Collections

Frank Ocean Launches Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Line, Opens Store

CollectionsAug 10, 2021

Frank Ocean Launches Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Line, Opens Store

“Homer” is a meditation on permanence and the idea of leaving a legacy.

20210810_FrankOcean-homer-header.jpg
Singer Frank Ocean has unveiled a jewelry line and accompanying store, called Homer. Here, he’s pictured in a catalog showcasing the first collection.
New York—Singer-songwriter Frank Ocean’s new fine jewelry line fuses principles old and new.

The old is a reverence for the brick-and-mortar experience. The line, called Homer, has launched without e-commerce. 

It is available exclusively at its store in downtown Manhattan at 70-74 Bowery, opened Aug. 9. 

Located in Chinatown at Canal Street, it’s in the vicinity of the neighborhood’s jewelry haunts that deliver the basics, such as gold chains and diamond pavé pendants. 


Those who can’t make it into the store to shop in person can call to place an order; global shipping is free. 

Homer announced its debut with a free limited-edition printed catalog that quickly ran out, with the cover shot by Ocean himself, and the artfully arranged campaign imagery by frequent collaborator Tyrone Lebon.  

The new is Homer’s eschewing of natural diamonds for lab-grown diamonds manufactured at a “state- of-the-art lab” in the United States.


Designed in New York City, Homer is manufactured by hand in Italy in 18-karat gold, recycled sterling silver, vivid hand-painted enamel, and the aforementioned lab-grown diamonds.

In a statement, the brand cited its inspirations as “childhood obsessions” and “heritage as a fantasy.”

Rainbow shades of enamel adorn cartoon-like figures that bring to mind Japanese anime. One motif is a riff on a toy jack.

There are also more stylistically subdued, but technically impressive, gold and silver bracelets with specially crafted twisted links.   

Ocean is a notoriously elusive interviewee but spoke about Homer to the Financial Times in his first interview in two years. He elaborated on his inspirations to the publication, citing his need to establish a tangible legacy. 

The name Homer is an allusion to the Greek poet and author of “The Odyssey” and “Iliad.”


“Homer is considered the father of history and history is meant to endure—the same as diamonds and gold—and I know Homer used papyrus, but I’ve always liked the idea of carving history into stone,” Ocean told FT.

This desire, he said, is the result of being able to trace his personal lineage to the early 1700s slave trade. Ocean’s legal last name, Breaux, was a name the French commonly gave to slaves.  


Homer is Ocean’s way of naming himself. The work asserts his autonomy, his ability to craft his own narrative. 

Per FT, Homer has been in the works for about three years, but really began to develop in 2019, when the musician hosted 20 creator friends in a variety of design-focused fields—architects, carpenters, metalworkers and horticulturists—in a secluded, empty house outside of Los Angeles. 

Some of the works they crafted, like tables, chairs and lighting, became the basis of the Homer jewelry designs and, though not for sale, can be seen in the catalog. 

Working with resin at this unofficial creative summit also inspired the use of the material in the Bowery Street store and Homer’s packaging. 


Ocean is known for being a disruptor in the music industry.

Getting out of a contract with his old label Def Jam, he released the album “Endless” under the imprint in 2016 then released a secret album, the critically acclaimed “Blonde,” the following day.

He seems to be bringing the same rebellious attitude to Homer, which at press time, boasts 145,000 Instagram followers and, yet, zero posts. 

Homer’s first collection comprises 25 pieces and is priced from $395 to $1.9 million.  

The Latest

Anza Gems gemstones
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in Tucson

The new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for Success

In his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in January

The index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Foundrae Aspen Store
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store Opening

The new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.

Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bulgari Gioco di Forme e Colori watch and brooch
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales Slip

The brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.

Montana sapphire
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana Sapphires

The initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Clientbook
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking Tool

The new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Diamond center in Saurimo, Angola
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit

Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.

Francesca’s boutique
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All Stores

The retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.

Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, Lavina Hunt-Lewis
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board Members

The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.

DCA colored gemstone course
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone Course

The new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.

Deutsch & Deutsch jewelers team
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in Texas

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 10812 pink watch
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & Mercier

The Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.

Martin Katz snowflake earrings
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather

Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.

Ella Blum
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand Strategy

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.

National-Jeweler_1872x1502_B copy.png
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone Market

Sponsored by RapNet

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a Buyer

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

A Diamond Is Forever book
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Book

It explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.

Sindhu Culas
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America President

Retail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.

Taylor Burgess
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales Officer

Taylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.

My Next Question podcast with Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s Next

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Jules Kim of Bijules, Sophie Howard of By Pariah, Jade Ruzzo, Joy Haugaard of Lionheart, Vanessa Fernández of Vanessa Fernández Studio, Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Gavel and books stock image
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Robbery

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.

Felice Korr Morris
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91

Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy