Marla Aaron

Marla Aaron makes jewelry and other objects in New York City. What began in 2012 with her iconic recasting of the carabiner lock into precious metals quickly expanded into a universe of mechanism-inspired, “hard-working” jewelry—rings and bracelets that open and close, convertible earrings, charms, and many other objects. Several of these designs hold U.S. patents and proudly range in price from $100 to $300,000. Each piece is made by hand in small, artisanal workshops in New York’s Diamond District and sold all over the world. “Jewelry’s only job is to bring joy to as many people as possible” is the philosophy Marla lives by.

Her collection is designed to be worn in infinite ways and used as “jewel tools” alongside personal pieces, redefining what “precious” means in jewelry through individuality. Marla’s rebellious approach to design—and to everything, really—has led to a series of unconventional milestones: her collection being featured in Gold: Worth Its Weight, an exhibition at the Museum of American Finance in New York City in 2016; the installation of her first jewelry vending machine at the Brooklyn Museum in 2017 (with more currently in development); and the regular release of new designs on Instagram with no apparent rhyme or reason.

She is also the creator of #lockyourmom, a project in which Marla gives away sterling silver Baby Heartlocks to single mothers on Mother’s Day. To date, thousands of locks have been gifted to deserving moms across the country. In 2024, Marla was awarded the Gem Award for Jewelry Design by the Jewelers of America. She lives in New York City with her husband, knitting and waiting for her children to come home and visit.