“So that’s how I realized that I loved the creativity and expression of designing jewelry.”

-Ashley Taylor

Ashley Taylor, co-founder of Taylor Custom Rings, discovered her path in jewelry design through a spontaneous sketch that became the foundation for the brand’s first collection. In this interview, she outlines how purpose, ethics, and creative expression shape her work and the company’s approach to sustainable, lab-grown fine jewelry.

Ashley, can you tell us about the moment you first realized you had a passion for designing jewelry?

Actually, this is a really funny story. We had started our business and were making a lot of custom rings for people, but Jerry had mentioned to me that he wanted to design some rings to have our own line. He had a lot of experience designing, but of course, in the early days of a business, there’s never any time, so he was having a hard time getting around to it. I had been nurturing some artistic interests and decided to take a swing at it myself. So one evening, I walked up to him and dropped a paper on his lap. It was a bunch of sketches I had done, and each design was complete with a name. He fell in love with them, and that eventually became our first line of rings. So that’s how I realized that I loved the creativity and expression of designing jewelry. (His surprise and delight were also a fun byproduct of that experiment!)

What inspired you and Jerry to start Taylor Custom Rings, and how did you complement each other’s strengths in this venture?

Jerry came from the industry, so that gave us a lot of the confidence we needed to strike out on our own venture. We have both always been more willing to take risks than most people we know. We definitely complement each other in many ways. We share artistic inclinations and a really deep love of people. But Jerry is more spontaneous and heroic, and I am more of a planner and like to think things through thoroughly. So the business really benefits from both of our different personalities and strengths.

Can you describe the process and significance of using ethical, lab-grown gemstones and recycled precious metals in your designs?

It’s incredible that we live in a time when real diamonds and gemstones can be created instead of mined. Our created diamonds and gemstones are physically, chemically, and optically identical to their mined counterparts. Their origins completely avoid the negative environmental and ethical impacts of mining, and you can get a bigger, nicer diamond or gemstone for the same price. Even in the earlier days of this technology, our customers have always been so enthralled with lab-grown diamonds. As far as recycled metals, when you recycle precious metals, they are refined again and only become purer, so there’s really no reason not to use recycled gold or platinum in your jewelry! We are lucky because in our industry, you don’t have to make sacrifices to make these better choices.

How does your background in art and sketching influence your approach to designing rings?

I actually didn’t really get into drawing until I was an adult. I needed a creative outlet after I had my third child and picked it up then. I realized I had a knack for it, but what I loved most was the meditative state I could achieve when really dedicating some time to sketching. I especially love playing with shapes and creating combinations and silhouettes that draw your eye in and capture your interest.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from an online business to opening your first showroom in Carlsbad?

A brick-and-mortar business comes with a host of new expenses and challenges. Operating solely online was comparatively much simpler. However, we have loved having a beautiful physical showroom to invite our customers into to try on our jewelry and have a really immersive experience with our brand. It’s been a blast hosting events. Our team is so friendly and inclusive, and I love watching them interact with our customers. Even our remote customers get to experience some of that magic through virtual consultations that take place in our showroom, and other photography and videography that we share online. It was a big leap, but it’s definitely paying off!

How do you stay current with jewelry trends while maintaining a unique and personal touch in your designs?

In large part, we let our customers be our guide when it comes to trends and designs. It’s fun to see the new things that people are interested in and explore different styles of design, but I always encourage customers to figure out what they love and not be afraid to go for a design that speaks to them personally, even if it isn’t exactly what they think they should be loving or what’s on trend. Jewelry should be a mode of expression more than a status symbol, in my opinion. I guess our origins as a custom jeweler really show up in this way!

Can you share a particularly memorable or favorite design that holds special meaning for you?

I often talk about my very first design, which was the Darby ring. It was one of those designs that I showed Jerry in those early days. It’s very geometric and playful, and I love the art deco vibes. We recently created matching earrings, and I am in love with the set.

What advice would you give to someone looking to express their personal style through jewelry?

Lean into the things that bring you joy. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Choose pieces that have meaning to you, that you will want to keep forever and pass down.

How has your business evolved since its inception in 2015, and what are your future aspirations for Taylor Custom Rings?

We’ve grown so much since those early days. Sometimes I think we would hardly believe it if we could’ve seen where we would be now. That said, there is still so much ahead and so many possibilities. Our top priority has always been serving our customers to the very best of our ability and offering a very personal, high-touch customer experience. Whatever happens next, that will remain our guiding star.

In what ways do you see Taylor Custom Rings contributing to a more sustainable and ethically conscious jewelry industry?

We will continue to educate and inspire when it comes to lab-grown diamonds and created gemstones. It has been awesome to see the jewelry industry pushed toward better practices by consumers. It’s been very consumer-driven, and we love to see that! We will continue to operate according to our values and do the very best we can to offer more ethical and sustainable pieces to our customers.

“Whatever happens next, that will remain our guiding star.”

-Ashley Taylor

Link

• Taylor Custom Rings website

Share Your Insights

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation below:

• Which part of Ashley’s journey resonated with you most?
• What does “designing with purpose” mean to you?
• Have you considered lab-grown gemstones or recycled metals in your jewelry choices?

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