Jewel Posse: A Black-Owned Chic Ethical Jewelry Brand Using Nontraditional Natural Materials

We are always excited to feature jewelry brands as they offer unique perspectives when it comes to conscious craftsmanship. Nikki Bracy is the badass founder of Jewel Posse - a black-owned, woman-owned, online jewelry boutique. This brand creates ethically-made jewelry — mostly out of nontraditional natural materials such as marble, concrete and gemstones.

Check it out:

When and why did you start Jewel Posse and what inspired the name?

I started Jewel Posse in the summer of 2015 after being diagnosed with cancer for the third time. I wanted to launch something positive and meaningful that would also keep me busy as I dealt with my diagnosis. I had been making jewelry since I was nine years old and decided that would be the perfect business to start. I felt like I kept seeing the same styles of jewelry in every single store — there was nothing new or original out there — so I started hand-crafting unique designs in small quantities so that people who shopped Jewel Posse felt like they were buying something exclusive and unique to their personal style. The name “Jewel Posse” came from that concept — the idea that JP shoppers are a select group (or "posse") of people who had these exclusive pieces. Over the years, the materials I’ve used have changed but my commitment to making small batches of exclusive designs has always remained the same. Today, Jewel Posse is an online jewelry boutique for stylish boss babes who want to live more mindful, conscious lives. I make sustainable, ethically-made pieces — mostly out of nontraditional natural materials such as marble, concrete and gemstones.

How do you define sustainability?

I define sustainability as "creating a positive, long-term reality." It encompasses having a long-term, positive impact on individuals, the environment and humanity overall.

Where are your materials sourced?

I make my jewelry largely out of natural marble, concrete and gemstones. The concrete I actually hand mix and create myself. The marble and gemstones I source through a variety of different vendors around the world.

Does being a woman of color influence your brand? If so, why?

Being a woman of color influences my brand’s focus on inclusivity. It is of the utmost importance to me. That’s why you will always see models of different colors, shapes and sizes in Jewel Posse. I've also been very passionate about fair trade and ethical labor ever since my freshman year of college when I found out that all of my university's branded apparel was made in sweatshops. Sweatshops largely exploit women and children of color. So as a woman of color, it is a topic that I connect with personally and as a result we talk about it a lot through Jewel Posse, we support other fair labor brands and we will always be committed to fair labor practices ourselves.

What inspired your brand?

Jewel Posse is all about mindful living. All of our pieces are handcrafted with a conscious. That focus was inspired by my own desire to live a more mindful and conscious life. We're constantly comparing ourselves to others, buying things we don't need, supporting corporate greed and putting toxins in our bodies. I wanted to slow down, educate myself on what I'm consuming and who I'm supporting, focus on what's truly important to me and live a more simple and meaningful life. And I found that there were a lot of other people who wanted to do the exact same thing. We are all on the journey to figuring out how to do that and that's what Jewel Posse is about — helping anyone who wants to live a more positive, mindful life, make that a reality. That brand is reflected in everything from our design aesthetic to the content we share on social media.

What can we look forward to in the future?

Lots of exciting things are on the horizon for Jewel Posse?

I am launching a new content series on Instagram Stories called "5 Keys", where different sustainability and mindful living experts will takeover the Stories and share 5 keys (or tips) to implementing new sustainable or mindful practices in your life. We have experts covering everything from going zero waste to starting your own farm to body confidence to the power of essential oils. So if you're interested in living a more sustainable, conscious life, follow us on Instagram @jewel.posse for insights throughout the year.
This summer I will be launching a mini collection inspired by my recent trip to Ghana. I drew inspiration from the art, the food and of course, kente cloth, which originated in Ghana!
I will also be expanding my natural marble collection this year. Everyone loves marble so I am excited to offer more marble styles! Sign up for our e-newsletter to be the first to know when new styles drop.