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Cast is known for artfully designed fine jewelry. The pieces are chic and timeless with undeniable star quality. Sounds a lot like the brand’s newest collaborator: Issa Rae. No wonder, the resulting collection is powerful, fun and always ready for its close-up.
Rae had a chance to wear Cast at the 2024 Emmy’s in January, which got the ball rolling. “I really love Cast Jewelry. The jewelry was so sleek and modern, and I just wanted the opportunity to create my own collection that embodied me,” Rae explains.
After a months-long design process, the actor, tastemaker, entrepreneur and all-around badass is beyond excited to introduce the Braeve Collection, which debuted on September 17, 2024.
The collection (priced from $250 to $5,900) features 22 pieces made with 14K gold, sterling silver, black onyx and Cast-created Diamonds™️, the company's exclusive lab-grown diamond collection.
Meant to be worn any time, any place, any which way, the silhouettes balance bold lines with quiet curves…a nod to the duality inspired by their iconic creator. In case you missed it: Rae’s rabid fandom is fueled not only by her immense talent but by her unique ability to share both her strength and vulnerability. (Makes sense that she likens jewelry to armor.)
How Did the Collab Come to Be?
Short answer: Fate.
More than three years ago, before Cast Jewelry even launched, the name Issa Rae topped Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer Rachel Skelly’s wish list of future collaborators. “I’ve admired Issa for years. I love that she’s a self-made artist and I’m so inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit, authenticity and unique storytelling. Not to mention her iconic style,” says Skelly.
Turns out, not only did Rae become a fan of Cast, but the two parties knew someone in common. A meet-cute was arranged, sparks flew and the rest is…bling.
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Issa Jumps Into Jewelry
The Los Angeles-born Rae and star of HBO’s groundbreaking Insecure is one busy lady, juggling movie roles, creative projects and countless businesses (including HOORAE, a media company that develops content to continue to break boundaries in storytelling and representation).The Braeve Collection, however, is her first foray into fine jewelry.
Partnering with Cast was a no-brainer for the style queen (another one of her multihyphenates): “I deeply admire the Cast ethos, their unique collaborative approach to jewelry and their focus on sustainability. I loved experimenting with shapes, textures, and silhouettes,” says Rae.
Cast’s vision to create jewelry that’s approachable and accessible also aligns with Rae’s. “I really wanted to start a jewelry line that represented women who are at a point in their careers where they’re ready to be themselves in their personal lives, where they’re ready to elevate and tap into who they’re supposed to be,” Rae explains.
On the aesthetic front, you guessed it, Rae and Skelly were perfectly in sync—just like two peas in a proverbial (mid-century modern) pod.
Looks Like Issa
The collection truly reflects Rae’s personal style: “The jewelry has clean lines and modern silhouettes and just the right amount of sparkle for everyday wear. Braeve is also about being vulnerable, and this jewelry allows me to showcase how I feel on the inside. I’m excited for everyone to experience it,” says Rae.
As someone who likes to keep her “armor” on from sunup to sundown, creating versatile jewelry was a must for Rae. “I wanted to make sure the pieces were really stackable so you can decide how to wear them. If it’s daytime and you’re at work, you can keep it simple. Then, if you have an event at night, just stack a couple more pieces on and you’re a whole different person,” she says.
Choosing Favorites
Obviously, Rae loves every cuff, pendant, earring and ring in her brood. Still, she has no problem naming her favorite: The Braeve Pendant, a bold beauty crafted with 14K gold, black onyx and Cast-created Diamonds™️. It serves up three different looks in one thanks to its cool flip technology.
“What I love most about it is I can flip it to reflect my mood. If it’s on all black [onyx], don’t mess with me. But if it’s on gold, I’m here, come through,” Rae smiles.
The Braeve Hoop is also worth calling out—as Rae is a hoop girl through and through. Available in 14K gold or sterling silver with Cast-created Diamonds™️, these epic hoops have modern, beveled edges, adding structure to the elegant curves. So very Issa.
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Rae’s also smitten with the striking custom-designed clutches all the pieces come in. “Not only do they hold the jewelry but they can hold anything. We love the versatility,” she says.
Get (Issa) Hyped
Several of the collection’s rings and cuffs are engraved on the inside with positive messages from the ultimate hype girl herself. Examples include: “Make your own yes,” “Embrace who you are,” and “Create your own path.” These Issa-isms and more are featured on graphic notecards available for purchase, as well.
// Time to get Braeve and blind them with your shine. Right, Issa? Shop now
Claim an exclusive signed clutch by Issa Rae with any Braeve Collection purchase while supplies last.
