Minnevangelist's Epic Minnesota Gift Guide: Jewelry

Do you have a go-to spot for jewelry shopping in Minnesota? We’ve snapped up cool pieces at Art-A-Whirl, Art Attack, and various pop-up markets, but we’ve also found numerous local boutiques stocking beaucoup rings, bling, and other sparkly things. ⁣
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Top of mind is Kristofer Bowman’s Upstate MN in Grand Marais. His selection leans edgy: Think rusty quartz necklaces on copper chains, gold vermeil hoops cast from actual twigs, and brass-and-oxidized everything. This is in addition to stocking billowy scarves from Scarf Shop, locally made pottery by Adam Gruetzmacher, and handmade paddles from Sanborn Canoe.

Photo: Golden Rule Gallery

Other heavy hitters on the jewelry front include Golden Rule Gallery in Excelsior and its tightly edited kiosk inside Minneapolis salon Bang Bang; the Walker Shop at Walker Art Center; the peanut-sized gift shop at the Textile Center; plus Hazel & Rose, Rock Paper Scissors Goods, Gallery 360, The Future, Northern Clay Center, Patina, and The Big Lake Life in Grand Marais. Well-curated and largely affordable, the lot of ‘em.⁣
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Brick-and-mortar stores aside, we’re always cheerleading Minnesota makers and designers. What follows are 49 brilliant ideas for locally linked baubles, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Many of these are one-of-a-kind and may sell out fast; if that’s the case, we encourage you to check out the artisan’s other goods and follow them on Instagram or Facebook for word on their latest product drops.

1. The made-to-order Pod Bunch 24 necklace ($325) from Tia Salmela Keobounpheng of Silver Cocoon in Minneapolis is available in 17 customizable color combinations.

2. Got a special message to send a loved one? Have Minneapolis-based designer Alison Wendy stamp it on a bracelet ($32-$42). The metal (brass or sterling silver) and thickness (8 or 10g) are up to you.

3. Half circle and terrazzo shield chunky enamel earrings ($32) by Chanhassen-based jewelry artist Ann Aas of Ann Made in Minnesota.

4. The unisex Embracelet ($45) from Epimonía, a social enterprise founded by a Somali-American entrepreneur and former refugee from Kenya, is made from recycled life jackets worn by refugees crossing the Mediterranean. The magnetic-closure bands are then manufactured in Minnesota by refugees turned factory workers. Half of the profits are donated to do-gooder organizations such as Dream Refugee, Refugee 4 Refugees, The UN Refugee Agency, and the International Institute of Minnesota.

5. Peachy-keen polymer clay earrings ($20) by Bao Yang of Npauj Designs in St. Paul.

6. Burnished hematite tube necklace with antique Ethiopian rings ($395) from Minneapolis designer Gretchen Ventura.

7. Bedazzled multi-quartz crystal earrings ($48-$58) from Yen Chee Design. Metal options include 14k gold fill or sterling silver.

8. Funky Fibers’ macramé Elyse earrings ($23 at I Like You) are handwoven, available on brass or silver hardware, and come in a variety of color combinations (mustard and mocha, pine and sage, etc.).

9. Karin Jacobson’s fan pearl drops ($2,225) are fabricated in 18k yellow gold with 10-11mm Chinese freshwater pearls and .20ct recycled GI-SI diamonds. A total knockout.

10. Lovegood radish earrings ($20), handmade from polymer clay in Minneapolis by On the Shelf. Ten percent of proceeds are donated to a project aimed at providing public high school students with new and diverse books to read.

11. “U” Leather Bracelet ($28) from Urbain MN. It’s made with Minnesota-tanned leather from Red Wing and cut in St. Paul.

12. Candida Gonzalez of Las Ranas Jewelry makes all kinds of magical earrings, but her latest series channels the astrological signs. These dangly Libra Amazonite Scales of Justice earrings ($60) have a bit of an Art Deco vibe, no?

13. Handmade tassel earrings FTW! These lovelies were created by Empressed Threads and come in all colors of the rainbow. DM @empressedthreads for purchasing info.

14. Makeshift Accessories’ brass cuff ($36) was upcycled from an old music cymbal in Northfield.

15. Tourmaline cluster earrings ($440) from Britta Lynn Kauppila, a Duluth designer who fabricates her pieces using recycled metals.

16. The Forager’s gold circle with wildflower necklace ($23.80). The earthy-sweet pendant is sold brass brushed with gold and filled with real locally foraged wildflowers.

17. Ancient bronze needle pendant necklace ($78) by metalsmith Aisha Formanski of Everthine Jewelry, whose studio is located in the Casket Arts Building in Northeast Minneapolis. What it says: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside of your comfort zone.”

18. Also from Everthine: the best-selling tiny message rings ($38 each). Made of sterling silver, they are infinitely stackable. There are dozens of sayings to choose from, including “Good trouble,” “Nevertheless, She Persisted,” and, simply, “You Are Loved.” Or you can personalize your own tiny message ring for $48 (max 30 characters).

19. Heart Berry mixed media earrings ($38) by Anishinaabe artist and community organizer Sarah Agaton Howes of the Fond du Lac Nation in Minnesota. She is best known for her beadwork and moccasins, which often incorporate strawberry, a.k.a. heart berry, themes.

20. Hammered copper bangles from Modern Meets Whimsy in Minneapolis are $10 each, but you can get discounts for multiples. Designer Courtney Nielsen also makes these cool, modern, 14-karat gold-filled hoop earrings ($34-$40).

21. Hallie and Fox retro tropical arch studs ($32). Inspired by festive Hawaiian shirts, these earrings are handmade in Minneapolis using polymer clay.

22. St. Paul artist Melinda Wolff’s sustainable jewelry line is made with scraps from her husband’s wood shop. This resin-finished fan wood necklace ($115) includes isosceles pendants made with maple, padauk, and oak.

23. When you buy a 14k gold fill or sterling silver “For George” beaded bracelet ($40) from local designer Larissa Loden, 100 percent of the proceeds go to Color of Change, the largest online racial justice organization in the country. For all you Kamala fans, the “I’m Speaking” bracelet ($40) is available in gold or silver.

24. Larissa Loden also makes fun, sculptural earrings. These patterned polymer danglers are hung on gold-filled wires and retail for $45.

25. For your Vikings and/or Prince fan… a purple stardust tie clip set in sterling silver ($199) from Jewelry By Johan.

26. Love these happy-go-lucky, ’60s-inspired leather earrings from Hideaway Leathercraft in Duluth. Each one is cut, tooled, and painted by hand. The vintage poppy teardrops and circus tent tassels retail for $60 each.

27. Hand-cut brass loop post earrings (from $48) by Dottir Jewelry. Minnevangelist editor Ashlea Halpern rocks these on the regular, as they’re great for everyday wear.

28. A cool denim and plaid ring with copper inlay ($130) by Austin, MN-based designer Logan Conley of MN Handcrafted. It’s finished with a water-resistant protective coating for everyday wear.

29. The subtly asymmetrical Boldest earrings by Nelie G. Mae are threaded with Japanese seed beads and retail for $303 at Les Sól. Designer Meg Elaine Veitenheimer’s work is inspired by her Anishinaabe grandmothers; each piece is one-of-a-kind.

30. Juniper earrings ($26) made with polymer clay and stainless steel posts by TyAnn Zeal Designs in Minneapolis.

31. Hennepin Noir watch ($725) made with Sapphire crystal and surgical-grade stainless steel by Padron Watch Company in Minneapolis. The timepiece is water-resistant up to 100 meters.

32. We’re #obsessed with the Frida Kahlo-inspired Frida Saturn dangles and Frida Half Moon allium earrings by Jac & Violet ($64 each). They come in many beautiful patterns and color combinations.

33. Sudify’s purple viola earrings (from $34) include real pressed flowers grown in jewelry maker Susan Storck’s Minneapolis garden.

34. Rüni Clay’s No. 29 squiggle necklace ($35) is for sale at Hazel & Rose. It’s rolled from polymer clay and available in taupe or seafoam green.

35. Ideal for the neutrals lover: The Dottie polymer clay earrings ($30) by We The Aries in Minneapolis.

36. Evil Eye Earrings ($86.42) from Minneapolis-based Mexican artist Blanca (Blanx) Dahlin. Her creations, which incorporate traditional embroidery beading, are available at the Textile Center of Minnesota.

37. This delicate scalloped pendant necklace ($45) from Found Florel in Rogers also features real pressed flowers (blue dyed Orlaya and hot pink Celosia) set in resin.

38. ILO Studio‘s flat brass disk earrings (from $45) come in three sizes. Wear multiples to really make an impact.

39. Extra-long Abacus danglers (from $62) by Jovy Rockey Jewelry in Winona are hand-forged with sterling silver or brass, plus your choice of gemstone (African turquoise, matte onyx, Carnelian, Howlite).

40. Simple but perfect: the Surface cuff ($80) by Kris Singleton of Kiki Koyote. It’s hand-carved from wax and cast in brass.

41. Mamita polymer clay earrings with titanium posts ($42) by The Ochre Stone in Duluth.

42. Is it possible to own too many polymer clay earrings? Nahhhhh. Especially when they’re rattan hoop studs ($25) or rattan triangles ($30) by Minneapolis’ Happy Girls & Co.

43. An oval or wavy rust-colored club bracelet ($45) by Laura Christine of Ellen House Jewelry.

44. Jumbo mustard pom pom earrings ($25) by Nina Perkins of Pompa Goods in Minneapolis.

45. The ombré gradient in these Imperial Jasper earrings ($335) by Minneapolis-born, Brooklyn-based maker Nicholas Lundeen takes our breath away.

46. Another pick for the diehard Prince fan: A silver impression pendant ($165) from ITSNONAME, cast from a concrete sidewalk at Paisley Park where the Purple One was often seen biking.

47. PM Design’s Aegean zebra round earrings ($32) are constructed with reclaimed zebra wood and swirled resin by St. Paul designer Peter Mielech.

48. Alcohol ink master Heidi Derner makes holiday ornaments, mugs, and hangable fine art — but you can also wear her talents around your neck. This purple rust necklace ($25) features a tiny alcohol ink painting mounted in a wood embroidery hoop and strung on an antique brass chain.

49. Last but not least, we gotta shout out Madison Holler of Rubinski Works in St. Cloud. Her exquisite beadwork is inspired by her Dutch, Swedish, German, Norwegian, Anishinaabe, Ojibwe, and Chippewa heritage. As soon as Holler could hold a needle and thread, her mom taught her how to bead. She later learned peyote-style sticking from her Native American family and friends. She assembles her stunning jewelry works off-loom and applies each glass and metal seed bead by hand. It’s a painstaking process; it can take up to 12 hours for Holler to craft a single pair of earrings. Pieces start at $50 and climb well into the triple digits. Every time she updates her shop, it sells out within minutes. Follow @rubinskiworks for details on her next jewelry drop.

Minnevangelist’s Epic Minnesota Gift Guide: Jewelry

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