Issa Rae Unveils Braeve: A Transformative Jewelry Collaboration with Cast
Issa Rae's Braeve Collection with Cast redefines jewelry as modern armor—empowering, versatile, and inspired by her fearless journey.
If there’s a modern icon who continually redefines what it means to be creative, bold, and multifaceted, it’s Issa Rae. Known for her groundbreaking storytelling, Emmy-nominated roles, entrepreneurship, and unapologetic vision, Rae’s latest chapter sees her stepping into the world of fine jewelry design. In partnership with the renowned brand Cast, she introduces the Braeve Collection—a dynamic assortment where style meets self-empowerment, every piece telling a story of courage, confidence, and identity.
Introducing the Braeve Collection
The Braeve Collection is a dazzling, 22-piece collaboration between Issa Rae and Cast Jewelry, launched in September 2024. This line features a curation of bracelets, rings, hoop earrings, and necklaces—each crafted with signature modernity and versatility in mind. Prices range from $250 to $5,900, making the collection both aspirational and accessible for a wide range of jewelry lovers.
- Metals: 14K Gold and Sterling Silver
- Gemstones: Black Onyx and Cast-created lab-grown diamonds
- Key styles: Stackable bracelets, geometric rings, innovative hoops, pendant necklaces
- Availability: Cast boutiques, select Nordstrom stores, and Nordstrom.com
Every element was developed in tandem with Cast’s co-founder Rachel Skelly, embracing both Rae’s personal aesthetic and a passionate commitment to quality and sustainability. Rae has proudly showcased these pieces during major public appearances, reinforcing the brand’s ethos of empowering self-expression through bold design.
Empowerment Through Design: Why ‘Braeve’?
The collection’s name, Braeve, is an intentional play on both “brave” and Rae’s identity. To Issa Rae, jewelry functions as a form of modern armor: “It makes me feel powerful. It makes me feel like I belong in some of the rooms that I step in.”
- Armor for the Everyday: Jewelry as a shield and a statement, granting the wearer confidence and a sense of belonging.
- Celebrating Vulnerability: Rae openly addresses the vulnerability in bravery—her own bouts with imposter syndrome and the journey to self-assurance, which she channels into each piece.
- Storytelling through Jewelry: Each item in Braeve is meant to help the wearer express their individual story and courage, reframing vulnerability as a source of power.
For Rae, the message is clear: self-affirmation should not be passive or dependent on external validation—luxury and empowerment are for everyone, everyday.
Sculpting the Collection: Artistic Process & Inspirations
Issa Rae’s approach to the Braeve Collection was deeply collaborative and introspective. She worked closely with Cast’s design team to ensure each item resonated with both personal meaning and wide adaptability. Rae believes jewelry shouldn’t be dictated by tradition or occasion. Instead, she advocates for:
- Everyday Elegance: Pieces are designed to transition seamlessly from “jeans, T-shirt, and Chucks” to eveningwear.
- Mix and Match Versatility: The assortment encourages stacking, layering, or standing alone—so wearers can style with confidence and creativity.
- Experimenting with Form: Surfaces, textures, and geometric shapes add a dynamic edge while remaining timeless.
- Materials with Meaning: Rae’s choice of metals and stones—especially black onyx and lab-grown diamonds—mirror a commitment to sustainability and artistry.
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Rae’s personal touch is especially apparent in the signature hoops, which hold significance in her own journey of self-presentation and confidence as a Black woman in Hollywood. The collection’s narrative shifts away from traditional, male-centered jewelry gifting and toward self-investment and empowerment.
Signature Designs and Must-Have Pieces
| Piece | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Braeve Pendant Necklace | Striking statement pendant adorned with lab-grown diamonds | $5,500 |
| Bare Power Cuff Bracelet | Substantial yet organic cuff intended to serve as wearable armor | $575 |
| Midi Braeve Hoop Earrings | Artistic reinterpretation of classic hoops, versatile in styling | $500 |
| Bare Braeve Huggie Hoops | Delicate, close-fitting hoops that elevate any look | $800 |
| Humble Shine Pendant | Subtle drop pendant melding modesty with radiance | $975 |
| Power Ring | Geometric ring with bold silhouette and intricate diamond accents | $2,900 |
| Braeve Hoop | Oversized sculptural hoops—Rae’s must-have earring | $3,200 |
Other highlights include stackable geometric rings, delicate diamond studs, and textured bangles, all designed to celebrate individuality and inspire personal meaning.
The Braeve Philosophy: Challenging Tradition & Redefining Luxury
Issa Rae and Cast’s collaboration is rooted in a shared mission: breaking free from outdated conventions surrounding fine jewelry and empowering wearers to redefine luxury on their own terms. Rae’s stance:
- Stop Waiting for Permission: Rae advocates for women to invest in themselves and reject the idea that jewelry is only a gift from others, particularly men.
- Repatterning the Narrative: Braeve encourages everyone to see fine jewelry as a daily act of self-care and identity, not a rare event reserved for anniversaries or milestones.
- Sustainable Craftsmanship: The use of lab-created diamonds and responsible materials highlights the importance of mindful luxury in today’s world.
Through the Braeve Collection, Rae invites everyone—regardless of occasion or gender—to explore jewelry as a medium for storytelling, self-investment, and transformation.
Behind the Collaboration: Issa Rae and Cast Jewelry
This partnership was a natural fit, born out of mutual respect and a shared appreciation for authentic expression. Rae had been wearing Cast’s designs for years, often selecting their pieces for high-profile occasions such as the Academy Awards, the American Black Film Festival, and the Emmy Awards. Cast’s philosophy embraces bold experimentation and artful collaboration, making them an ideal partner for Rae’s vision.
As Cast co-founder Rachel Skelly explains, Rae’s creativity and authenticity elevated the project from the start: “Whether she’s in front of or behind the camera, she brings incredible authenticity, creativity, and purpose to everything she does.”
The result is an enduring, art-forward collection equally suitable for everyday moments and the most extraordinary milestones.
How to Shop: Availability and Where to Find Braeve
- Cast Boutiques: Available at Cast’s San Francisco Bay Area locations for in-person discovery.
- Nordstrom: Exclusive access at select Nordstrom stores and on Nordstrom.com.
- Online: Full collection available for browsing and purchase at CastJewelry.com, with worldwide shipping options.
With its adaptable price range and inclusive ethos, the line is designed for longtime collectors, jewelry newcomers, and anyone seeking a meaningful self-gift.
Issa Rae’s Personal Journey: From Insecurity to Icon
Much of the emotional resonance behind Braeve comes from Issa Rae’s willingness to embrace and express her own vulnerabilities. Rae candidly speaks about dealing with imposter syndrome, the anxiety of entering spaces where she once felt she didn’t belong, and the realization that investing in thoughtfully designed pieces helped her project her true self and “step into rooms” with authority.
Past highlights, like “doing the big chop” (shaving her head), also influenced features such as the need for defining hoops, an accessory that becomes both a statement and a source of identity. For Rae, jewelry is an outward manifestation of the inner journey toward belonging and self-affirmation.
Braeve as an Everyday Revolution
Rae is clear that the Braeve Collection isn’t meant to be hidden away for special occasions. Each piece is built for:
- Everyday Confidence: Meant to elevate simple outfits or punctuate formalwear with equal ease.
- Stacking and Personalization: Jewelry lovers can mix, match, or stack pieces to mirror their specific mood and style.
- A Guilt-Free Treat: Rae insists that self-purchase and self-care through luxury should never be a source of guilt but of pride.
By embracing the notion of “treating yourself” and celebrating small victories with meaningful adornment, the Braeve Collection challenges antiquated ideas about who deserves fine jewelry, when, and why.
FAQs About the Braeve Collection
What materials are used in the Braeve Collection?
Each piece uses high-quality 14K gold, sterling silver, black onyx, and Cast-created (lab-grown) diamonds, ensuring sustainability as well as beauty.
Where can I purchase the Braeve Collection?
Braeve is available at Cast boutiques, select Nordstrom stores, Nordstrom.com, and CastJewelry.com.
Is the collection designed for daily wear?
Yes. Issa Rae and Cast intentionally crafted each piece for versatility, making it perfect for everyday styling as well as statement moments.
What inspired the name ‘Braeve’?
The name ‘Braeve’ blends ‘brave’ and ‘Rae,’ referencing both the concept of jewelry as modern armor and Rae’s personal journey to self-confidence.
Does the collection support sustainability?
Absolutely. A key focus was using lab-grown diamonds and responsibly sourced materials, reflecting both Issa Rae’s and Cast’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Shop the Braeve Collection: Editor’s Picks
- Braeve Pendant Necklace – A bold centerpiece for any look.
- Bare Power Cuff Bracelet – Make a statement with sculptural finesse.
- Midi Braeve Hoop Earrings – Stylish and iconic, a nod to Rae’s signature aesthetic.
- Stackable Geometric Rings – Effortlessly customizable and perfect for every hand.
- Bare Braeve Huggie Hoops – Understated elegance for daily wear.
Each design invites you to celebrate your own version of courage—whether subtle or bold, every piece in Braeve is a reminder that self-expression is the ultimate luxury.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Wearing Braeve
The Braeve Collection isn’t just a jewelry line—it’s a statement about fearlessness, identity, and everyday reinvention. With artful construction, adaptable design, and an empowering philosophy at its core, Issa Rae and Cast Jewelry deliver much more than adornment; they offer an invitation to embrace your own power, every day you wear it.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a62240264/issa-rae-braeve-collection/
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/issa-rae-partners-with-cast-jewelry-to-launch-the-braeve-collection-302249616.html
- https://www.elle.com/fashion/shopping/a62224937/issa-rae-fine-jewelry-collection-with-cast/
- https://www.ebony.com/issa-rae-is-in-the-fine-jewelry-game-meet-the-braeve-collection/
- https://castjewelry.com/collections/braeve
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