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...

ALEXIS KLETJIAN ONE-OF-A-KIND BESPOKE PHENAKITE RING IN 22K

My capsule collection of Bespoke rings is now live on the website.  I have been working on this collection quietly (or not so) for a little over two years while I collected rare stones, and my thoughts.  
Each ring takes a considerable amount of time to create since it begins with the rough gemstone material, sourced around the globe.  Once the mineral is carefully selected, and then faceted into precision by my friend, Jean-Noel of Top Notch Faceting, it is up to me to design a setting and/or choose accompanying stones to enhance the beauty that he has brought forth.  

I am overly concerned with the proper treatment for each stone, the longevity of its style, and the place it will hold in your life.  A wise man once told me : "The joy in each creation does not belong to you, it is for the lucky person who finds your creations and adds it to their life."

For this reason, I do hope you enjoy Bespoke.  There is more to come. 

Since launching our website, we've had so much support.  I wanted to thank you for following along, sharing and liking our images and even taking the extra steps of commenting while I begin to establish my brand of fine jewelry.

I am generally not a fan of contests, or giveaways. I believe in making the investments in your purchases because you want them and they add value and joy to your life, not because they are free. With this in mind, I may only do only a few of these giveaways.  I'd like yo thank you for following along in the beginning on this fantastic journey.  I do reward my collectors that continually add my jewelry to their private collections with discounts and designer exclusives, so you will always be winning anyway! With that said, let's have some fun and get to the part where this ring can be on YOUR finger! 

This is an Instagram contest, so first step is you must be following me to be eligible to win. Then, tag a few of your jewelry loving friends and make sure they follow me, too. Once we hit 3,000 Instagram followers some lucky lady will WIN THIS RING and if green is not your thing, we will make you an custom oval stacked ring in one of your favorite colors of up to $500 value. See, it's not just about winning something, it's helping us reach a goal and thanking you in return - with what you would love to have in your collection. Good Luck!

You can also share this post on social media and tag me, I will see it!

Antique and estate jewelry provided by Fancy Flea Antiques and Jewelry

Every jewelry collector has a weakness - something they just can't get enough of - and mine is bracelets. I had the pleasure of stacking some of our diamond and gold bangles (from our upcoming collection) with some gorgeous antique, diamond and Victorian pearl bracelets from Fancy Flea Antiques. For me, I can't justify investing in a new bracelet if it doesn't match or compliment at least two of those I already own.  Mixing yellow and white gold with diamonds is a classic choice and can be easily done.  Normally pearls would not suit me, but I might be having a change of heart!

I recommend when shopping for vintage and estate jewelry to remember what you already own, and bring your favorite items with you. I like that I can add or subtract to make a loud or quiet statement.  It is more interesting and always personal when mixing estate jewelry with modern jewelry.  If carefully curated, it will guarantee no one else will have what you feel represents your unique personal style.

Hands and fingers are the style makers in a conversation, choose wisely what they say about you.

To see more antique jewelry from Fancy Flea Antiques read our story posted on Gem Gossip.