As we launch Heritage by Ariel Gordon, we're going to give you a behind-the-scenes look at everything from the inspiration behind the collection to how Ariel sourced the pieces and curated them by collection. First up? Lucy in the Sky, which launches September 26!
When it comes to sourcing, vetting, and curating the product, Ariel scoured trade shows, flea markets, private collections, and beyond to find authentic, one of a kind jewelry. Every piece in the collection was purchased by Gordon in person so she could fully vet the quality and authenticity. All pieces have also been inspected by a 3rd generation, GIA certified Estate Jewelry dealer so we feel confident about the pieces that we are passing on to you.
Here she shares her process...and pics of her in her element over the years, buying at shows + from private dealers in Tucson, Las Vegas, Miami, and LA.
"I've always said one of my best skills is that I'm a good shopper. The thrill of the hunt is real. Particularly when my goodies are one of a kind and I know no one else will have them! I started shopping for vintage and estate pieces without knowing what their fate would be. For the last 10 years, I travel annually to various trade shows across the country (most notably in Tucson and Las Vegas) to source my stone and findings for my regular collection. There are always vintage dealers showing their goods and about 3 years ago I decided to just start buying vintage pieces that I loved. There was no method to what I was buying - I wasn't buying anything that was signed by a major house, I wasn't buying from a certain era, there wasn't a technique or motif that spoke to me one way or the other. I found myself buying pieces that felt modern (despite some of them being over 100 years old!) and I envisioned being able to wear them layered in with my AGJ staples. Flash forward to when I realized I was coming up on my 10 year anniversary this year, and a light bulb went off. It seemed like the perfect moment to make a true collection of all these treasures I'd been collecting. I added a few more trips in my annual rotation (Miami and New York) plus worked with local estate dealers in LA. And like that - the Heritage by Ariel Gordon collection was born!"
Below are a few of my favorites, and unforgettable finds, I've found along the way.
