In the bustling heart of NYC’s indie jewelry scene, a rising star is capturing attention with designs as unique as the story behind them. Bybay Atelier, founded by multidisciplinary artist Bay Chaitrakulthong, isn’t just creating accessories—it’s crafting wearable poetry that speaks to the soul while respecting our planet.
As we stroll through SoHo on a crisp winter afternoon, we can’t help but notice how the light catches on the most eye-catching pieces in Flying Solo’s meticulously curated display. Among them, a red ear cuff that seems to whisper secrets of forbidden fruit and human desire. This isn’t your average jewelry brand, honey—this is art you can wear.
The Voice Behind the Brand: Meet Bybay Jewelry
What happens when a trans plus-size Asian woman from Thailand brings her unique perspective to the jewelry world? Magic, darlings. Pure magic.
Bay Chaitrakulthong’s creative vision for Bybay Jewelry emerged from personal experiences. She transforms themes of resilience, longing, and self-discovery into tangible treasures. Her collections don’t just accessorize an outfit—they tell stories of love’s treacherous journey, of loneliness and hope, of finding beauty in imperfection.
“Experimental. Risky. Sustainable. Thought-provoking. Poetic.” These five words aren’t just brand descriptors—they’re the essence of Bybay Atelier identity. Each piece reflects this philosophy, challenging conventional jewelry design while remaining irresistibly wearable.
Sustainability: More Than Just a Buzzword
In an industry often criticized for its environmental impact, Bybay Atelier stands apart with genuine commitment to our planet. Every piece is crafted from 90% recycled materials, including pre- and post-consumer waste. The brand exclusively uses recycled precious metal for all products, proving that luxury and responsibility can coexist beautifully.
But the sustainability doesn’t stop there. Those gorgeous pouches that house your new treasures? Each one is handcrafted by local artisans using deadstock leather and upcycled fabrics. Talk about guilt-free glamour!
The Collection: Stories You Can Wear
Let’s dish about the pieces that are making waves, shall we? Each item in the Bybay Jewelry collection is individually handcrafted and finished in the USA. This fact making every single design a unique conversation starter.
Forbidden Fruits Ear Cuffs
The Bybay Atelier Red Ear Cuff reimagines the biblical symbol of transgression as something far more profound—a representation of our essential humanity. The striking red associated with these cuffs isn’t just gorgeous; it symbolizes rawness and openness to new experiences.
Crafted from sterling silver and adorned with Swarovski crystals. These ear cuffs don’t just decorate your lobes—they make a statement about embracing your authentic self.
Styling tip: These beauties shine brightest against minimalist, darker garments that let their statement-making design take center stage.
Led On Ring (beginning)
Available in size 4.5US/48EU, this sterling silver ring from the Bybay Atelier Silver collection is the first part of a stackable set with the “led on ring (end).” Its design reflects the journey of relationships—how they often begin with promise before potentially taking sharp, dangerous turns.
The subtle variations in texture and shape aren’t manufacturing inconsistencies—they’re intentional reflections of the organic, handcrafted process that makes each piece one-of-a-kind.
Imperfect Fit Earring
This Bybay Atelier Silver Single Earring challenges our notions of perfect relationships with its slightly fractured grasp holding a genuine baroque pearl—perhaps too tightly. It’s a metaphorical masterpiece that reminds us how real connections aren’t about flawless matching but about imperfect people making things work.
Composed of sterling silver and freshwater pearl, each earring is truly unique thanks to the naturally irregular forms of baroque pearls. No two pieces are exactly alike—just like no two relationships share the same story.
Wild Caught Ear Cuff
The Bybay Atelier Multi-Color Silver Ear Cuff draws inspiration from oysters—those delicacies associated with enhanced libido and sexual experiences. Part of the “A Fragile Hope for Love: The World is My Oyster” narrative, this piece evokes the raw vitality of desire and hope.
Crafted from sterling silver with freshwater pearl accents, it embodies both delicacy and strength—a perfect metaphor for the human heart.
Bybay jewelry Hollow Ring
Available in size 8US/58EU, this Bybay Atelier Silver Silver Ring takes inspiration from the delicate structure of avian bones. Its intricate design symbolizes both fragility and strength—a juxtaposition that runs through all of Bay’s work.
Made from sterling silver with meticulous attention to detail, it’s a timeless piece that carries emotional depth beneath its sleek surface.
Caring for Your Treasures: How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry
Once you’ve fallen in love with these pieces (and trust me, you will), you’ll want to keep them looking fabulous. Sterling silver jewelry requires some TLC to maintain its luster:
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth
- For tarnished pieces, a specialized silver polish works wonders
- Store in airtight containers when not wearing to prevent oxidation
With proper care, your Bybay Atelier pieces will continue telling their stories for years to come.
The Flying Solo NYC Connection
At Flying Solo NYC, discovering and showcasing independent designers like Bay isn’t just business—it’s a passion. This revolutionary retail concept in SoHo has become the ultimate destination for fashion enthusiasts seeking something beyond mainstream offerings.
Bay feels “honored to be a part of Flying Solo”. Recognizing how the platform “helps and lifts up smaller independent designers, giving us a chance in this chaotic industry.” It’s a match made in fashion heaven—Flying Solo’s commitment to authentic, innovative design perfectly aligns with Bybay Atelier’s artistic approach.
The partnership offers Bay valuable insights into marketing and PR within the industry, while providing Flying Solo customers access to truly unique, thoughtfully crafted pieces that stand apart in today’s mass-produced landscape.
Style Guide: Making These Pieces Your Own
Bay recommends styling her pieces with darker, minimalist garments that create the perfect backdrop for these statement pieces. Think sleek black turtlenecks, crisp white button-ups, or monochromatic ensembles that let the jewelry’s intricate details shine.
These aren’t accessories you hide among busy patterns or competing statement pieces. These pieces demand to be the focal point, the conversation starter, the piece that makes people lean in and ask, “Where did you get that?”
The Future Looks Bright (and Sustainable)
As Bybay Atelier continues to grow, one thing remains constant: the commitment to storytelling through sustainable craft. Each collection explores the multifaceted nature of human experience—love, doubt, hope, loneliness—through the medium of sterling silver jewelry and precious stones.
For those seeking pieces with meaning beyond aesthetics, Bybay Jewelry offers something rare in today’s fashion landscape: authenticity. These pieces aren’t mass-produced accessories designed to follow fleeting trends. Perhaps they’re artistic expressions designed to connect with their wearers on a deeper level.
Whether you’re drawn to the symbolic red ear cuff or the philosophical resonance of the Hollow Ring, Bybay Atelier invites you to wear your story proudly. After all, in a world of fast fashion, isn’t it refreshing to adorn yourself with something that speaks to who you really are?
Visit Flying Solo Store to experience these extraordinary pieces in person—and discover why Bybay Atelier is quickly becoming the go-to brand for those who view jewelry not just as decoration, but as extension of their personal narrative.