Made to order, by hand, with love—a promise that comes with every piece of Lorraine West Jewelry.

The Brooklyn-based artisan stirs a soulful touch into her elevated accessories, merging her Caribbean roots with bold and minimalist design sensibilities. Working with her hands comes naturally, thanks to her mother, a baker and her father, a carpenter. Inspired by geometric shapes and symbology in reference to self-expression and liberation, Lorraine West Jewelry is equal parts fine art and high fashion.

West’s craftsmanship broke into pop culture in 1999, when her leather cuff bracelets caught the attention of Andre 3000, Erykah Badu, and Common. Since then, West’s designs have continued to adorn countless everyday people and icons such as Zendaya, Lizzo, and Beyoncé in “Black Is King,” donning West’s signature oversized palette earrings. Recently, West launched a fine jewelry capsule collection at Greenwich Street Jewelry and received a virtual retrospective of her work at New York City Jewelry Week.

Kicking off 2023, in collaboration with RAD x De Beers Group’s #BlackIsBrilliant, West’s ethically and sustainably sourced natural diamonds from Botswana were worn by Keke Palmer at the 2023 New York Film Critics Circle Awards earlier this week! In support of Keke’s advocacy of Black creative talent, a $25,000 donation will be made to a charity of her choice.

You can check out more of West’s work here on Creatively and @hellocreatively on Instagram.

What is the first creative project you remember?

My first creative project I remember was in the 2nd grade for a local poster contest in my elementary school; titled Never Swim Alone. I won 2nd place and that was when I knew I wanted to be a professional artist as my career choice.

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

Elegant, Powerful, Timeless

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

Currently my latest collaboration with RAD x De Beers; #BlackisBrilliant

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

25 years worth of jewelry design projects is too robust to choose from. Every project generates more lessons, knowledge, and mastery.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with or something you’re taught?

I believe every human is born with creativity. It’s up to us to recognize it and cultivate it.

What’s the last dream you had?

Dreaming while awake — traveling to London for the opening of Sotheby’s, Brilliant and Black II Exhibition 2022. It was the first time I saw my work overseas IRL. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

100 years from now I want people to feel the power and beauty of my jewelry and keep their pieces as part of their family heirlooms.

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