I love statement earrings – they’re potentially my favourite type of jewellery. It’s why I’ve been pairing these handmade, recycled brass earrings from Yala Jewellery with almost all of my summer outfits this year!
Easy to wear, eye-catching, and adding an elevated look to any outfit, they’re my new favourite piece in my ethical jewellery collection. I even took them on holiday with me, where I shot these photos out in the tropical gardens of the villa we stayed in.
The reason why I love these earrings is the positive story they come with. Yala Jewellery is a female-founded, black-owned business working directly with Kenyan artisans, combining their traditional skills with modern designs. Their pieces are designed with intention, and I truly do wear them with love!
How to style statement earrings
Statement earrings are a classic look, with countless styles. As Yala Jewellery predominantly uses recycled brass, their golden-hued statement earrings tend to best be paired with warm tones and simple shapes.
Yala Jewellery pieces are all made with sustainable materials, such as recycled thread, dead-stock leather, glass beads, and reclaimed cow horn. These materials provide ebony and cream accents, which could also be used as outfit inspiration.
I like to wear my pair of Sigoma Hoop Earrings with my navy blue Ninety Percent dress* – the simple t-shirt cut and dropped hem keep all attention on my earrings. If navy isn’t your style, perhaps pair your statement earrings with a crisp white shirt, or a cold-shoulder top – and of course, short or tied-up hairstyles work well when highlighting a bold earring.
#IAMYALA
The reason why I especially love Yala is their passion for creativity, supporting traditional artisans in Kenya to create beautiful pieces of jewellery alongside a positive economic impact and poverty alleviation.
The Yala Team is based between Kenya and the UK, where they form brilliant relationships with their Brass Workshop and the BMB Workshop, which employs 158 women just outside the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Together, they create precious beaded jewellery and leather wares using techniques which have been passed down from generation to generation of Maasai women, and accessorising is integral to their culture.
Providing three times the average daily wage in Kenya, the workshop enables its artisans to look after themselves and their families, as well as neighbours and friends who are dependent on the women. In total, their work has a positive impact on over 300 households in the area.
Having spoken directly with the Founder, Audrey Migot-Adholla, I was also delighted to hear that she personally visits the artisans throughout the year, and is passionate about creating social change through her business. Earlier this year, Yala Jewellery became the first jewellery company in the UK to achieve Certified B Corporation status, joining the likes of Eileen Fisher, Patagonia, TOMs, Veja, and over 2,400 others worldwide who are determined to use business as a force for good.
Wearing my Yala Jewellery feels like an invitation to celebrate the talent and enterprising spirit of the people who made my jewellery. I know I can enjoy wearing my earrings with the same level of love and care that has been shown by their makers.
This post is sponsored by Yala Jewellery and contains affiliate links (denoted '*'). All views and opinions expressed remain my own.