Jewelry never goes out of style. Adornments have captured people’s attention for centuries, ever since humans first gained access to precious metals. Unlike clothing, which we wear for practical reasons, or makeup, often influenced by fashion trends, jewelry serves as a symbol of cultural identity, reflecting historical and artistic traditions, and it can be passed down through generations. While New York is home to numerous jewelry brands, few offer genuinely unique pieces. Based in Queens, the brand Yam stands out with its unique handcrafted creations. Read more about it on queenska.com.
An Ode to Her Late Mother
Yam was founded by designer Morgan Thomas in memory of her late mother, who introduced her to jewelry-making. Morgan’s interest in this field sparked after her mother brought home a jewelry-making book. With a background in sculpture, Morgan applies her research-based artistic process to each piece she creates.
Symbolic Elements
Yam jewelry is bold and playful, designed to evoke meaningful memories. Many pieces feature nostalgic silhouettes, industrial-inspired shapes, nature motifs, and pearl accents. The brand is eco-friendly, often using recycled materials, giving the jewelry a vintage charm.
Importantly, customers can customize existing pieces. For example, most Yam earrings can be converted into clip-ons upon request. Necklace and bracelet lengths are also adjustable, and the designer is open to creating pieces based on individual designs.
Each piece is made by hand to order—a cornerstone of the brand’s approach. Generally, items are ready within eight days, with delivery options available both within the U.S. and internationally. Yam meticulously sources recycled materials, collaborates with small suppliers, and continually expands customization options for clients.
Yam has gained popularity with its minimalist and elegant designs. The brand has been featured in prominent publications like New York Times, Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bazaar, and ELLE. American rapper and songwriter Lizzo was spotted wearing Yam earrings in her music video for “Good As Hell.” Importantly, Yam is a minority-owned business, led by Black women who strive to prove their worth through outstanding quality and design.
How to Care for Yam Jewelry
Morgan Thomas emphasizes on her site that jewelry should be cared for like any other wardrobe item. She advises the following:
- Avoid keeping jewelry in water for prolonged periods.
- Do not polish gold plating.
- Store jewelry in a fabric pouch or a dedicated jewelry box.
Tarnishing is almost inevitable, as it’s a natural process on most metals, but it can easily be removed by wiping the piece with a polishing cloth. Yam offers fully gold pieces as well as gold-plated items (a thin layer of gold on another metal, like copper or silver). Over time, gold-plated pieces may lose their color. To extend the life of gold plating, avoid wearing jewelry in water and lightly wipe it with a cotton cloth after each use. Fully gold pieces, on the other hand, do not change color.