Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Andrighetti.
Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2016, I was recovering from two major hip surgeries and my husband was deployed. I was searching for something to help manage the pain I had. This search led me to the amazing properties of natural crystals. I surrounded myself with these crystals and carried them with me wherever I went. I wanted to share with others the benefits the crystals gave me, so I thought the best way would be to create jewelry out of them. This way people could get the same benefits of it and have something beautiful to wear as well.
I started out using electroforming, because I liked the organic appearance of it to go with the natural crystals, but felt limited by the medium. I wanted to evolve my style; this lead me to metalsmithing. Metalsmithing gave me much more freedom to express myself creatively. I am constantly looking for opportunities to learn new techniques and grow.
I absolutely love meeting new people and hearing their stories. The experiences I’ve been through in life allow me to connect and relate to just about anyone. Being a victim of sexual, physical, and mental abuse, I use my past traumas to create a bond between my customers, myself, and my jewelry. Sometimes, it’s like a therapy session in my booth.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s definitely been a winding road to get get to where I am today. Since I was 19 I have had fibromyalgia. This has caused tremendous pain and fatigue in all areas of my life. When I started this adventure with jewelry, my husband was deployed and I was alone at home to take care of our 2-year-old son, while undergoing and recovering from two total hip replacements.
Every time I made progress in my jewelry, I would have to stop for a period of time to go through and recover from more surgeries and procedures. It also made it hard to take classes because of my pain getting in the way.
Then in 2020, my husband deployed again and COVID-19 happened, which put everything on hold. Once again I had to shift my focus to taking care of my family. Things have started to return to normal, and I am finally back in my happy place (studio) again. With a year’s worth of ideas, there is not enough time in the day to get them out of my head. The pain I have is always present, and each day is a struggle, but my love and passion for this help me push through most days.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in rings and necklaces made of precious metals and natural crystals, however, I’m trying to branch out into earrings. My jewelry is made through a metalsmithing process. Some pieces can take me a week to make, some a day. Each has a piece of my heart and soul in it. I love each piece I make and give each piece as much positive energy and love as I can, so when they go to their next home the owner will not only receive the amazing qualities from the crystals but they will also receive my love and positive energy as well.
I’m known for my rings. They have a special place in my heart as they hold more meaning to me than other types of jewelry. I think this is because you can see them at all times. You can change them based on your moods. Some are so special to you that you won’t take them off. I made a ring for a customer that had her fathers ashes in it. It meant so much to her and to myself. Every time she sees that ring she will be reminded about her father, the love he has for her, their memories, their everything. How powerful is that! ? He will be by her side as he always was.
I’m most proud of the way I get to know the people I create jewelry for. That’s what helps me create that perfect piece, but it also gives me a chance to tell them they aren’t alone. Someone else has been through what they have, that even though they just met me they have gained a friend and for those who are just there to buy something beautiful I still love taking the time to know them and try to let them know that buying from me isn’t just purchasing from a local artist or small business it truly means the world to me.
What sets me apart from others? I want my clients to have the jewelry that’s perfect for them. I work with them and get to know them so to ensure that they get their perfect piece. Since I love getting to know my customers it helps me make their piece that much more unique to them. Even when the piece is not a custom piece I like to talk to everyone who buys something to help them in making the right purchase. I always say the crystal chooses you, so taking the time with everyone can make this happen. Loving my jewelry as I do and loving my customers as I do is what sets me apart. I constantly want to grow as an artist. I want to bring new things to the world of jewelry.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I have always been a self doubter. Putting myself out there, especially with something so close to my heart as my jewelry, is extremely terrifying. To open yourself up to judgment and potentially failing is a very big risk for me. When your heart and soul is in something so strongly rejection can be soul-crushing.
I also have hand tremors so my hands shake. This means when you purchase from me you truly are getting a one of a kind piece. It also means that I had to put myself out there when taking classes. My hands shake so bad I have had to find a different way of doing everything in metalsmithing, also everything takes twice as long to do. If I wasn’t able to come up with workarounds I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I think if an artist wants to make it in this extremely competitive market there has to be a certain amount of risks taken. If you throw a rock in any direction you will hit another jewelry designer. With that being said the risks are what put you ahead of other designers.
Pricing:
- Wide range of pricing $15-$300
- Will work with customers to design a piece perfect for them in their price range
Contact Info:
- Email: ashley.moseng@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/handmade_lovejewelry
- Facebook: Facebook.com/andrighettihandmadelove
