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!

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...

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.

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.