Many jewelry designers use their craft to convey powerful messages, and this year, some have been inspired to encourage voting through their designs. JCK spoke with jewelry brands Dorian Webb, Rebel Nell, and Mazi New York about how the upcoming presidential election motivated them to create pieces that promote voter participation and awareness.
Dorian Webb
Dorian Webb, energized by the high stakes of the 2024 election, created a sterling silver collection to advocate for voter registration and participation. Proceeds from the sale of her "Vote" necklace and "Freedom and Joy" earrings are being donated to When We All Vote and the Movement Voter Project, which focus on empowering grassroots voter mobilization.
Webb's inspiration comes from historical and modern-day uses of ribbons—as medieval tokens tied to knights' armor and symbols of advocacy today. The necklace features the word "vote" in ribbon-like lettering ending in a comma, serving both a grammatical and symbolic purpose by connecting different elements into a cohesive whole. Paired earrings include a continuation of this motif, spelling "la" and incorporating "freedom" and "joy."
Webb’s earlier voting piece, the 2020 "I Vote" cuff, featured butterflies and the phrase "I vote" cut out of its surface, designed to express both joy and caution. In 2024, Webb chose a bolder approach with her new collection, aiming to make a direct visual impact and amplify the wearer's beliefs.
Rebel Nell
Amy Peterson, co-founder of Rebel Nell, a socially conscious brand from Detroit, decided to create a limited-edition voting pin just a month ago. Despite concerns about timing, her team was enthusiastic and produced a piece that has nearly sold out. The stainless-steel "Vote" pin features the "O" filled with Detroit graffiti, handcrafted by women overcoming barriers to employment.
Peterson wanted to remind people of their power as voters. Rebel Nell, inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s nickname "Little Nell," has always aimed to create statement pieces that embody strength, and this pin is no exception. It represents the brand's commitment to Detroit, symbolizing resilience and civic pride.
Mazi New York
Lizzy Klein, founder of Mazi New York, drew inspiration from the suffragist movement for her "Vote" necklace, which she first created during the previous election cycle. Klein sees voting as a powerful tool to shape the future, and her necklaces are handmade from reclaimed 14k gold or sustainable sterling silver, available in various lengths.
The "Vote" necklace has been one of the brand's most popular items. Initially made during a time when Klein felt helpless about world events, the necklace was chosen by Michelle Obama for fundraising with When We All Vote. Although there isn't a fundraising initiative for 2024, Klein continues to advocate for voter engagement through her brand, urging clients to make a plan for voting.
Klein emphasizes that voting is a way to honor the suffragists who fought for this right. Her designs are a tribute to those who marched, petitioned, and lobbied for women's voting rights—a reminder that participation in democracy is not only a privilege but a responsibility to those who paved the way.