Jewelry Designer Ashley Zhang will have you saying "I DO"

1. Your background at Parsons was geared in the direction of fashion design and fine art painting—however, towards the end you shifted focus. What initially drew you to accessory design and jewelry?

While I was studying fashion design I had a class where we had to make an entire outfit every week with a different concept or inspiration. At the end of the semester I realized I hated sewing and designing clothes and I loved styling and making jewelry to go with the outfits. I had a few classmates ask me to make them some of the necklaces and accessories I had made from the semester, and I realized it was the direction I needed to go in. As soon as I turned my focus solely to jewelry, I became obsessed with learning everything I could about the history and manufacturing of fine jewelry.

2. California and New York seem worlds apart. Was it ever difficult deciding to move from the west coast to the east coast? Is there anything you miss about California?

I took my first trip to New York City with my mother when I was 10 years old, I loved everything about the city immediately. When we came back from our trip I told my entire family that when I turn eighteen I’m moving to New York City, and I did. I didn’t know a single person in New York when I moved, but I have always loved it here and have known it was where I needed to be.

3. Your work with diamonds is luxury at its finest- how did you begin working with such a coveted material? What is it about diamonds that are so alluring to you?

I absolutely love working with diamonds. There are so many different variations of diamonds between cuts, color, and quality. The longer you wear diamonds or collect fine jewelry the more you notice how special they are. I really take my time in selecting my stones and only show my clients stones that I think are rare and extremely exceptional. A lot of people don’t realize that the setting of a diamond can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the diamond and design. The setting has to compliment the diamond and enhance the qualities of a particular stone. 

4. What is it about the custom design process that you most enjoy (perhaps the people, their stories, or the excitement of new endeavours)?

I enjoy every step of the custom design process. My favorite custom designs are when I blend my ideas with a new idea from the client. The piece always turns out exciting and unique from everything else I make. It’s thrilling to design and make something with a specific customer in mind. I look at their lifestyle, and what jewelry they already wear and try to match that in my design and concept of the final piece. I want it to reflect their unique personality.

5. Do you have a favourite or memorable custom design experience you would be willing to share?

I always want my clients to be happy with the final product, but the best part is the joy it gives me when they are so excited about their finished piece. I had one client bring a tear to my eye when he expressed that the finished engagement ring had perfectly captured everything he felt about his fiancée and her style.

6. Do you have a preference for creating something entirely new or working on a vintage piece?

I love having a balance of both! My ideal workweek is multitasking between finding a vintage one of a kind engagement ring, searching for the perfect diamond for the start of a custom engagement ring, and working on the finishing touches of a design. I feel creatively balanced when I’m working through different steps of projects at the same time, while one starts another is finishing up.

7. As a successful and recognized 27 year old designer, what has been the most rewarding and the most challenging part of being a young artist in this industry?

The jewelry industry is a very tough industry to get into, most designers come from families that have been in the industry for generations. Being a young woman it took me a few years to be taken seriously. When I first started out I was told many times that my designs weren’t going to sell by people in the jewelry district. But I always pushed forward, I don’t design jewelry just to sell it, I design it because its what I love.

8. Growing up were you always exposed to the creative/artistic world? Or is this a passion that you discovered on your own?

I was always a creative child, and much to my parents disappointment I was never very interested in school. I liked to play outside and make things with my hands. I was always more interested in art then any other subject.

9. Who has been your biggest mentor and what was the best advice they gave you?

“Never give up” is a phrase I have heard many times. At the moment I don’t have one singular mentor. I rely on the knowledge and support of my jewelry production team. They are all much older then me and been in this industry longer then me but they respect my business and designs and they have seen how hard I push. I never take no for an answer.

10. Did you encounter any fears or obstacles relating to starting your own line? How did you overcome these fears?

Any business owner and designer encounters fears big and small on a daily basis. When I decided to start my own line I was a little nervous to name it after myself, but I knew I wanted to my own name on my designs and work because I stand behind it. 

11. Your pieces are timeless and classic. Does pop culture influence your work or ever come into play throughout the design process or end product?

Pop culture doesn’t really play a role in my work. I design pieces I want to wear for myself. So I’m never thinking about what’s trendy or in the moment, I always thinking about what jewelry I want to wear next.

12. Is there a particular era throughout fashion/design/jewelry history that inspires you the most (Victorian, Renaissance, Edwardian, Art Deco etc.)?

My interest in eras changes all the time. I become obsessed with a vintage setting or technique that I haven’t seen used in modern jewelry. I like to mix elements from different eras to create something new. A design that feels vintage but you can’t place what time period it’s from.

13. Are there any other routes besides jewelry design, that you hope your passion for art may take you? Do you have any interest in pursuing other sides of jewelry design from a philanthropical, editorial, media standpoint?

As of now I am still only obsessed with jewelry. I hope to create bigger and better designs. I would love to work on larger scale fine jewelry designs with high carat diamonds.

14. If you had to choose, what 3 words best describe Ashley Zhang Jewelry?

Timeless, quality, unique

 Interviewed by Rebecca Sneath // Designer Ashley Zhang