Est. 1998 · New Orleans
Press & Awards
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 on the Academy Awards and Emmy Awards red carpets.
The Award Pieces
Award-Winning Designs
2022 · CPAA Spotlight Award
Baroque South Sea Pearl & Chalcedony Earrings
2018 · CPAA Honorable Mention
Southern Magnolia Tahitian Pearl Ring
2012 · AGTA Spectrum Award
Tahitian Pearl & Sapphire Cufflinks
2010 · AGTA Spectrum Award
Gavel Cufflinks
2010 · AGTA Spectrum Award, 2nd Place
Diamond Slice & Chalcedony Earrings
2009 · AGTA Spectrum Award, 3rd Place
32.10 ct Pink Tourmaline Ring
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As Featured In
VoguePeoplePrivate AirCNN Money
JCKNational JewelerModern Bride
Florida InternationalPure PearlsPearls of Joy#thisispearlRenée Newman Guides
Awards & Honors
CPAA Spotlight Award — Top Prize, Baroque Pearls
Cultured Pearl Association of America · 13th International Pearl Design Competition
Detachable earrings in 18K white gold set with two baroque white South Sea cultured pearls, 25.09 cts. t.w. natural Namibian chalcedony and 1.58 cts. t.w. diamonds. Covered by JCK and National Jeweler; exhibited at Aaron Faber Gallery, Manhattan.
CPAA Honorable Mention — Southern Magnolia Ring
Cultured Pearl Association of America · 9th International Pearl Design Competition
A one-of-a-kind 18K white gold ring set with a Tahitian cultured pearl and diamonds.
AGTA Spectrum Award — Manufacturing Honors, Men's Wear
American Gem Trade Association
Sterling silver cufflinks pairing a Tahitian cultured pearl with faceted blue sapphire — a fourth Spectrum trophy. Read the story
AGTA Spectrum Award — Manufacturing Honors, Men's Wear
American Gem Trade Association · The Oscars Cufflinks
Platinum cufflinks with London blue topaz cabochons (39.89 cts. t.w.) and pavé diamonds, worn on the Academy Awards® red carpet by Avatar cinematographer Mauro Fiore. Read the story
AGTA Spectrum Award — 2nd Place, Business / Day Wear
American Gem Trade Association
Chalcedony briolette and moss-diamond slice earrings.
AGTA Spectrum Award — 3rd Place, Business / Day Wear
American Gem Trade Association · First year competing
A ring centered on a 32.10 ct. pink tourmaline. Featured in Florida International Magazine and named among Best Jewelry Design on Brides.com.
Perles de Tahiti — North American Tahitian Pearl Trophy
Perles de Tahiti
A second North American trophy for original design with Tahitian cultured pearls. Read the story
Perles de Tahiti — North American Tahitian Pearl Trophy
Perles de Tahiti
Pearl earrings with curving precious metal — an early expression of what became the Signature Ruffle©.
New Statements in Sterling — Design Competition Winner
National sterling silver design competition
A hand-fabricated sterling silver salt and pepper set, reflecting her training as a silversmith and sculptor.
Named Among the Best
Pure Pearls · 2025
Top Pearl Designers of the Year
Named one of the year's three best pearl designers for South Sea and Akoya work with intricate goldwork.
ReadPearls of Joy · 2023
Best Pearl Designers
Listed among the three best independent pearl designers for one-of-a-kind work in round and baroque pearls.
ReadJCK · 2022
A Winning Design
Featured in JCK's coverage of the CPAA International Pearl Design Competition winners.
ReadNational Jeweler · 2022
Pearl Jewels That Won the Year
Coverage naming the U.S. winning entry — the baroque South Sea pearl and Namibian chalcedony earrings.
ReadCPAA · #thisispearl
Featured in the Pearl Magazine
Profiled among the makers behind the jewels in the Cultured Pearl Association's digital magazine.
ReadRenée Newman
Pearl & Gemstone Buying Guides
Designs pictured in the Pearl Buying Guide (6th Ed.) and Gemstone Buying Guide; the Gavel Cufflinks appear in Cast: Art and Objects.
Credentials
GIA Graduate Gemologist · Accredited Jewelry Professional · Pearls Graduate
BFA, Sculpture & Metalsmithing — Louisiana State University
Parsons School of Design · Penland School of Crafts · Revere Academy
Member, Women's Jewelry Association & Cultured Pearl Association of America
For Editors, Galleries & Stockists
Press & Trade Inquiries
High-resolution imagery, biography and award documentation are available on request.
Contact the StudioSignature Pieces You'll Never Take Off
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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 Affiliations
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.