Ariel Gordon Jewelry specializes in creating personalized, modern heirloom pieces, with a particular focus on birthstone necklaces and custom designs. Launched in 2009, the brand has evolved from a passion project born out of a desire for versatile, everyday jewelry to a recognized name in fine jewelry, sourcing both new and vintage pieces. While not exclusively focused on birthstones, the brand offers conflict-free birthstone options as part of its personalized jewelry offerings, alongside a curated collection of vintage estate jewelry. This article will explore the origins of Ariel Gordon Jewelry, its approach to personalized pieces including birthstones, and the brand’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, based on available information.
The Genesis of Ariel Gordon Jewelry
Ariel Gordon Maffei founded Ariel Gordon Jewelry in 2009, initially operating the business from her Santa Monica apartment while working as a publicist in Hollywood. Driven by a vision to create jewelry suitable for daily wear and adaptable to various styles, Maffei sought to fill a gap in the market for versatile, personalized pieces. Recognizing the need for specialized skills, she furthered her education in jewelry making by enrolling at the Revere Academy in San Francisco, focusing on metalwork and stone-setting. This formal training allowed her to translate her design concepts into tangible, high-quality jewelry.
The brand’s philosophy centers around crafting “timeless, versatile pieces” intended to become cherished staples in a wearer’s wardrobe. This commitment to enduring style is reflected in the brand’s emphasis on quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The jewelry is currently made in Los Angeles, utilizing fine metals and conflict-free stones.
Personalized Jewelry and the Birthstone Offering
Ariel Gordon Jewelry distinguishes itself through its dedication to personalization. The brand offers a range of customization options, including engraving, enamel work, and the incorporation of birthstones. These personalized pieces are made to order and are considered final sale, reflecting the unique nature of each creation and the investment in raw materials.
The inclusion of birthstones allows customers to create deeply personal and meaningful jewelry. While the sources do not detail specific birthstone meanings or historical associations, they highlight the availability of conflict-free stones, appealing to ethically conscious consumers. The brand acknowledges that natural stones exhibit variations in size, color, and clarity, including natural inclusions, which contribute to the unique character of each piece. These variations are presented as an inherent beauty of the materials, rather than imperfections. Stones like Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, Emerald, Onyx, and Lapsi are noted to be more opaque and vibrant, while others like Peridot, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, and Citrine appear more translucent.
The Heritage Collection: Vintage and Estate Pieces
In 2019, Ariel Gordon Jewelry expanded its offerings with the launch of the “Heritage by Ariel Gordon” collection. This curated selection features over 200 vintage pieces sourced from local estates, Hollywood costume departments, and flea markets. The collection is released in thematic series, including “Lucy in the Sky” (celestial-themed), “Flora and Fauna,” “Golden Girls” (gold chains and charms), “Tokens of Affection” (romantic pieces), “Charm School” (talismans), and “On the Lanai” (featuring coral, turquoise, pearls, diamonds, and cameos).
The Heritage collection provides customers with access to unique, one-of-a-kind pieces with a rich history. Returns on these vintage items are accepted within five days of receipt, subject to a $25 restocking fee, and the item must be in its original condition and packaging.
Customer Service and Return Policies
Ariel Gordon Jewelry prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering a 45-day return window for eligible items, excluding custom and final sale merchandise. A $20 processing fee applies to all returns. The brand provides a dedicated returns and repair portal to facilitate the process.
The company acknowledges the potential challenges of purchasing vintage jewelry online and offers a limited return policy for Heritage pieces, recognizing the unique nature of these items. Packages originating from Hawaii or Alaska incur additional shipping fees. Ariel Gordon Jewelry also addresses concerns regarding lost or damaged packages, requesting photographic evidence and initiating claims with UPS when necessary. The brand emphasizes its commitment to resolving issues promptly and efficiently.
Quality and Sourcing
Ariel Gordon Jewelry is committed to using high-quality materials and ethical sourcing practices. The brand specifically states its use of “conflict-free stones,” indicating a dedication to responsible sourcing within the gemstone industry. The jewelry is crafted from fine metals, ensuring durability and longevity. The brand also acknowledges the natural variations inherent in gemstones, emphasizing that these characteristics contribute to the unique beauty of each piece.
The brand’s photography is described as a balance between accurate representation and showcasing fine details, with dimensions provided in product descriptions and model shots available for reference. Customers are encouraged to utilize a concierge portal for additional visual references or questions regarding size and specifications.
Shipping and Logistics
Ariel Gordon Jewelry ships packages worldwide, with additional shipping fees for orders originating in or destined for Hawaii and Alaska. The brand does not assume responsibility for lost or damaged packages that are confirmed as delivered to the correct address. In the event of damage, customers are advised to retain all packaging materials and provide photographic evidence for claim purposes. The brand will file a claim with UPS, which typically takes 4-8 weeks to process.
A Small Business Approach
The sources emphasize that Ariel Gordon Jewelry is a small business, which influences its return policies and operational procedures. The brand acknowledges the sunk costs associated with jewelry production, including raw materials and staffing, and limits returns to three transactions to balance customer satisfaction with business sustainability. Ariel Gordon Jewelry reserves the right to exercise professional discretion and limit purchases.
Conclusion
Ariel Gordon Jewelry has established itself as a brand dedicated to creating personalized, high-quality jewelry with a focus on modern heirlooms and ethically sourced materials. While not solely a birthstone-focused jeweler, the brand offers birthstone options as part of its customization services, allowing customers to create meaningful and unique pieces. The addition of the Heritage collection further expands the brand’s offerings, providing access to vintage and estate jewelry with a rich history. Through its commitment to customer service, quality craftsmanship, and responsible sourcing, Ariel Gordon Jewelry continues to appeal to a growing audience of jewelry enthusiasts.