If you know even a little bit about Established Jewelry, you know that it has a wicked sense of humor. And if you know the brand’s founder and designer Nikki Erwin, you know exactly where it comes from. LA-based through and through, Nikki makes jewels for women (and men) like her — high energy, full of life, ready for fun and never taking themselves too seriously. Don’t believe me? Def tune in to her personal instagram @nikkiwhatnikkiwho if you want to take a virtual trip to good times.
Nikki has had a love for jewelry as far back as she can remember. As the first employee at Jennifer Meyer’s eponymous jewelry line in 2004, Nikki honed in on the skills needed to run a successful luxury business and began creating single custom pieces for herself. Her very first design was a bold double finger knuckle ring (now a staple of her line). Today, all the jewelry is handmade in LA, and ranges from serious diamond-encrusted statement pieces to thought-provoking pendants, word studs and cocktail rings designed for the bold and the beautiful.
While this collection is no doubt cool and edgy, it’s also crafted with staying power in mind. These are substantial gold and gemstone jewels meant to stay in your collection forever. Want to get in on the action? Read below to find out some of Nikki’s fave things, and click on to Established’s website to shop the collections for both men and women. Party on, party people!
“I’m just a through and through diamond girl but would totally cheat with Emeralds”
Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat?
We go to Nobu Malibu and eat as much as our bellies and wallets can take. Would you like me to be specific? How much time you got?
If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be?
Legit don’t know the answer to this! Too hard up on my own shit I guess.
The vacation spot that you keep going back to over and over?
Cabo. It’s close. It’s sunny. It offers whatever type of trip you need it to be. And they braid ur hair on the beach while making friendship bracelets with your name so you can come home flexin. Hola Mexico.
What’s the last book you couldn’t put down?
The Autobiography of Gucci Mane
What's your go–to cocktail?
Vodka. Water. 3 Lemons.
The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is....
I’m just a through and through diamond girl but would totally cheat with Emeralds.
It’s your birthday and your favorite flower arrangement arrives, what does it look like?
Gold roses and a sea of cannabis leaves.
What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year and why?
This is hard to answer cause I’m that into my own designs but my Teddy Bear is pretty cute.
You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do?
Circuit training
What was the first piece of jewelry/watch you bought for yourself?
When I was little I lusted over this silver plain band that had a VW Bug that slid around it. It was everything and I had to trade my classmate for it. Still have it. Beep beeeep.
What’s your preferred mode of transportation day-to-day?
Car. Music UP.
Whats's the most sentimental piece of jewelry you own? Tell us the back story.
My mother’s wedding ring. It’s too cool for even me to wear.
Top 5 bands in your playlist - go!
Garth Brooks
Tupac Shakur
Sublime
Tim McGraw
Watch the Throne
You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook?
Takeout
Be honest – who’s your celebrity crush?!
I have so many but everyone knows me and Marshall been rollin’ since ‘99.
If you could only carry one handbag for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chanel, darling.
If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why?
Um, one with vintage t-shirts with overpriced sunglasses and shoes.
Tell us your beauty secrets (think: can’t-live-without makeup & skincare)
I love my BR P50 1970 and Masque Vernix.
Clé de peau make my most fave masks.
Signature nail polish and/or lipstick shade for a night on the town?
Adorable or Lincoln Park After Dark. I’m a chapstick girl.