ALEXIS KLETJIAN LOTUS SHIELD WITH BETH'S NEW CHARM COLLECTION COMING SOON

The Legacy Campaign has a special way of choosing the names of collectors who are ready to commemorate a signifiant milestone in their lives.  When Beth Bernstien's name emerged from the golden drum I was excited to tell her, but I was also very nervous ...

Beth is the author of several popular jewelry books, consultant to emerging jewelry designers, discriminating collector, and a jewelry designer herself.  Recently, she launched BeJeweled Magazine (which I looove) and reinvented herself as the go-to destination for all that glitters.  

I was curious what she would choose for her Legacy and without hesitation, Beth told me she wanted a Lotus shield.  I feel strongly about my Lotus Shields for their individuality, protection and sentimental properties, so I was very pleased she felt the same way.

On my next trip to New York I brought a selection for her to choose from and it did not surprise me that she choose my favorite.  I was more than happy for her to have it, even though I jokingly suggested she "will it" back to me someday ;)  Kidding aside, there is nothing better than when your personal favorites are appreciated by someone you admire, to adorn their legacy.  

Now, I'll let Beth tell you in her own words, as only she can ...

BETH CHOOSING HER LOTUS SHIELD

I was thrilled to win one of Alexis’ contests—the jewelry is so on point and well made. It’s never overdone or fussy, just beautiful pieces that you can layer, stack and wear everyday. 

I chose the lotus shield for a variety of reasons. First of all, I don’t have much luck with contests. I rarely if ever have won anything. Actually this is also the reason I don’t gamble. I can sit down at a black jack table or slot machine and lose my allotted $20 in less than 10 minutes flat. When Frank Sinatra sang Luck Be A Lady it definitely had nothing to do with me. 

With that said, since one of the meanings of the lotus is new beginnings—I felt that winning the contest was a new start and maybe my ‘luck was about to change’ Since I am superstitious, I did believe that choosing the lotus after winning the contest would be the perfect choice because things can change and there is always room for clearing out your old beliefs and behaviors that aren’t working for you anymore and try and find new ones that do. 

I am also a big fan of “The Language of Flowers” and any type of flower with a positive meaning, particularly in gold and gemstones definitely woes me. And lotus is also a symbol for rising above life’s challenges and difficulties and coming out on the other side. I have faced a lot in my life, due to unforeseen circumstances and to me the lotus represents that I have weathered it, began again, reinvented what needed to be re-invented, let things go that I could let go, and lived with the things (like my mom’s passing way too young) that taught me how to miss someone but go on and about my life and that the two can co-exist. I also learned how to survive and sometimes even find comic relief in the worst of times. 

The shield shape is for protection and I think we all need plenty of that, but being protected while starting new and facing difficulties truly hits home for me. I chose the demantoid garnet—not because of a meaning (believe it or not) but because I have loved demantoids in Victorian and Art Nouveau jewelry and saw both the ruby version (my favorite gemstone) and this dematoid one and just couldn’t resist. I could get other ruby jewels but not so easy to find those this well crafted set with demantoid. 

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LOTUS SHIELD

And there you have my lotus legacy. I hope that you too will be able to find comfort in symbols and talisman. It’s especially calms me when I feel like I have had the worst day and then realize it could be much worse and I know that there are better things to come. 

I just reached 10K on Instagram ;)

Today brands are measured in their social media success, but I don't feel that is an accurate way to gauge success, or retain brand loyalty.  Attention is fleeting, new apps are always throwing a fork in the road, and social media "numbers" are used as the barometer of how well you are doing. Why?  

I think this is a terrible way to conduct your life, to be worried about social numbers, and how you appear in the cyber world.  I have ten thousand things I need to be doing, and worrying about that is not one.  For me, it is about the jewelry and my connection with you.  

With that said, I do think it is amazing so many of you (10,000 +) take the time out of your day to make me feel special in mine, and I love how social media has brought us together, which is why I created the AKLegacy Campaign to begin with.  As you know by now, with every 1,000 Instagram milestone this year, I have awarded one name chosen randomly from my golden drum of stories, a $1,000 gift certificate towards your fine jewelry purchase, to adorn your legacy. 

We only have a few more months left of the AKLegacy Campaign this year, but please keep those stories coming, because I will bring it back again, I promise.  Your stories are powerful and I carry each of you with me, everyday.  Quietly, I wonder if a piece will be the right one for you, to mark the milestone, to touch your heart.  

I enjoy that you chat with me daily, and I look forward to your comments, emails, and/or messages about jewelry, my words, or just to share a quick thought.  

For the biggest milestone to date, I have chosen a name from the golden drum, as you will see in this video on INSTAGRAM, but next week I am hosting a special giveaway - an early release - open to all, and it will be one item from the upcoming MEMORIALIZE COLLECTION!

I think of collecting jewelry as a beautiful discovery of oneself.  And, when you collect mindfully you can create a powerful narrative, regardless of age.  Once jewelry has found its place in your heart, you may savor a lifelong love affair with the wondrous treasures of our earth, reminding you of the roads traveled, and what lies ahead.  Therefore, I am delighted to celebrate Emily, a recent high school graduate, with a Legacy win to begin her collection.


Now, I will let Emily tell you in her own words about what she chose, and what it means to her...



Everyone wants to have a fantastic legacy. For me, I am just starting out on my journey in life, so there are many things I strive to have as part of my legacy; fairness, leadership, being a positive influence on others, and helping teach kindness and compassion through simple every day acts.

Jewelry for me is a reminder of times past, and times to come. My collection grows, and I grow with it. I have been fascinated with jewelry since I was 5, which was when I found a lost engagement ring on the playground. Ever since then, jewelry has been in my life.

My lucky star guides me. My lucky star charm necklace has become an everyday piece for me, reminding me to look to the future, and to always see the positive side of things. I named her Evangeline, which means "bearer of good news," in hopes that good things will come my way. She shines above my sentimental bear charm, named Blackberry, who reminds me to stay humble and grounded in life.

Two other pieces I received from Alexis were a gray moonstone ring and gray moonstone earrings. Those pieces remind me that sometimes, true beauty is hidden. Not everything is always apparent, so they are a reminder to be vigilant in uncovering the truth and reality of a situation.

This giveaway has changed my life. I will forever be humbled that I have won, and I will always be reminded to pass luck and good feelings on whenever I can. Alexis is a role model of who I would like to be someday; someone who loves what they do, and who loves the people around her.

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR RING IN ROSE GOLD

On the anniversary of Lucky Star, I am honored to share another legacy story with you.  

Lauren was the first legacy winner, and although she knew she would choose a design from the Lucky Star collection, she patiently waited to be the first to preview the new designs for her finial decision.  Ultimately, Lauren chose my classic vintage-inspired Lucky Star ring in rose gold and brilliant diamonds to represent her family, and their connection to stars. 

In her own words, I will let Lauren share her legacy story with you...

I thank my lucky stars...

ALEXIS KLETJIAN CUSTOM DOG TAG IN ROSE GOLD, DIAMONDS AND BLACK SPINEL

Happiness is something you feel, an indescribable emotion that can be shared, understood.  I believe people come into your life when you need them the most.  Perhaps for friendship, laughter, or love - whatever you may need when your paths cross.  

Our family has been through many years of emotional losses, and I needed drastic change to shift the energy, to try and get our happy back...  

The day Sinead Butler came into our lives was the day our lives took new direction.  She was (is) our realtor, yet it was never a sign here, initial here, type of relationship.  Sinead did more than sell our home for us, she brought us laughter and distraction in a very sad time in our lives.  Ultimately, she became our friend.

Everything happens for a reason, and I am happy it does.  If she wasn't in the office that day, (which I learned later she usually is not) I am positive we would not be where we are today, in a better state of mind.  You may think I am giving my realtor too much power over my emotions, but you and I know the right person always shows up, when you need them.  

The only way we knew how to truly thank Sinead for going above and beyond was to give her a sentimental piece of us.  

The rest I will let Sinead tell you, as she so thoughtfully wrote this story to share...

SINEAD WITH HER BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN

My legacy...

I want to pick so many things as my legacy!  I want to empower my children so they will be bold, strong, kind, true to their souls and believe in themselves always.  They are, after all, what we leave behind us when we are gone.  I want laughter and fun to be my legacy.  The strength of family, with its bonds and memories and the ache I feel when I know I will not see them for a while - the downside of being an immigrant.  But most of all I am drawn to happiness, how it makes me feel, how it makes others smile with their eyes, how it makes the world go around.  Yes, happiness - with a little crazy - is my legacy.

I met Alexis when she employed me to find a home for her family.  I had my professional hat on and I tried hard to keep it on as buying or selling a house can bring up many emotions for clients, it's best for their realtor to focus on the job at hand.  It soon became apparent that this would be impossible as Alexis and her husband, Garrett, were full of fun, laughter, intelligence, and 'happiness'. They made my job easy and I found myself enjoying every minute of their company.  Let's just say this is not necessarily the 'norm' in real estate.

When we closed on a house they were selling they presented me with a gift.  The first of a new design for Alexis, a dog tag with diamonds and black spinels.  I was so flabbergasted I babbled on for a while and later sat in my car and cried.  

The fact that they had given me a gift at all pushed me over the edge.  Alexis later had it engraved with the irish word 'sonas', which as I'm sure you can guess, means 'happiness'.

ALEXIS KLETJIAN CUSTOM DOG TAG

When I launched the Legacy Campaign in January, I greatly underestimated the power of jewelry, and the connection we have to our beloved pieces.  I always knew it was powerful, but the way your stories have impacted my own life was unexpected.  I wrote about it in a previous post which you can read here.

The Legacy Campaign has given me fresh perspective, and a deeper connection to my collectors that I will be forever grateful for.  Due to their personal nature, not every Legacy story entered is meant to be shared, but today I have a Legacy story from Karen, one of the AK Legacy winners, and the piece of jewelry she chose to adorn her legacy.

Before I get to her story, I want to tell you a little of how I choose each winner, again.

Your stories are powerful, and I cannot simply choose them based on what moves me to tears, or what I feel a connection with.  Who am I do decide what is more important?  So, I choose randomly, with a name on a paper, and the universe decide for me.  After a few turns of the golden drum, Karen's name flew out, and sent shivers up my spine.

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LEGACY CAMPAIGN.  YOUR NAMES STAY IN THIS DRUM ALL YEAR!

I had my winner; I was so excited to share the news with her.  What I didn't know was Karen was bedridden for a week, suffering a terrible cold, and this was the exact pick-me-up she needed.  It took her a few days to even realize she won!  I am sure it would be nice for us all to receive something special when we are not at our best, but the story goes deeper.  

I will let Karen tell you in her own words...

My name is Karen and My Legacy is to continue to raise a strong, confident daughter who follows her heart, and her dreams.  I want to teach my daughter everyday that no matter what challenges she comes up against in her life, she can make it to her goals by believing in herself, being passionate about her path, never giving up and always remembering that she has the love and support of her family, cheering her on.  

I chose a beautiful solid gold bangle because it was the perfect next addition to my collection.  I have been collecting jewelry for many years, usually pieces that speak to me, have a special history, and/or are timeless.  Amongst my pieces, I have two special gold bangles that my mother gave me.  
My mother gave me the bangles when I was moving away from my home town to another city.  I have always looked at them as her "protection" for me.  When she gave them to me, she mentioned that some cultures wear two, or more, together to bring good karma and luck.  I never take them off. I guess I am superstitious about it, but I feel like they really have kept me safe all these years.

This bangle stack will eventually be passed down to my daughter when the time is right.  I call it Future Vintage.  She might wear it, be inspired everyday, and remember how much I love her when she looks at them on her wrist, or when she hears them "jingle" together.  Maybe they can become her legacy to pass down...

ALEXIS KLETJIAN CLASSIC SLIP ON BANGLE, SHOWN WITH KAREN'S OWN BANGLES

I have been wearing my new bangle on my wrist for the past few weeks, since I received it.  When I was looking through your gorgeous art, I knew that I had to add one of your bangles to my stack. Every time I look at it, I love it, and what it stands for in our lives.  It is such a special piece to me, thank you for being part of our legacy life story, and letting us be part of yours!



This September Karen will turn 40, a milestone in her life.  I am honored my bangle is now part of her Legacy Stack where her mother, daughter, and herself, are all represented, making beautiful music together.

Jen's antique star ring shown with my modern ring from the Victorian inspired collection, Lucky Star.

A milestone : 100 blog posts.  In the two years since I began publishing posts, I remain true to the goal of chronicling this journey, creativity sharing my story, and becoming part of yours.   

Jewelry is more than precious metal and gemstones, it is an emotive connection to your heart and your soul.  Chapters of your life, worn in layers as adornment, an open expression of your style.  For me, this blog, 100 posts, has always been about : jewelry, people, and stories.  To commemorate this milestone, I want to share a special story of a friend and fellow collector with you.

Months before I launched the AK Legacy campaign I was inspired through the exchange of rings with my friend, Jen Lord.  Jen and I had bonded over our mutual affection for antique jewelry, (specifically eternity bands, the Victorian star motif, and the "one finger stack") as well as mid-century modern furniture and honeymooning in New Zealand, which gave us a lot more than jewels to talk about.  

Jen has been a collector of antique jewelry for more than a decade and occasionally she will convert, or sell a piece from her own personal collection in an etsy shop as a hobby that fuels her passion.  When she told me she was selling a ring given to her by her sweetheart as a birthday present, I wanted to wear her ring in my stack while honoring our new friendship.  It is then we instantly became part of one's story, a shared chapter in our lives.

Jen's White Gold Diamond Eternity Band

On May 31, 2015, Jen and Nick whom have been dating for a few years, are having a lovely Sunday running errands, walking around their beautiful city of Victoria, Canada, as they often do.  Nick suggested they retreat to their "secret spot" near the ocean, a five minute walk from their downtown home called Mermaid Wharf, to enjoy the view.  

As any collector knows, it is worrisome to own a treasure from a loved one you cannot proudly wear.  The diamond eternity ring (shown above) was sold to Nick as a size 6, which was her size, and Nick knew that Jen loved eternity bands, and as April baby, it is also her birthstone - the perfect birthday gift!  

But after jamming it on her fingers, stacking it up, and trying to make his sweet gesture fit, Jen (nervously) took the opportunity to bring up the fact that the ring he had purchased for her birthday just didn't fit, it was not a size 6, and she would have to sell.  

Here, in Jen's words, she recounts the moment for us...

"We were talking about things, as you do, and I was like: "you know that ring you got me, well I think I am going to have to sell it… I feel really bad, but it is just too small, I am sorry…"

The beautiful couple Nick & Jen, moments after their engagement on May 31, 2015

Jen feels deeply that stars are symbolic of hope and faith in following your path.  They sparkle in bright adversity and are born of fire and energy.  They are the light that guides us, even in the darkness.  So, I was honored that she chose my modern Lucky Star ring in white gold to represent this new chapter in her life and our friendship, with Nick's seal of approval, of course.   

Below is the many ways we have both worn our rings, in our favorite style of mixing metals and stacking 'em up!  Enjoy.  

Jen's engagement ring worn with an all white stack.  Lucky Star at the top.

Jen's eternity band in the center of my Lucky Star rings, in a trio of gold, my favorite way to mix metals.

My Lucky Star ring with a mixed metal stack, love this simple look!

Rosey Golds, with white accents on a casual, comfortable day.  Mixing modern, vintage, and antique rings.

Jen's recent snake addition, and her fav stars..

Me, drafting this post, in my lucky stars and eternity bands.

Do you have a great story about rings you'd love to share, or hope to commemorate your next chapter in life with something from my collection?  I'd love to hear more, please reach out to me and share your story through the AK Legacy campaign, after all, this story was the inspiration, and who knows what your story will inspire...

Fun purchase for my son.  Trilobite fossil that is hundreds of millions of years old! I ALMOST didn't purchase this because I did not like the seller's dismissive attitude, but in the end I am glad I did.

In the meantime, please don't forget to join the many others that have submitted their story to win $1,000.00 in jewelry to adorn your legacy!  I already had one very excited winner, and the next could be you!  Read all the details here, or on the website, or by using the sidebar graphic to the right and/or below.  See, I don't want you to miss out on this great collecting opportunity!  Plus, I really love to read your stories...

An opening sentence sets the tone for conversation, yet I struggle with the correct words to express myself, so lets just get to it...

Last week my inbox began to fill with your stories, some so beautifully written, and I greatly underestimated how emotional the AK Legacy campaign would be.  This is when I knew we were in deep, together. 

Every afternoon I sat with your words and through two stories in particular, I actually had to shut the laptop and redirect myself, it was so moving.  At that moment, all of me understood just how important our Legacy is, to each of us.

Legacy is a big word that describes what we stand for and who we are - in mind, body and soul.  

Through your vivid storytelling, I was able to put myself in your shoes, feel your celebrations, losses, memories, and milestones - all worthy of being commemorated in the form of something to be passed down, cherished.  

How could I choose between each of you?  

From a simple mother's love story, to one of triumph and perseverance, how could I decide who should win?  All week it weighed heavily, because we are all worthy of adorning our legacy, so I went old school and let fate decide.  

A name in a bowl.  Simple and fair.  

There are many more chances to win, so please stay tuned, because it is only January and we already accomplished this in ONE WEEK!  I want to thank each and every one of you for your time, and your stories, which will remain in my heart forever.

Lauren Madera, you are the first AK Legacy winner!  Check your email.