Table of Contents
About Soko
Soko makes ethical jewelry inspired by the exquisite realm of nature. Made in Nairobi, Kenya, their selection of modern jewelry is simple, yet stunning, and incorporates earthy materials like ceramic hand-painted beads and reclaimed horn and bone.
Soko has received a ton of attention for their unique and clever approach to designing jewelry, as Yahoo, Business Insider, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Daily Mail, Insider, and many media outlets have all featured a Soko jewelry review. They also have a following of 59k on Instagram.
Ready to find out more about the company and their amazingly elegant pieces? Let’s dive right in.
This Soko jewelry review will examine the brand and their best-selling jewelry, take a look at customer reviews, and provide information on discounts and other important information to help you decide if their bijoux is worth the buy.
Overview of Soko
Soko jewelry founder Gwendolyn Floyd, alongside Catherine Mahugu and Ella Peinovich, started the brand in 2012. They believe that “for something to be beautiful, the system that created it must also be beautiful.”
Soko’s headquarters are located in San Francisco, but their entire collection of jewelry is produced in Kenya.
They use a “virtual factory” system to hire more than 1,300 Kenyan artisans to produce their jewelry.
Their pieces are made from natural materials like hand-painted ceramic beads from Kazuri (a Fair Trade women’s collective in Kenya), reclaimed horn and bone, and recycled brass.
Soko’s mission is “to work towards reducing inequality and poverty, building a healthier environment, stronger communities through the creation of high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose.”
They are also a Certified B-Corp, meaning the company is inclusive, sustainable, and works to help solve social and environmental challenges.
Before taking a look at some truly astounding pieces, this Soko jewelry review will provide an overview of the brand’s pros and cons:
Pros
- Soko offers unique-looking earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets
- The brand is women-led, ethical, and a certified B-Corp
- The products are crafted by local artisans in Kenya that are well-compensated and taken care of
- Made with natural, recycled, and reclaimed materials
- Mid-range, affordable prices
- Blends modern and traditional styles
- Great sale section
- Teachers, Medical, Military, and First Responders get 20% off
- Quadpay can help with making easy payments on your jewelry
- Ships to over 100 countries
Cons
- Some customers have said that the jewelry tarnishes or breaks easily
Soko jewelry is, quite simply, stunning. The artisans’ cultural roots and skill is reflected in each handmade, uniquely crafted piece.
This Soko jewelry review will feature the brand’s customer favorites when it comes to earrings, from the delicate and dainty to the bold and daring, as well as traditionally-inspired necklaces and rings that merge with modern design.
Soko jewelry is available for purchase with 4 interest-free payments using quadpay.
Soko Earrings Review
Soko earrings immerse the wearer in the world of the artisan that created them. Below, we’ll take a look at a truly remarkable and diverse selection of compliment-worthy ear pieces.
Soko Threader Earrings Review
Like a delicate leaf, the Honi Threader Earrings droop with elegance. They are delicate and feminine, yet have an intense energy about them. These earrings can add subtle spice to work outfits and provide a delicate touch to daring outfits.
The threader silhouette allows for easy and balanced wear and has a slight dangling effect thanks to not having a stop-back closure. Offered in 24k gold-plated brass or silver, these nature-inspired earrings bring elegance to any outfit for $78-88.
Soko Horseshoe Earrings Review
The classic horseshoe shape of these earrings is fun and relaxed, calling to mind the dual nature of the horse: a gentle and powerful being.
As studs, these earrings are light, easy to wear, and work with everyday apparel. They can also bring variation and edge to classy outfits. These spirited earrings would pair well with the Soko Cuff Bracelet for a modern, edgy look.
Available in 24k gold-plated brass and silver, the Horseshoe Stud Earrings measure 10m in length and work in any position on the ear. Take these daring earrings with you on an adventure for $48-68.
Soko Spike Earrings Review
The Spike Earrings are so much more than basic. In classic spike form, these earrings have a dangerous and attractive quality to them.
They aren’t just a simple straight line, as the earrings take on thickness in the middle for a traditional shape that is pleasing to look at.
These Soko tapered earrings would look great when worn with a slicked-back ponytail and a low-cut black dress, but they also work for day wear to add some flair to a casual outfit.
Made in 24k gold-plated brass, brass and silver, or silver, the Spike Earrings measure 3 inches in length and are $78-$88.
Soko Wood Hoop Earrings Review
The Arlie Maxi Wood Hoop Earrings are made of Sudanese teak wood that has been sanded and finished into an attractive and funky hoop.
This Soko jewelry review would wear these earrings paired with voluminous hair, a jean jacket, green cargo pants, and neutral wedges while we strut down a sunny boardwalk.
Made from sustainably sourced wood, the color of the hoops may vary from order to order, and that’s the beauty of handcrafted pieces.
Show your natural side with the Arlie Maxi Wood Hoop Earrings for $78.
Soko Tapered Earrings Review
The Mezi Tapered Hoop Earrings are an inspired approach to the classic hoop, featuring a flattened bottom for a modern, spirited look. They slide on the ears and do not have a back closure, looking more like a work of art than the typical earring.
These hoops would look great when worn with the Soko Bar Pendant Necklace to accentuate the classic look.
The Soko hammered hoop earrings are available in both 24k gold-plated brass and silver, measuring 59mm in height. Adorn yourself with art when you purchase the Mezi Tapered Hoop Earrings for $68-88.
Pair these earrings with a Soko Gold Rectangular Necklace and you have all the glam you could ever desire.
Soko Twist Bow Earrings Review
Shaped with a daring curve, the Twist Bow Earrings have an intense look, evoking images of a hunter and her prey. With a stylish twist in the middle of the bow, these earrings have edge and finesse.
The threader-style Twist Bow Earrings have an open-ended arc that lets them dangle freely without risk of being lost.
Available in both 24k gold-plated brass and silver, these earrings measure 2.7 inches in length. Go after what you want in the Twist Bow Earrings for $48-68.
If you’re after a more modern, edgy ring to pair with these earrings, check out the Soko Double Bar Ring.
Soko Nene Charm Stacking Rings Review
Bold, shining rings are paired with a dangling and dainty charm that mixes elegance with a hint of playfulness with the Nene Charm Stacking Rings.
The charms are attached with a winding, rope-like twist, providing a traditional detail on an otherwise modern piece. Pair these with a simple Soko Chain Collar Necklace for a classic look.
These rings are made from 24k gold-plated brass and ethically sourced horn. Truly one of a kind, these rings are handmade from natural materials and so the colors may vary. The Nene Charm Stacking Rings are available in sizes 5-9 and cost $98.
Soko Makali Delicate Necklace Review
The Makali Delicate Necklace is a great choice for everyday wear and blends a modern design with the natural world. The 2 unique pendants have an earthy look to them, much like overlapping fruit hanging from a tree.
This Soko jewelry review enjoys that they are of different sizes, providing variation and depth. The pendants are hung on a 16-inch chain, and both have been handcrafted in 24k gold-plated brass. Enjoy the everyday classic Makali Delicate Necklace for $88.
For a necklace that has a more robust charm, take a look at the Soko Rectangle Pendant Necklace.
Soko Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
There aren’t many customer reviews for Soko modern jewelry online, even on the brand’s website.
Going forward, this Soko jewelry review included customer testimonials from shopsoko.com, Yelp, and Shopbop.com, but each reference does not contain enough ratings to give an accurate reflection of the brand.
The Nyundo Stacking Rings are rated an average of 3.9/5 stars by 8 customers on shopsoko.com.
A top review puts it simply: “I really love the quality of the jewelry from this website.” Combining ethics, quality, and good prices seem to be this brand’s forté.
A customer who did not enjoy the quality of these rings wrote, “The photo was much more appealing than the real product…. for that price I expected much more.” Since all the jewelry is hand-crafted, results may vary as to what you receive.
Here’s a handful of ratings from the company’s website to get a glimpse into what customers think of their pieces:
- Open Square Statement Ring: 4.7/5 stars out of 13 ratings
- Nyundo Stacking Rings: 4/5 stars out of 9 ratings
- Uzi Mini Hoop Earrings: 4.2/5 stars out of 3 ratings
- Rectangle Medallion Necklace: 3.9/5 stars out of 4 ratings
Soko Jewelry is rated an average of 2.5/5 stars on Yelp by 7 customers.
A buyer who visited their flagship location wrote, “What an amazing place! Their jewelry is beyond gorgeous… The prices are very reasonable – perfect for holiday gifts. Add to that the incredibly sweet sales help and you’ve got a real winner.”
One Yelp reviewer was less than enthused with their purchase: “Was so excited to receive my stackable ring set. Sadly, my finger turned GREEN within one day of wear.”
As we’re slowly starting to see from the small number of reviews, the brand’s products look fantastic and are ethically made, but do they hold up after long-term wear?
The Gilded Hold Paddle Hoops are rated 3.5/5 stars on Shopbop.com.
A total of 2 reviews, 1 positive and 1 negative, are available. The positive review reads, “They are lightweight and can be dressed up or down. I have not had any issues regarding quality.”
The negative comment was not impressed with the hoops’ quality: “So cute to wear them! Unfortunately, after two wears, the metal piece that goes through your ear broke off. Cute earrings, not worth the price.”
Now that’s a roller coaster of reviews. While we cannot draw any meaningful conclusion from so few testimonials, there are complaints that raise some questions. Perhaps the happy customers are just too busy enjoying their new products to leave a comment.
Is Soko Worth It?
There are simply not enough customer reviews about Soko jewelry to be able to get a true depiction of the brand’s service and the quality of their jewelry.
Based on what this Soko jewelry review did find, customers say that their pieces are undoubtedly attractive, but the quality (for some) just isn’t as high as it should be for the price.
The brand uses real metals and real gold plating for their jewelry, so despite what customers think, the prices are a reflection of the materials along with all of the other costs of operation.
These other costs include paying their artisans 5 times more than other local artisan shops would to handcraft the pieces.
Soko is a Certified B-Corp, meaning they are working to help make a positive impact on the world, sourcing materials sustainably and doing their part to make a difference in communities.
Their jewelry designs are aesthetically pleasing, trendy, simple, elegant, and reflect the true craftsmanship of the one who made them. For these reasons, this Soko jewelry review believes their jewelry is worth the buy.
Soko Promotions & Discounts
The following promotions and discounts are available on shopsoko.com:
- Get 15% off your first order when signing up to their mailing list
- Teachers, Medical, Military, and First Responders get 20% off. To access this discount, you’ll need to submit a Soko Verify Pass request on the website.
- Free shipping on US orders over $100
Where to Buy Soko
Soko Kenyan jewelry is available for purchase at shopsoko.com and their flagship store in San Francisco. You can find out which US stores carry their jewelry by using the Store Locator feature.
You can also shop Soko from select retailers:
- Nordstrom Rack
- QVC
- Shopbop
- Bikini.com
- Trina Turk
FAQ
What is Soko’s Shipping Policy?
Soko has US and international shipping options. For the US, orders are processed within 1-2 business days. Shipping options, times, and costs are listed below:
- Standard (3-5 business days): $7 or free on orders over $100
- Expedited (2-3 business days): $12
- 2-Day (2 business days): $22
- Overnight (1 business day): $27
Soko currently ships to over 100 countries. International orders ship with FedEx, start at $30, and take 7-14 business days.
You can use the tracking number provided in your shipping confirmation email to follow the order’s progress. Personalized products can take a bit longer, as they are handmade, packaged, and shipped straight from Nairobi, Kenya.
What is Soko’s Return Policy?
Need to return your Soko Brass Bracelets? The brand has a 15-day return policy from the date of purchase. If you wish to make a return or exchange on an item, it must be unused, undamaged, and sent back in its original packaging along with the sale confirmation.
To start a return or exchange, head to the Return Portal and enter your order number and shipping address zip code.
When it is time to send back your item, this Soko jewelry review advises customers to make sure the item is properly packaged so that it incurs no damage. Items that are damaged upon return will not qualify for a refund.
If you receive an order with a product that is damaged, contact [email protected] with your order number and a picture of the damaged item. The brand will do some research and send a replacement.
Soko is unable to replace damaged items that were bought through another website.
International returns cannot be processed through the Return Portal, so you will need to contact [email protected].
The customer will be responsible for return shipping fees, and it is recommended to use a delivery service that has tracking available, as Soko is not responsible for return items that get lost in transit. Some items are not eligible for return at all:
- Sale items
- Special orders
- Personalized or custom-made products
- Final sale merchandise
- Any product that specifies in its description that it cannot be returned
- Items from pop-up shops out outside vendors
How to Contact Soko
If you need any other information that this Soko jewelry review did not include, feel free to send them an email at [email protected] or fill out the Contact Form on their website.
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