Meet the Jewelry Designer Behind Bella Hadid’s Go-To Nameplate Necklace

As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

The M Jewelers may not be a brand name you immediately recognize, but it should be. The jewelry company is behind many of the celebrity-loved pieces shoppers have been coveting for years. The label’s famous clients include everyone from Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski to rapper Gunna. And it’s partnered with such brands as Nike, Kith, and MLB — yes, as in Major League Baseball.

The M Jewelers came to life pretty organically, as CEO and founder
Mark Shami was exposed to the jewelry industry early on in life. “I grew up learning the process and making these styles as a kid in the diamond district while working at my father’s jewelry store,” he tells POPSUGAR, adding, “We have a vintage collection that’s coming out that is reminiscent of the pieces I used to make at my dad’s jewelry store in the diamond district.”

Alongside that vintage collection, fans clamor for its personalized pieces. In fact, the Butterfly Flower Nameplate Necklace is one of Hadid’s favorite pieces to style with model-off-duty outfits. “Personalization and custom jewelry is definitely what we’re known for,” Shami says. “It’s the core ethos of The M Jewelers. Our company’s goal from day one has always been about being the best in personalized jewelry.”

Now that he’s conquered that goal, Shami is setting his sights on retail expansion. The company, which was born and bred in New York City, is opening up shop in Los Angeles with a brick-and-mortar store on one of the city’s most famous streets: 8445 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood. “LA has always been in our mind,” Shami reveals. “It’s our second biggest market. and as far as buildout, it’s such a great in-store experience. We love our NY community, and we’re really excited to build and meet our LA community.”

Keep scrolling for the full interview and to shop some of our favorite The M Jewelers pieces.