The DJ's Ultimate Accessory: How This Metalsmith Creates Intricate USB Necklaces for Artists

As both a longtime DJ and a skilled metalsmith, Esteban Joseph is bringing something entirely unique to the electronic music community: intricate, handcrafted USB necklaces.

Sleek, sturdy and unlike anything else on the market, Esteban’s work has quickly gained recognition, turning his small business into a coveted brand. His bespoke designs have caught the attention of John Summit, Diplo, RÜFÜS DU SOL's Jon George and Keinemusik's Rampa, among many others.

They're much more than mere accessories. They are meticulously crafted investment pieces designed to be both functional and visually striking.

Before launching his jewelry business, Esteban was a professional photographer and content creator, working with brands across the globe. While successful, he found himself feeling unfulfilled, he tells EDM.com, and constantly creating for others rather than for himself.

Around that time, he started immersing himself in the electronic dance music scene, attending raves and DJing for fun. The shift in perspective led him to explore metalsmithing by virtue of a course at a community studio in Chicago.

Within two weeks, he knew he had found his true creative path. He spent years refining his craft, investing in equipment and developing pieces for friends before ultimately taking the leap into full-time jewelry design nine years ago.

As a DJ, Esteban noticed how many artists sported basic plastic USB drives around their necks, seeing an opportunity to elevate the look while maintaining the practicality of a DJ's most essential tool. So he began designing USB necklaces that blended functionality with artistic craftsmanship, and the response was immediate.

What started as a personal project soon evolved into a full-fledged business, with DJs worldwide seeking out his unique designs. Esteban has since created hundreds of pieces, each one distinct, reflecting his one-of-a-kind fusion of jewelry and technology. His background as a photographer and filmmaker also allows him to bring an artistic storytelling element to his brand, capturing his pieces in a way that resonates with the dance music community.

"I put everything into each piece I create, knowing that when someone wears it, it becomes a representation of me out in the world," he says.

Esteban approaches his designs with an engineer’s mindset, ensuring that every piece is as functional as it is beautiful. His USBs are stylish but also built to last, crafted using premium materials. He says he prioritizes durability and speed, incorporating high-performance SanDisk Extreme Pro hardware, the same technology trusted by DJs at major festivals.

Many of the drives he uses are water-resistant, shockproof and temperature-proof, with read speeds of up to 400MB per second. He offers a range of storage options, from 256GB and 512GB drives to a 1TB solid-state USB 3.2 drive, ensuring that DJs have the reliability and capacity they need for their sets.

View the original article to see embedded media.

His creative process is as unique as his designs. He offers both custom pieces and ready-to-ship units, allowing for a mix of structure and spontaneity. For custom orders, he collaborates closely with clients to bring their visions to life, with prices starting at $1,000 for silver and $2,000 for gold.

His ready-to-ship pieces often begin with inspiration from a particular gemstone. Rather than sketching or planning extensively, he works intuitively, he says, to let let the materials guide the final design. This approach allows each piece to feel deeply personal and one-of-a-kind.

"This process is creatively satisfying because there are no constraints, allowing me to really connect with the work," he explains. "Making handmade jewelry is an ancient craft, and mastering the alchemy of turning a stone into a finished piece is a deeply rewarding process. Understanding the materials, like how metal reacts to heat and stress, requires patience and a deep connection to the craft."

A slew of major DJs have become fans of Esteban's work, with collaborations forming naturally over time. DJ Tennis was one of his first major supporters, commissioning custom USBs for his Life and Death label and incorporating its distinctive bird aesthetic. Diplo was referred through RÜFÜS DU SOL and actually wore his necklace to Super Bowl LIX, celebrating the win of his hometown Philadelphia Eagles with his USB around his neck. These collaborations have continued to expand, with artists regularly reaching out for new designs.

View the original article to see embedded media.

As his brand continues to grow, Esteban is considering ways to expand while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that set his pieces apart. While he currently crafts every piece himself, he's exploring the idea of launching a more affordable line that retains the same level of artistry but is more accessible to a wider audience.

He takes pride in creating not just USB necklaces, but also unique bracelets, rings and other jewelry pieces. His goal is to be a one-stop shop for curated style, where someone who buys a USB necklace might also discover the perfect companion piece to complement it.

For now, Esteban remains dedicated to his craft, blending his love for dance music and jewelry into something truly one-of-a-kind. You can find out more at his website.