While Kendra Scott's colorful baubles and statement pieces have dominated the accessible jewelry scene for years, we've noticed a shift in the landscape. A new wave of designers is reimagining what everyday jewelry can be, bringing fresh perspectives on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive design. Here are eight brands that caught our attention for pushing creative boundaries while maintaining the approachable price points that made Kendra Scott a household name.
: Turning London's Piercing Scene on Its Head
Founded by Connie Nam in 2012, this London-based brand has us rethinking what a jewelry company can be. Their approach combines 3D printing technology with a rebellious spirit that's refreshingly different from typical mall jewelry stores.
The Wave Ear Cuff exemplifies what we find fascinating about Astrid & Miyu - it's crafted from recycled sterling silver and designed to play well with other pieces in your collection. Their social media presence feels more like a creative collective than a corporate account, featuring everything from behind-the-scenes glimpses to collaborative projects that make traditional jewelry marketing look positively ancient.
Why we like Astrid & Miyu
1
Innovative 3D Printing
Uses cutting-edge technology to create unique designs
2
Sustainable Materials
Focuses on recycled sterling silver for environmental consciousness
3
Community Focus
Creates an engaging social media presence that feels authentic and collaborative
I've had this cuff for over 2 years now and all i can say is that it's STAYED PUT. After many showers, swimming in the ocean, and just the wear and tear of life and this cuff looks as good as new and hasn't budged an inch from the first day I put it in. Love love love (and saves me the pain of getting an actual conch piercing)
: Where Kenyan Artistry Meets Silicon Valley Tech
SOKO's business model reads like a case study in disrupting traditional supply chains. This certified B-Corp has developed a mobile platform that connects Kenyan artisans directly with global consumers, cutting out the usual middlemen and their markups.
Their Dash Ear Cuff tells a story of innovation meeting tradition. Each piece brings together locally sourced, recycled materials with age-old crafting techniques. We're particularly intrigued by their "virtual factory" model, which enables artisans to earn substantially more than traditional workshop rates. The result is a collection that honors cultural heritage while embracing technological advancement.
Why we like SOKO
1
Ethical Supply Chain
Direct connection between artisans and consumers
2
Fair Compensation
Virtual factory model ensures better wages for artisans
3
Cultural Heritage
Combines traditional techniques with modern technology
: Jewelry That Makes Personal Growth Tangible
APSE (All People's Shackles Exchanged) takes an unexpectedly philosophical approach to accessorizing. Artists Hayley Boyd and Jarod Faw launched the brand in 2016 with the notion that jewelry could serve as physical markers of personal transformation.
The Orbit Hoops reflect this contemplative approach, featuring celestial elements that remind wearers of their aspirations. We appreciate how they've managed to create pieces that feel both meaningful and wearable, crafting each item from recycled metals. Their rejection of traditional gender categories in jewelry design feels particularly relevant in today's evolving fashion landscape.
Why we like APSE
1
Meaningful Design
Creates pieces that symbolize personal transformation
2
Gender-Inclusive
Rejects traditional jewelry gender categories
3
Sustainable Practice
Uses recycled metals in all designs
: Engineering Meets Adornment
When Stanford engineer Trisha Okubo decided to design jewelry, she brought a refreshingly technical perspective to the field. The result is a collection of pieces that can be mixed, matched, and transformed with mathematical precision.
The Bold Hoops showcase this engineering-first approach. We're impressed by how these pieces solve common jewelry problems - like weight distribution and comfort - without sacrificing style. Their innovative "nap earrings" design particularly caught our attention, featuring flat backs that make 24/7 wear actually feasible.
Why we like Maison Miru
1
Engineering Focus
Technical approach to solving common jewelry problems
2
Comfort Innovation
Specialized designs for 24/7 wearability
3
Versatile Design
Pieces that can be mixed and matched with precision
: Where Sculpture Meets Street Style
North American designer Jenny Bird has carved out a unique niche in the jewelry world with pieces that could easily double as miniature sculptures. The brand's Possibilities Project adds a layer of social consciousness to their artistic vision.
The Chunky Doune Hoops exemplify what we find compelling about JENNY BIRD's work - they're bold enough to make a statement but engineered to remain surprisingly lightweight. We're drawn to how the brand has evolved from purely fashion-focused pieces to items that feel more like lifestyle statements.
Why we like JENNY BIRD
1
Sculptural Design
Creates pieces that double as wearable art
2
Social Impact
Implements meaningful social initiatives
3
Lightweight Engineering
Maintains bold aesthetics without sacrificing comfort
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.
: Bringing Medical Precision to Piercing Fashion
Rowan has completely reimagined the piercing experience by bringing it out of the mall and into a more clinical setting. Founder Louisa Schneider's decision to exclusively employ licensed nurses for piercing services sets a new standard in the industry.
The Small Flex Hoops demonstrate how hypoallergenic materials and thoughtful design can create pieces suitable for sensitive ears without compromising style. We're intrigued by their approach to making the piercing experience feel more like a wellness ritual than a quick stop at the mall.
Why we like Rowan
1
Medical Expertise
Licensed nurses perform all piercings
2
Hypoallergenic Focus
Specially designed for sensitive ears
3
Wellness Approach
Transforms piercing into a proper wellness experience
: Fine Jewelry for the Conscious Consumer
Aurate New York, founded by Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzahraoui, brings unexpected transparency to the fine jewelry world. Their approach to ethical sourcing and production offers a glimpse into what the future of luxury might look like.
The Medium Paperclip Chain Necklace represents their philosophy well - it's made from sustainable gold and designed to transcend seasonal trends. We're particularly interested in their focus on creating pieces that can become future heirlooms while maintaining contemporary appeal.
Why we like Aurate
1
Transparency
Clear communication about sourcing and production
2
Sustainable Luxury
Uses sustainable gold in timeless designs
3
Future-Focused
Creates contemporary pieces meant to become heirlooms
Fresh Perspectives on Everyday Jewelry
These eight brands represent different visions of what jewelry can be in 2024 and beyond. Whether it's SOKO's tech-enabled craftsmanship or Maison Miru's engineered elegance, each offers something distinct from Kendra Scott's familiar aesthetic. While none of these brands may yet match Kendra Scott's name recognition, they're all contributing to a more diverse and thoughtful jewelry landscape.