Diamonds are, after all, a girl’s best friend, and whether you’re buying for mom, sister, sibling, daughter or even yourself (heck, why not?), there are a plethora of Nashville-based creatives that can check every box. These designers produce unique, stunning, quality pieces that are heirloom or red-carpet-worthy across the board. Here is our comprehensive roundup of Nashville’s finest independent jewelry designers:
DAINTY DESIGNERS
Ambrosial, yet simple options for everyday wear. I’d pair these pieces with any of these covetable knits for those chilly days.
This talented designer made her mark through repurposing heirloom jewelry to be wearable for the modern-day. If you don’t have any leftover gems or jewels lying around, don’t worry, because she’s got stunning lines of both fine and fashion pieces available as well. Brooke describes her pieces as “fine jewelry with subtle sparkle for everyday wear.” Find her fashion pieces at Emerson Grace or H. Audrey. To shop the rest of her collection, check out her website, or pop in her Green Hills showroom.
I discovered Emily Dee of Ladybird Jewelry while shopping at H. Audrey and fell in love with her dainty, inventive designs. Her pieces range from pavé panther earrings to stunning sliced opal necklaces trimmed in diamonds. Emily describes her collection as “on-trend fine jewelry with a feminine and fun twist.” You can find her in H. Audrey and G&G Interiors in Nashville, and to inquire about specific items, you can shoot her a direct message on Instagram or send her an email.
This stunning brand was created in 2013 by Emily Eggebrecht out of a need for distinctive, yet personal jewelry. Though this brand may be thought of as an engagement ring source first, they are also a stellar choice when shopping for unique necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. My top picks are their Candy Crush Tennis Bracelet, Hexagon Diamond Stud Earrings, and the Dainty Pearl Choker. Pay them a visit while you’re in East Nashville brunching at lou or shop online. “Consider simplicity. Consider excellence. Consider it yours.”
STATEMENT MAKERS
For the more decadent at heart.
Vincent Peach comes from a long line of jewelers and “pearl men.” He’s is known for his statement pieces that manage to combine leather, precious metals, pearls and diamonds in a way that has you wondering how they’re ever designed separately. Vincent’s inspiration from the leisure life in Nashville and traveling across the globe is evident in his designs and leave wearers feeling like they’ve taken a few steps in his shoes. Being the “pearl man” that he is, I can’t help but covet his Ary Camelot Earrings or the Baroque Freshwater Pearl Camelot Earrings. If you want a hands-on jewelry experience, you can shop in either of his Nashville locations, stop in the Hermitage Hotel before dinner downtown, or West & Company while you’re in Franklin.
Robin’s pieces are simply incredible. She offers both fashion and fine jewelry, and I’ve got quite the soft spot for her fine pieces. The fine collection is both designed and made in Nashville. In her work, you’ll frequently see rare artifacts she’s cast in 14k-18k gold and turned them into drool-worthy pendants that are exquisitely one-of-a-kind. Robin describes her ancient artifact designs as pieces that “are worn to whisper love into the places of your heart where you need it most, and are meant to heal, uplift and strengthen you.” Her HALEY fashion jewelry line is available at MODA, Ash Blue and Emmaline, and the fine jewelry line is available at Riveter.
Sue Surdi Designs are made for the rocker turned bohemian and vice-versa. Her jewelry seamlessly blends gems, metals and leather to create effortless showstoppers. Nearly all of her designs are meant to be layered, and I dare say are certainly enhanced when done so. Needless to say, you should collect them all. Surdi describes her brand as “rugged beauty” and aims for her line to “take you on a journey— from timeless vintage and spiritual icons to chic rock star bling.” You can make an appointment to visit her retail studio in Gallatin or shop her entire collection online. She used to be available in several boutiques but prefers working with clients directly for a more personal experience.