Today’s Jewelry Collection Story comes from Ashley of Ashley Zhang Jewelry. Her brand started in 2016 and has grown to include a curated selection of vintage and antique jewelry, along with bridal, engagement rings and a collection called the AZ Collection (new pieces with vintage inspiration). She is based out of NYC with a showroom that takes appointments for anyone interested in seeing her collection in person or designing a bespoke piece. I’m excited to get an up-close look at Ashley’s own personal collection – let’s dive in:
“I purchased a couple small fine jewelry pieces in my late teens and during college. Once I started working in jewelry at my first real job I became obsessed with antiques even though I was working for a modern fine brand. I saved all of my money my first year to buy myself a petite Art Deco engagement ring. From there I was hooked!”
“It’s hard to say what my favorite motifs are because like my curation on my website I love jewelry from almost all time periods. Because my favorite place to visit is Paris (and I was married in France), anything I like that is also French makes me want to add it to my personal collection. My Art Deco moval engagement ring is french, my pearl navette was purchased in paris, and my vintage love token heart with angels is French.”
“I have always loved fashion, I was a little girl obsessed with heels. I love that jewelry over everything else will last your lifetime. I use it to mark the special occasions in my life, or symbolism for something I love. For example opals for my son’s birthstone. I feel a deeper connection to these items than anything else I can collect or buy. It is an honor for me to create or curate these items for others.”
“I recently made myself a new engagement ring. I love my original, but with a toddler it’s not practical for everyday wear. I made my Marguerite Belcher setting in 18K yellow gold with a gorgeous 2 carat old european cut diamond. It was an especially nice treat for me to add to my collection because as it was for everyone, 2020 was a challenging year. So this was my symbol of making it through these hard times.”