When Nicole Jones, Alondeia Chaney and Chantel Watkins decided to create a jewelry line, the name Honesty immediately came to mind. “Honesty is a virtue, and I thought that if we were all more honest in our lives–in business and in our [relationships]–that the world would be better,” Jones says. These three Atlanta friends agree that whenever they wear Honesty jewelry, they are reminded to not only be truthful with themselves, but also with others.

The trio’s line of handcrafted couture jewelry includes everything from bracelets and necklaces to lariats and headbands made from a variety of beads, chains, natural gemstones, and antique and religious charms. These talented women also recently started making what they call “boot candy,” which is jewelry worn on the outside of just one boot. “Some of the beads are over 100 years old, and I just wonder where they have been and who has touched them,” says Jones, whose favorite pieces are made with antique glass beads. Watkins prefers pieces made with hematite beads, while Chaney favors the eclectic look that comes from the lariats and the headbands.

“The jewelry hits all eras,” Watkins says. “Chains are in right now, and that is kind of like the disco era. The lariats and headbands with feathers [resemble] the hippie era, and beads are kind of bohemian.” While any of the pieces can take a simple outfit from plain to chic, Watkins adds that they are interchangeable and can be worn together for a totally different look. The line’s versatility can also be found in individual items. For example, one of the most interesting pieces is a multi-strand chain with glass beads along one-half of the necklace. “You can wear it with just the chains or just the beads showing, or with half of the chains and half of the beads showing,” Watkins explains.

With a variety of materials and designs, and prices ranging from $34 to $295, Honesty jewelry provides something for everyone, which may be why Taste Clothing Boutique in Atlantic Station recently started carrying the line. The boutique, which is co-owned by Teresa Caldwell (the mother of rap star Bow Wow) and former New York Jets player Curtis Martin, offers everything from premium denim to the hottest trends from New York and Los Angeles. According to Angela Henderson, buyer and manager for Taste, she is always looking to bring in items that complement what the store already offers. “A lot of our customers are still wearing their fine jewelry, but are mixing it with other beads,” she says. “It also goes back to the clothes we sell. We say that we take you everywhere but work and church. Jewelry is the one thing we sell that you can do everything in.”

According to Chaney, future plans include offering the jewelry in other states, such as Florida and Texas. “We want fashion-forward women wearing our collection, so we have to hit other markets as well,” she says. “I’m also thinking international. I’d love to see [Honesty jewelry] on someone’s runway in Milan.” The creators of Honesty jewelry also have talked about possibly adding a new collection to the line for Mother’s Day called LEA–a name derived from the initials of their mothers’ middle names. “We are still bouncing ideas off of each other,” Watkins says.

You can find Honesty jewelry at Taste Clothing Boutique, Uptown Girl Boutique, The Red Carpet Boutique and Rhinoceros Boutique. Honesty jewelry is also available at the Kardashians’ store,

D-A-S-H in Los Angeles.

For more information, visit honestyjewelry.com.

Photography shot on location at: Taste Clothing Boutique

265 18th St. N.W., Suite 4160

404.347.0211