Lauren Harwell Godfrey
Lauren is a California-born designer known for her luxury jewelry brand that blends art, culture, and social impact. Her journey into the world of fine jewelry began after a successful career in advertising, where she spent 15 years as a creative director working with major brands like Adidas, Levi’s, and Ray-Ban in New York and San Francisco. It was a chance visit to the Tucson Gem Fair that sparked her transformation from creative director to jewelry designer. Inspired by the raw beauty of gemstones and the art of handcrafting, she taught herself to make leather and stone accessories, eventually leading to the creation of her fine jewelry collection, which debuted at Paris Fashion Week in 2018.
Harwell Godfrey’s jewelry reflects her deep connection to cultural heritage, particularly the ancient patterns and textiles of the African Diaspora. Each piece is meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold, ethically sourced diamonds, and precious gemstones, with a focus on healing and energy. The designs incorporate elements of figurative art, like block printing and weaving, creating modern heirlooms with a historical essence.
Beyond her design work, Harwell Godfrey is committed to social justice and philanthropy. In 2020, she launched the Charity Heart series, donating 100% of the proceeds to causes such as the NAACP, World Central Kitchen, and Everytown for Gun Safety. To date, this initiative has raised over $315,000. Her work has garnered international recognition, with her pieces being featured in Vogue, Elle, and WWD, and worn by notable figures like Kamala Harris, Rihanna, Blake Lively, and Julianne Moore.
The brand’s innovative approach has earned Harwell Godfrey multiple accolades, including being named Best Whimsical Jewelry in Robb Report’s 2023 Best of the Best issue. She was also a finalist for the 2023 Fashion Trust US award and a nominee for the CFDA American Emerging Designer of the Year in 2022. Her recognition within the jewelry industry was solidified when she received the 2022 Gem Award for Jewelry Design. As part of the Brilliant & Black exhibition at Sotheby’s, Harwell Godfrey stands as a leader in the movement to highlight Black designers in the luxury jewelry space.