Miami native and Spelman and Harvard graduate Shelbi Augustus has officially unveiled Ijeoma Jewelry, a fine-jewelry house honoring women’s milestones through modern heirlooms that reflect heritage and exclusivity.
“Ijeoma” (pronounced ee-JOH-mah), meaning “safe journey” in Igbo (Nigerian), captures the essence of the brand’s mission to celebrate transformation, triumph, and legacy. The debut Origin Collection features solid 14k gold, mother of pearl, and natural diamonds, with fewer than 100 pieces per style available in its first year.
“Ijeoma is not an adornment; it is a declaration,” says Augustus. “Every piece is designed to mark defining moments in a woman’s journey, whether it’s a promotion, a reinvention, or the creation of her legacy.”
Unlike trend-driven brands, Ijeoma Jewelry is intentionally crafted to evolve into a heritage house, positioned between accessible luxury names like Mejuri and institutions such as Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. The long-term vision includes bridal collections, custom curation, and international retail partnerships, with a goal to become the first Black woman-founded fine-jewelry house to rival global luxury legacies.
Founded in Los Angeles and Miami, Ijeoma Jewelry is grounded in cultural heritage, exclusivity, and timeless modernity. Each piece is created in solid gold and natural diamonds, designed to honor life’s defining moments and celebrate a woman’s first love—herself.
Shelbi Augustus embodies the modern American Dream. Born to a Nigerian father and Black American mother, she carries both the ancestral pride of her paternal heritage and the enduring strength of her maternal lineage. From her early leadership in Jack and Jill of America, where she cultivated cultural awareness and service, to a career spanning more than a decade in politics, health, and social impact, Augustus has continually demonstrated a commitment to transformation and legacy.
Her professional journey includes leading campaigns that mobilized tens of thousands of workers, building coalitions to advance healthcare equity, and shaping strategy at the highest levels of labor and policy. Her work has always centered on elevating voices, building power, and creating pathways for collective change.
A proud graduate of Spelman College and Harvard University, Augustus seamlessly merges academic excellence with purpose-driven leadership. With Ijeoma Jewelry, she translates her lifelong passion for legacy into a tangible art form—crafting fine jewelry that honors triumph, transformation, and the enduring promise of womanhood.
Follow Ijeoma Jewelry on Instagram: @ijeomajewelry
Follow Us On Social Media!
