Brand Review: Ashley Pittman

To say that I had an extensive collection of African inspired jewelry would be an understatement. Much of it has been collected through my travels and serves as fun reminders of adventures of yore. And for that I am extremely grateful. But, in the times I am not galavanting around the world trying my best to impersonate an extremely chic, windswept goddess, I am a plain ol’ lady living in the United States of America. This, my friends, has often provided a conundrum for me-- I love the aesthetic and style of African inspired accessories, but I’m here! Not there!

Many moons ago while escorting my parents on a trip to Bergdorf Goodman and pretending that I am a person who belongs there, I was blindsided by the most beautiful African jewelry made of exquisite horn and bronze. It was like a beacon of light pulling me towards it. I was miles and miles away from Africa and yet here right in front of me was the jewelry for which I had been pining. And that’s how I found Ashley Pittman.

During a trip to Rwanda with the Clinton HIV/AIDS Foundation, Ashley was inspired to start a sustainable company that would be able to provide employment and business training to local artisans. A lawyer by training, Pittman brought a unique set of skills to the endeavor of starting a business to empower artisans-- an exciting reminder that no matter who we are and what we do, we can all participate in trying to make the world a better place.

All of the jewelry is crafted start to finish in Kenya. Local artisans are trained in top quality production standards using locally sourced and repurposed East African materials like horn, gem stones, and bronze. In addition to providing employment and training, 10% of all of Ashley Pittman’s profits are donated to the the Ashley Pittman Foundation, which supports a local clinic and primary school. In tandem with volunteer labor from the surrounding community, these projects have been able to provide healthcare for 4,000 previously unserved individuals as well as lunches, uniforms, clean water, and salaries at the school.

The philanthropic and empowerment ethos of the brand would have been enough to sway me to become a customer. But once you add in the show stopping style of the pieces, I became a praise hand raising believer. I want to be clear that Ashley Pittman is an aspirational brand i.e. it isn’t something I’m able to buy on a whim. These are definitely the most expensive pieces I have shared and accordingly they sit high atop my wish lists, often collecting dust no matter how many times I suggest them to the people who *claim* to love me. I can however report to the amazing quality of the pieces after I purchased a set of her bangles for an outfit at my sister’s wedding and have consistently worn them ever since.

ONE: I don't know how to say no to a tassel. I love that this tassel necklace takes the trend and makes it much less trend-y and much more "I'll love you forever." With a beautiful dark horn pendant and bronze accents, I can see this merrily swinging in tandem with my stride.
TWO: I love the simplicity of this gold hammered chain necklace. You can wear it single or double wrapped and I can't imagine a single outfit with which it looking would not look smashing.
THREE: What is black and white and red all over?! It's not just the paper... it's also my wardrobe. I love the coral "pop" of color in these earrings and the charming gold accents. Special enough for wow factor but they also have great versatility. Ashley also makes these in turquoise as well as in white horn.
FOUR: I mentioned above that I own these bangles (snuck them into some outfit preparation for my sister's wedding...) and I adore them. A word to the wise-- they are incredibly dainty so be careful when handling them. It is worth it, however, because they fill incredibly light on your wrist while making an irresistible bangle stack.
FIVE: I have been searching for years for a great pair of chunky, stacking rings. This grouping of four rings are within attainable price point for a moderately extreme treat yourself moment (come on tax refund!!), but would really just save me from the pair of chunky rings I currently wear that may or may not turn my fingers green.
SIX: I have been in engaged in a prolonged obsession with statement earrings. These horn oval earrings feels like the exact right amount of pizzaz with a subtlety that would make them unique among my collection and extremely wearable day-to-day.