David Yurman's cable bracelets and classic designs have dominated luxury jewelry for decades. But the landscape is shifting, with a new generation of designers bringing fresh perspectives to the craft. From engineering-driven designs to heritage-inspired pieces, we've found several jewelry brands that match Yurman's quality while charting their own creative paths.
: Where Silicon Valley Meets Style
When Stanford engineer Trisha Okubo launched Maison Miru, she flipped the script on traditional jewelry design. The name "miru," Japanese for "to see," hints at the brand's novel approach to accessories.
Their signature Nap Earrings showcase this technical innovation with a flat-back design suited for round-the-clock wear. The Bold Hoops follow suit - they're engineered with implant-grade titanium and PVD coating that stands up to daily abuse. This technical prowess stems from Okubo's background in engineering and fashion design, resulting in pieces that feel both precisely calculated and aesthetically intriguing.
We're particularly intrigued by their modular approach - pieces interlock and combine in countless ways, letting wearers experiment with different looks. It's jewelry that adapts to your style, rather than dictating it.
Why we like Maison Miru
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Engineering-Driven Design
Technical innovation in jewelry design from a Stanford engineer's perspective
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Practical Innovation
Flat-back designs and implant-grade materials for maximum comfort
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Modular Versatility
Interlocking pieces that can be combined for multiple styling options
: Kenyan Craft Meets Mobile Tech
SOKO has created something remarkable: a "virtual factory" connecting Kenyan artisans directly with global buyers. Their Dash Ear Cuff exemplifies how traditional craftsmanship can meet contemporary design sensibilities.
The brand's mobile-first platform lets artisans receive orders and payments via phone while working from their own workshops. We appreciate how this setup helps craftspeople earn significantly more than traditional workshop arrangements while preserving their cultural techniques.
Their pieces tell compelling stories through locally sourced, recycled brass and horn. The aesthetic walks an interesting line - architectural enough for modern tastes while honoring generations-old Kenyan craft traditions.
Why we like SOKO
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Ethical Production
Virtual factory model that empowers local artisans
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Cultural Heritage
Preservation of traditional Kenyan crafting techniques
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Sustainable Materials
Use of locally sourced and recycled materials
: Celestial Design Meets Earthly Purpose
APSE (All People's Shackles Exchanged) approaches jewelry as wearable poetry. Their Orbit Hoops capture this philosophy, blending astronomical inspiration with grounded craftsmanship. Artists Hayley Boyd and Jarod Faw established the brand in 2016, creating pieces that double as personal talismans.
Their use of recycled metals and responsibly sourced gems shows how sustainability can coexist with artistic vision. We're drawn to their gender-neutral design philosophy, which focuses on individual expression rather than traditional marketing categories.
The brand's transparency about production methods and material sourcing adds authenticity to their artistic mission. Each piece emerges from their workshop as a potential catalyst for personal transformation.
Why we like APSE
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Artistic Vision
Celestial-inspired designs with deeper meaning
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Gender Inclusivity
Truly neutral designs focused on individual expression
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Ethical Production
Transparent sourcing and sustainable materials
Kinn crafts jewelry for the long haul. Their Classic Hoop Earrings Extra Small showcase their philosophy - creating pieces that feel relevant now but will still resonate generations from now.
Working with solid 14k gold, Kinn prioritizes structural integrity in their manufacturing process. We're impressed by how they balance timeless appeal with contemporary design sensibilities, creating pieces that could easily become future family heirlooms.
Their attention to detail manifests in subtle ways - from the weight of each piece to the precise finishing touches that separate fine jewelry from fashion accessories.
Why we like Kinn
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Heirloom Quality
Solid 14k gold pieces built to last generations
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Timeless Design
Classic aesthetics with contemporary appeal
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Superior Craftsmanship
Meticulous attention to weight and finishing
: Bold Design Meets Practical Comfort
Jenny Bird has carved out her niche in North American jewelry design with pieces that demand attention without demanding sacrifice. The Chunky Doune Hoops illustrate this balance - visually dramatic yet surprisingly wearable.
Her designs often incorporate unexpected structural elements that challenge conventional jewelry construction. The brand's Possibilities Project, which channels 1% of sales toward women-focused organizations, adds substance to their style.
We appreciate their rigorous quality control standards, which ensure each dramatic design maintains its integrity. It's the kind of attention to detail that helps bold pieces stay beautiful through regular wear.
Why we like Jenny Bird
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Statement Comfort
Bold designs that remain surprisingly wearable
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Social Impact
Commitment to women-focused organizations
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Quality Control
Rigorous standards for dramatic pieces
After eyeing these earrings for a year I finally got them and they did not disappoint. Great for elevating any dinner outfit. Also lots of celebrities have been photographed in them… which definitely did not influence my purchase at all.
: Radical Transparency in Fine Jewelry
Aurate New York represents a new movement in fine jewelry, where nothing is hidden - from sourcing to pricing. Their Medium Paperclip Chain Necklace demonstrates how clean design can meet conscious production.
Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzahraoui founded Aurate with an emphasis on environmental and social responsibility. Their use of recycled metals and ethically sourced gems shows how luxury can align with sustainability.
Their direct-to-consumer approach enables detailed oversight of their supply chain. We're drawn to their design aesthetic, which finds complexity in minimalism while maintaining versatility.
Why we like Aurate
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Total Transparency
Clear communication about sourcing and pricing
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Sustainable Luxury
Commitment to recycled metals and ethical gems
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Minimalist Innovation
Complex design principles in clean aesthetics
The Future of Fine Jewelry
These brands represent distinct visions for jewelry's evolution - from engineering-driven innovation to heritage preservation, from sustainable luxury to artistic expression. While David Yurman defined an era of American luxury jewelry, these designers are writing new chapters in the story of adornment, each with their own unique perspective on craft, sustainability, and style.