Jurate Earrings - The Sustainable Jewelry Brand with Heart and Soul

The Story Behind Jurate Earrings

Jewelry carries meaning. Whether it's a family heirloom passed down through generations or a treat-yourself gift marking a special occasion, the pieces we choose to wear each day reflect parts of our story. For Jurate Brown, founder of the sustainably-minded jewelry brand Jurate, every handcrafted earring, necklace, and ring emerges from her creative spirit, cultural heritage, and core values.

Born in Lithuania, raised in Chicago, and now based in Los Angeles, Jurate draws daily inspiration from her cross-cultural upbringing. "I'm very proud of where I came from," she shares. "I think that background gave me this desire to create." She recalls learning to sew, knit and embroider as a child, and realizing that she could design beautiful, meaningful things with her own two hands. "I've always loved the process of making something out of nothing," says Jurate. Her early passion for crafting eventually bloomed into a full-fledged jewelry making business.

Launching a Mindful Brand

Jurate debuted her eponymous jewelry line in 2013, focusing on trend-driven statement earrings. But over time, spurred by her growing unease around fashion's impacts, she pivoted to a more mindful ethos based on quality over quantity. "I became uncomfortable with fast jewelry trends that end up in landfills," Jurate explains. "I wanted to create enduring pieces that hold meaning and history for the wearer."

Now Made in Los Angeles under ethically-driven conditions, Jurate's collections spotlight sustainable solid gold, recycled sterling silver, lab-grown diamonds, and ethically sourced gemstones from female-owned mines. "I think mindfulness should spread across the entire supply chain, from materials sourcing to packaging and PR," says Jurate. With holistic sustainability as a driving force, her brand artfully fuses ethics and aesthetics.

Crafting with Meaning

Jurate's design process begins with rough sketches expressing her latest inspiration. "I like to ideate based on a concept versus just forming shapes," she notes. The subsequent handfabrication infuses soul into every piece. Jurate works closely alongside artisans, taking a human-centered approach. "It's very tactile, hands-on work rather than a large production shop with machinery," she describes. "I want the creators' energy and craftsmanship to shine through."

From chunky statement rings to delicate huggies, clean lines and bold shapes define the Jurate look. The brand offers its own unique twist on timeless silhouettes. Through each new collection, Jurate hopes to empower the wearer. "I design for people who want to feel beautiful, elegant, but also edgy," she says. "The jewelry acts almost as their armor for the day."

Setting New Standards

Looking ahead, Jurate plans to keep pushing her brand to the next level when it comes to ethics and sustainability. She's exploring lab-grown diamond and gemstone options, along with recycled metals. "I want to set higher standards for myself and continue educating myself so I can make the best choices possible," Jurate emphasizes. "Knowledge is power."

While luxury jewelry hasn't always prioritized people and planet, Jurate sees immense potential for positive change. "There's still a long way to go, but I'm hopeful more consumers will start demanding ethical practices from brands," she says. "Collectively we can transform the industry."

A Family Affair

For Jurate, jewelry design remains deeply personal. She often draws inspiration from her relatives, creating special pieces in her grandmother's memory. Family also factors into her company's future. "My dream is to keep Jurate a legacy brand that I can someday pass down to my own children," shares Jurate. She hopes to instill in the next generation the same values that motivate her daily: authenticity, quality, and care.

At its heart, each Jurate jewelry piece tells a meaningful tale. "I put little pieces of my story into every design," says Jurate. "And I hope when someone wears my pieces, they feel the heart and soul that goes into creating them." Her handcrafted earrings, necklaces and rings don't just adorn—they connect us to something bigger than ourselves.

FAQs

How did Jurate get started designing jewelry?

Jurate has always loved the creative process of making something with her hands. She grew up sewing, knitting, and embroidering. Her passion for crafting eventually led to launching her own jewelry line in 2013.

Where is Jurate jewelry made?

All Jurate jewelry is handmade locally in Los Angeles. Jurate works hands-on alongside artisans in a small studio, taking an ethical approach focused on quality craftsmanship.

What materials does Jurate use?

Jurate uses ethical materials like recycled sterling silver, solid gold, lab-grown diamonds, and gemstones from female-owned mines. Sustainability is a core value of the brand.

How would you describe the Jurate jewelry aesthetic?

Jurate's pieces feature bold, minimalist shapes and clean lines. The handmade designs offer a modern twist on timeless silhouettes. Her jewelry aims to make the wearer feel elegant yet edgy.

What inspires Jurate's jewelry collections?

Jurate draws inspiration from her cultural background, family, and a desire to create meaningful designs. She handcrafts pieces with heart and soul, hoping to empower the women who wear them.