Trends

Ariel Gordon Celebrates a Decade with a Vintage Capsule

TrendsOct 31, 2019

Ariel Gordon Celebrates a Decade with a Vintage Capsule

The L.A. designer known for her contemporary classics is selling her personal hoard of antique, vintage and estate jewelry in honor of her brand’s 10-year anniversary.

20191030_ArielGordon.jpg
The jewelry pictured here is from one of Ariel Gordon Jewelry’s six mini-collections sold on occasion of the brand’s 10-year anniversary. Called “Lucy in the Sky,” it incorporates celestial elements.

Los Angeles—A few years ago, jewelry designer Ariel Gordon Maffei began stocking up on antique and vintage fine jewelry pieces that caught her eye, without any particular agenda.

She had always gravitated toward vintage pieces—styles like classic signet rings are a mainstay in her eponymous brand, Ariel Gordon Jewelry—but she’d never really shopped the market in earnest before.

“I always loved [vintage jewelry] for myself but didn’t know how I’d incorporate that into my contemporary line,” she explained.

Gordon Maffei’s inexplicable inspiration to shop didn’t follow any particular agenda.

“[My collection] wasn’t across any specific era or with any specific theme,” she said. “I just bought what I felt like I would want to wear.”

This year, as Ariel Gordon Jewelry turned 10, Gordon Maffei struggled to come up with a way to commemorate the anniversary.

She could reissue bestsellers from over the years, but plenty of brands did that.

Then she thought of her vintage and antique jewelry collection, and “Heritage by Ariel Gordon” was born.

“I looked down, and I had over 230 pieces of jewelry just sitting there. I thought, ‘This is going to be a moment.’”


Styles from the third Ariel Gordon Jewelry mini-collection of estate and vintage jewels, “Golden Girls,” which dropped Wednesday.

The designer curated the capsule collection by theme, resulting in six mini-collections, like “Lucy in the Sky,” comprising jewels inspired by celestial elements.

The first mini-collection hit ArielGordonJewelry.com at the end of September, and they’ll continue to drop through March 18.

This past Wednesday, Oct. 30, marked the debut of the third mini-collection, “Golden Girls,” a mix of gold chains and chunky gold rings. (Those who are fans of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia will be excited to know there is also an “On the Lanai” collection coming.)

Gordon Maffei views her 10th anniversary project as an ode to the jewelry industry that’s helped remind her of the timelessness of her craft.

“It felt like a really sweet, full-circle moment for me as I’m standing at my 10-year anniversary to look back at the heritage of the industry that I’ve been a part of, and see that the reason why people would wear jewelry in the Victorian era is pretty similar to the reasons why people wear my jewelry specifically,” she said. “It’s personal. It’s in honor of a birth, or a death, or a wedding, and I

incorporate hand-engraved elements crafted in the same manner that things were engraved in antique jewelry.

“It’s a fantasy of mine that 100 years from now, someone will discover one of my pieces, and it would have the same special meaning to them, with the stories and memories it’s collected over the years.”

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury Watches

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Embrace Your True Colors Holiday Campaign
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday Campaign

The “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.

Alejandro Cuellar
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the Americas

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Grandview Klein scholarships
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in Namibia

The company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.

Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Margaret “Maggie” Hoisik
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik Dies

She is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.

Finestar manufacturing
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in Johannesburg

It joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Stock image of gavel and books
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen Jewelry

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

GIA executives John Koivula, Kathryn Kimmel, Susan Jacques, Tom Moses, Alice Keller, James E. Shigley
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest Honor

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

20251124_MNQ social media etiquette header.jpg
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media Etiquette

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

Breitling house of brands
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal Genève

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

Cynthia Erivo in Muse’s Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo Collection
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' Sequel

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

J.R. Dunn Jewelers employees
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New President

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Amber Pepper
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEO

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Origin De Beers Group logo
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

Melissa Kaye Rocky Infinity Emerald Necklace
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ Necklace

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

Phillips auction of The Vanderbilt Sapphire brooch
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond Withdrawn

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rebecca Rau Jewels Green Flame Necklace
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ Collection

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Purvi Shah
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive Director

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret manufacturing facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

Julia Griffith
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of Education

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

Helena Bonham Carter in Larkspur & Hawk Once Upon a Time Campaign
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter Campaign

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Google reviews on a phone screen and a laptop
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Shaftel Diamonds logo and jeweler’s bench
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

Midas chain mini studs
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style Guide

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

Jewelry from NYC Jewelry Week 2024
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See Events

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy