In the world of fashion, Latin American household names like Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta have always been synonymous with couture-like artistry and elaborate gowns. The level of workmanship is no different when it comes to jewelry, in which we see designers experimenting with materials and shapes that draw from their heritage and experiences to exhibit their artistic power, oftentimes with the aid of local artisans.
And it’s women making it big, growing small businesses as self-taught designers and selling their designs on major retailers like Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters. From an El Paso-born master of carved stones and a Los Angeles-living designer working with oversized shapes to a Peru-based minimalist jeweler and a Brooklyn, New York-made line creating classic gold jewelry for the 21st century, here are eight Latina and Latin American jewelry designers to keep an eye on this year.
Luiny
There’s a big chance you’ve already seen Luiny’s intricate gold jewelry on popular retailers like Urban Outfitters. Puerto Rican-born Luiny Rivera launched the brand as a self-taught designer, quickly garnering attention for her minimalist, sculptural aesthetic. Some of her most popular pieces include a pair of turbo shell earrings and the wave ear cuff – both inspired by the sea.
You can shop pieces by Luiny here.
Dezso by Sara Beltran
El Paso-born Sara Beltran started her own business after completing stints as a public relations executive for brands like Roberto Cavalli. When she made one piece of jewelry for a friend, she decided to embark on her career as a designer with Dezso, which is Latin for “desire.” Today, her jewelry is made with materials like 18k gold, diamonds, shark teeth and carved stones by artisans in Jaipur, India, and sold in high-fashion retailers like Net-A-Porter.
You can shop Dezso here.
Lucca Luc
Lucca Luc is a brand inspired by the rituals and amulets found in everyday life. Mexico-born designer Rebecca Noel uses mostly molded metal to invoke “the sacred geometry found in ancient techniques of adornment.” The brand recently appeared on Apple TV’s The Morning Show and has been worn by celebrities like Yalitza Aparicio.
Shop a piece here.
Viviana D' Ontañon
This Puerto Rico-born designer is perfect for women who love to layer their jewelry, from rings and necklaces to bracelets and earrings. Although D’Otañon is now based in California, she draws heavily from the Caribbean vibes, focusing on minimalist gold pieces made to be stacked. Her pieces are also affordable, ranging from $18 to $62, and can be found IRL in Puerto Rico at Plaza Las Américas in San Juan and Plaza del Caribe in Ponce.
If you can’t make it to la isla del encanto, get yours here.
Honey B Gold
Honey B Gold is an LA-made jewelry brand created for the maximalist woman. Designer Natalia Durazo is constantly pushing her creations to wow her clientele, ranging from Virgen de Guadalupe gold hoops to dollar sign drop earrings. Established in 2009, Honey B Gold recently released a big-hit collab with Brooklyn bruja and spiritual adviser Emilia Ortiz.
Get yourself a lil’ something here.
Lorena Pestana
Peru-based designer Lorena Pestana is a master of minimalist color and nature-inspired jewelry. Pestana started making jewelry in 2002, drawing from her background as an architect to create intricate pieces that are rooted in her connection to the Aguaruna culture of the Peruvian Amazon. Think beaded necklaces inspired by waterfalls and rings in the shape of birds – that’s Pestana’s aesthetic.
Shop the line here.
Mónica Sordo
This Brooklyn-based designer is a master of chunky jewelry. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Sordo’s career has taken her from publicist and fashion editor to jewelry designer. Her line is focused on “dynamic angles and dee dimension” inspired mostly by the architecture of places she visits. Sordo also works with artisans based in Lima, Peru to bring her designs to life. Her pieces have been worn by Beyoncé and Halle Bailey.
Shop the collection here.
Muns
Sisters Bianca and Paola Muns co-founded the San Juan, Puerto Rico-based brand Muns, launching their line of jewelry along with it. The designs are minimalist and inspired by their proximity to the ocean. They work primarily with sterling silver, gold and vermeil in their pieces. Some of the most notorious Muns items include: the relicario hoops – made to resemble a sun – and their “Nosotras” nameplate necklace.
Shop yours here.