This past spring, Harper’s Bazaar named large hoop earrings, tortoise shell print, colorful statement pieces, and oversized chain necklaces as being among the rising jewelry trends in 2020. Their article cited pieces from influential designers like Marc Jacobs and Brandon Maxwell, but failed to include the history of how these trends originated. As is the case with so many other popular phenomena, multiple current trends in jewelry were introduced and/or popularized by the Black community. Hoop earrings trace their origins back as early as the 4th century in Egypt and Sudan, and became a symbol of power and resistance for Black women in America during the civil rights movement of the 60s. The tortoise shell and colorful prints seen in resin jewelry today find much of their influence from Afrocentric patterns that were incorporated by Black designers in the 70s. Chains were largely introduced during the Hip-Hop movement in the 80s, yet they were originally worn as a way for Black people to consolidate their wealth and avoid using banks—which consistently implemented racist rules and regulations in order to further economically oppress the Black community.
If you’re looking to shop any of the jewelry styles mentioned above (and as long as they don’t cross the line into appropriation), consider purchasing them from Black-owned shops rather than large companies or non-Black designers profiting off of Black culture. Here are a few from Etsy to help you get started!
If you like minimalist metal jewelry, try MinimalistStyle.
If you like colorful resin jewelry, try EshJewelryCollection or PlantOneOnMeeee.
If you like bead and tassel jewelry, try ShopUbuntu.
Informational source: “A Brief History of Trends That Originated From Black Communities” https://bricksmagazine.co.uk/2020/06/29/black-culture-in-fashion-a-brief-history-of-trends-that-originated-from-black-communities/