGBTQIA+ jewelers and business owners is a meaningful way to advocate for equality and demonstrate your solidarity. From long-established brands to new, independent jewelers, you’re sure to fall in love with one of these fabulous designs. Invest in a piece of jewelry that not only looks good, but does good.

MORDEKAI

MORDEKAI is an eclectic collection of avant-garde accessories created by designer and stylist Ken Borochov. Inspired by the pageantry of Hollywood and Las Vegas, his work explores themes of royalty, power, and extravagance. (Fitting that his work has adorned some of today’s most style-setting celebrities, including Kayne West, Rihanna, Cher, Grimes, and Britney Spears. He was even commissioned to create a 24-karat gold wheelchair for Lady Gaga when she was recovering from hip surgery.) His rainbow heart collection couldn’t be more perfect for Pride Month festivities—or anytime you want to surround yourself in love.

Automic Gold

Automic Gold was founded by Al Sandimirova, a jeweler who is passionate about creating affordable, gender-free jewelry for everyone. Their collection is described as radically inclusive—specifically designed to mix and break down the gender roles traditionally seen in the jewelry industry.

VENVS

Born out of love and necessity, VENVS is a fine jewelry brand that offers a safe space in the jewelry industry for non-traditional couples. After struggling to find an accepting and creative jeweler during her own engagement ring search, founder Haley Biemiller was inspired to create a brand focused on acceptance and the love between people—all people. The result is a unique and innovative collection that can be worn by anyone.

Zia Couture

Zia Sachedina founded Zia Couture in 2005 when he was just 24. Raised by a Japanese-American mother and East Indian father, his multi-cultural experiences and extensive travels have had a significant influence on his jewelry designs. Zia is passionate about celebrating other cultures through visual stories, frequently traveling around the world to purchase handmade pieces directly from makers and artisans.

Psyche Fine Jewelry

Psyche is a female-owned and operated business based in Chicago. Founder and designer Claire LaJeunesse created the brand to offer genderless, small-batch, and custom fine jewelry crafted from ethical materials. Psyche, meaning “soul,” merges ancient mythical symbolism with modern, inclusive design.

Alexis Bittar

After selling his iconic brand in 2015, designer Alexis Bittar reacquired his namesake label and officially relaunched in September 2021. His new beginning comes with a shift in the company’s vision, one that aims to create a space where people can be seen in their reality, and to tackle issues such as ageism, diversity, and trans rights.

Editor: Rebecca Daly
Wordsmith: Sam Van deWalle

Every item featured is personally selected by our writers and editors (read: we're totally into it). Please know that when you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission (read: we get to keep doing what we love).