Written by Spencer Wen, founder and designer of WEN.
My jewelry line is rooted in the idea of urban romance, mixing a bit of softness into metal and giving everyday pieces a more emotional, romantic feel. I love working with gemstones, crystals, asymmetrical shapes, and mixed materials to create designs that feel elevated but still easy to wear. Nothing too loud or overpowering, just small, fun details that add personality and work with your daily outfits.
Quality and ease to maintain are really important to me when it comes to jewelry. That’s why I use medical-grade stainless steel for my necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. It’s skin-friendly, and super easy to take care of. It won’t tarnish or turn your skin green, so you don’t have to baby it. You can wear it in the shower, to the gym, to the beach, to go out dancing and it will still keep its shine. For my rings, they are 100% sterling silver with 18K gold plated to prevent tarnishing. I want my pieces to fit into real life. jewelry you can actually live in, not something you have to constantly take off or losing its shine after just a few wears.
One of my favorite pieces is the Knot Necklace, which came from a totally unplanned moment. I was tying my shoes one day and noticed the knot looked kind of beautiful in its own way. That idea stuck with me, so I sketched it out and turned it into a necklace. To keep it flexible and natural, I broke the design of the necklace into small segments, linking each one with delicate rings to echo the feeling of a knot while allowing the necklace to move fluidly with the body. It’s simple, a little unexpected, and quietly romantic. Something you can throw on every day but still feel special wearing.
Another one is the ‘tiger eye necklace.’ I’ve always loved incorporating natural stones into my designs, and tiger’s eye has been a favorite of mine for a long time. What draws me to it is the way it changes with the light. Under sunlight, the stone reveals glowing orange-gold flashes through its organic, uneven patterns. In softer or darker settings, it settles into a calm, earthy brown. This subtle shift gives the necklace a sense of movement, almost like it’s breathing, quiet, but full of character. The design layers two different chains together: a sleek snake chain paired with a delicate rice-bead chain. Both pass through a natural tiger’s eye stone and a small fortune wheel charm, a symbol of good luck in Asian culture. The layered look sits effortlessly, adding depth without feeling overdone. When the light hits just right, the tiger’s eye reveals a soft golden glow, a low-key surprise that feels personal and romantic. It’s not loud, but it stays with you.
I grew up in China and moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in business. Back in China, many of my closest friends were artists and designers. Being around them shaped the way I saw the world and quietly grew my love for fashion and creative work. But after moving to the U.S., my full-time career took me down a non-creative path. For years, I wasn’t doing any creative work and I started to feel stuck, like I had drifted too far from the part of myself that felt most alive.
Three years ago, I moved to New York City for a change. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. NYC has a unique energy, and it’s a place where creativity is everywhere. Being surrounded by designers, artists, and makers from all over the world reminded me of who I was before I learned to play it safe. I knew I couldn’t keep ignoring that feeling. That was when I decided to start my own brand.
I’ve always been drawn to accessories. To me, they’re powerful in a quiet way. They complete an outfit, add character, and say something about you without needing to shout. When I looked at the men’s jewelry space, I felt there was a gap. So much of it still feels safe, predictable, and overly minimal. I wanted to create something more elevated, more playful, and more romantic. Pieces that help people feel confident, curious, and comfortable in their own style. This brand is my way of reconnecting with creativity and sharing the subtle power of jewelry with others who feel the same.
