Pure Pearls · 2025
Top Pearl Designers of the Year
Named one of the year's three best pearl designers, recognized for work in South Sea and Akoya pearls with intricate goldwork and diamond accents.
Read →Press & Recognition
A Record in Pearls
& Fine Gemstones
For more than twenty-five years, the work of GIA Graduate Gemologist Ashleigh Branstetter has been recognized by the most respected institutions in the pearl and colored-stone world — and worn from the Academy Awards red carpet to private collections across the country.
4AGTA Spectrum Awards
2CPAA Pearl Design Honors
2Perles de Tahiti Trophies
25+Years Designing
As featured in
- JCK
- National Jeweler
- People
- Modern Bride
- CNN Money
- Florida Magazine
- Pure Pearls
- Pearls of Joy
- #thisispearl
- Renée Newman Guides
Awards & Competition Honors
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2022
CPAA Spotlight Award — Top Prize, Baroque Pearls
First place in the baroque-pearl category for detachable earrings in 18K white gold with rhodium — set with two baroque white South Sea cultured pearls (18.19 × 15.75 mm and 18.24 × 15.83 mm), 25.09 cts. t.w. natural Namibian chalcedony, and 1.58 cts. t.w. diamonds. Covered by JCK and National Jeweler; select winners exhibited at Aaron Faber Gallery, Manhattan.
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2010
AGTA Spectrum Award — Manufacturing Honors, Men's Wear
Platinum cufflinks featuring London blue topaz cabochons (39.89 cts. t.w.) and pavé diamonds (1.57 cts. t.w.). The pair was shown at the Style Lab Academy Awards® Red Carpet Preview and worn on the Oscars red carpet by Academy Award–winning Avatar cinematographer Mauro Fiore.
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2010
AGTA Spectrum Award — 2nd Place, Business / Day Wear
Chalcedony briolette and moss-diamond slice earrings — a study in translucency and organic line that became a signature of the period.
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2009
AGTA Spectrum Award — 3rd Place, Business / Day Wear
A ring centered on a 32.10 ct. pink tourmaline — the debut Spectrum entry, awarded in the designer's first year competing. Spectrum-winning work from this period was featured in Florida International Magazine and named among Best Jewelry Design on Brides.com.
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AGTA
AGTA Spectrum Award — Tahitian Pearl & Sapphire Cufflinks
A fourth Spectrum trophy — and a second award-winning pair of cufflinks — pairing a Tahitian cultured pearl with sapphire, continuing the designer's recognized command of men's fine jewelry.
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2006
Perles de Tahiti — North American Tahitian Pearl Trophy
A second North American trophy recognizing original design work with Tahitian cultured pearls.
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2004
Perles de Tahiti — North American Tahitian Pearl Trophy
Won for pearl earrings featuring curving precious metal — an early expression of the line that would become the Signature Ruffle©.
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CPAA
CPAA Honorable Mention — Southern Magnolia Ring
A one-of-a-kind 18K white gold ring with rhodium, set with a Tahitian cultured pearl and diamonds — the "Southern Magnolia."
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New Statements in Sterling — Design Competition Winner
Won for a hand-fabricated sterling silver salt and pepper shaker set — a holloware piece that reflects the designer's training as a silversmith and sculptor, beyond the jewelry bench.
Named Among the Field's Best Designers
Pearls of Joy · 2023
Best Pearl Designers
Listed among the three best independent pearl designers, cited for award-winning, one-of-a-kind work in round and baroque pearls with exceptional goldsmithing.
Read →JCK Magazine · 2022
A Winning Design
Featured by the industry's leading trade publication in its coverage of the CPAA International Pearl Design Competition winners.
Read →National Jeweler · 2022
Pearl Jewels That Won the Year
Coverage of the CPAA competition naming the U.S. winning entry — the detachable baroque South Sea pearl and Namibian chalcedony earrings.
Read →CPAA · #thisispearl
Featured in the Pearl Magazine
Profiled among the makers behind the jewels in the Cultured Pearl Association's digital magazine and across its editorial channels.
Read →Renée Newman
Pearl & Gemstone Buying Guides
Original designs pictured and credited in the Pearl Buying Guide (6th Edition) and Gemstone Buying Guide — references trusted by jewelers worldwide. Also featured in the CAST book.
Credentials & Training
- GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) · Accredited Jewelry Professional · Pearls Graduate
- BFA, Sculpture & Metalsmithing — Louisiana State University
- Studied at Parsons School of Design, Penland School of Crafts & the Revere Academy
- Member — Women's Jewelry Association & Cultured Pearl Association of America
- Designing & handcrafting fine jewelry in New Orleans since 1998
For Editors, Galleries & Stockists
Press & Trade Inquiries
High-resolution imagery, designer biography, and award documentation are available on request. For interviews, wholesale, or gallery placement, please reach out directly.
hello@ashleighbranstetter.comSignature Pieces You'll Never take off
Begin Your Collection
Celestial Turquoise and Diamond Ring
Sale price$18,500.00
Pavé Ruffle©️ Diamond Iolite Earrings
Sale price$5,200.00
Pink Tourmaline and Pavé Diamond DeLille Cross Pendant 18K Yellow Gold
Sale price$9,300.00
Delta Turquoise and Diamond Detachable Drop Earrings 18KY
Sale price$5,300.00
Pear-shaped Clear Quartz and Diamond Ruffle Earrings© in 18K Rose
Sale price$3,400.00
Amethyst and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18k
Sale price$3,500.00
One -of-a-kind Apple Green Tourmaline Bezel Ring in 18KY
Sale price$4,000.00
Gemma Turquoise Diamond Ruffle Earrings in 18KY
Sale price$5,200.00
GIA GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST & DESIGNER
Ashleigh Branstetter
From my New Orleans studio just steps from the French Quarter, I handcraft every piece with the same wonder I felt the first time I held a rough diamond under the microscope — that moment when light, stone, and story all collide.
This city taught me that jewelry isn’t about perfection; it’s about personality. My signature Ruffle© is proof: a little imperfection in the gold that makes every piece dance differently on every woman.
When you wear my work, you’re wearing a little bit of New Orleans magic — bold, soulful, and unapologetically alive.
Thank you for letting me be part of your story.
With light & love,
Ashleigh, xxoo
Awards & Professional Affilations
These are my utmost favorite - receive numerous compliments and the earrings match everything! - Susan
It's always a pleasure to see you at Coconut Grove Arts Festival - I love expanding my collection. Your progress over time is so inspiring. - Mandy G.
Totally obsessed with my pearl earrings! Can't wait to score a Turquoise ring - It's on my MUST-HAVE LIST! - KRISTIN S.