Here’s the deal: You want to save the planet (yes!), look great (werk!), and not break the bank (cha-ching!) when it comes to your wedding jewelry. Friends, meet New Zealand–based Ash Hilton Jewellery. These people are killing it; they’ve cracked the code on how to create ethical jewelry pieces that feel super fresh and modern, while they still have a timeless style.
Handcrafted jewelry can sometimes look chintzy and definitely not like something you’d want to wear every day. But this is far from the case with Ash’s work. These pieces are a minimalist’s dream, yet they still have tons of soul and personality. Prices range from $145 to $5,800+, and custom designs are definitely an option. Ash will work with you to tweak an existing design (think: adding diamonds or engraving) or come up with something totally original (sketch of the mountain you climbed together? Badass!).
But how do you know if your new ethical bling is actually legit ethical? It’s all about who you work with, Ash’s partner, Laurel, says:
It’s super, duper important to us that when we say a ring is ethical, it really is. So, we took our time and found suppliers we knew we could trust.
Ash felt like he wanted the materials and process to be what drove the collection, as opposed to innovation in design. So, we took the most classic and simple engagement ring designs and made them in either 100 percent recycled platinum or our super special alluvial New Zealand gold that we get off a beach near where Ash grew up. The center stones are either diamonds recycled from old pieces or newly mined stones from the Argyle mine in Australia. We’re also super happy to use lab-created diamonds or other colored gemstones.
Ash and Laurel have built an awesome balance between work and family with their home workshop. In just a few years, they’ve totally ramped up their business while still maintaining their core values: affordable, ethical jewelry and killer customer service. In fact, here’s what one of their customers had to say:
Ash and Laurel went above and beyond to accommodate our requests. I knew what I wanted immediately, but my fiancé was still trying to figure out what worked best for him. Instead of pressuring us, Ash worked with him until they created the perfect design. Their approach is full of amazing customer service, but it really goes beyond that. They were personable and patient as they guided us in designing the rings we’ll love forever.
Wedding jewelry isn’t just for the wedding day; it’s meant to last, and, more often than not, is the only thing you’ll wear all the time. That makes it quite the emotional investment. It needs to last a lifetime! But an emotional investment doesn’t have to be a financial burden. With rings even under $200 (yes, it’s true!), you’re sure to find the perfect one for you. Plus! All APW readers can receive 10% off with the code APW10!
And if you’re even more of a minimalist (or on a tighter budget), Ash and his sister Siggy also have a sister brand Good Gold focused on simple gold wedding bands—all the same people and same workshop, just focusing on plain bands with free shipping, resizing, and returns worldwide.
Ash Hilton’s pieces just really speak for themselves. They are FLAWLESS. And hands down, Ash’s favorite part of the business? Meeting couples from all over the world and hearing the love stories that brought the couples together. Ash and Laurel love working with APW readers (here and here), and y’all really are a perfect fit for each other. So get to it: go drool over their galleries, learn more about their awesome family, and drop them a line… stat.
Ash and Laurel can’t wait to chat! contact them and find the jewelry you and your partner won’t want to take off Forever. Forever Ever. PLUS TAKE 10% off with CODE APW10.
