Alexandra Elle is an author, wellness consultant, and creative living in the Washington, DC metro area with her husband and two daughters. Alex's voice and words are being shared poetically in the form of self-love. Her passion for storytelling, poetry, and narrative writing are infused with life lessons, self-celebration, and building community through literature & language. We encourage you to read one of her books, check out her blog Another Sunday, listen to her podcast hey, girl or just scroll through her Instagram feed @alex_elle.
When I discovered Alexandra's words I immediately felt empowered and hopeful. Self-love is not my strong suit, but Alexandra's daily affirmations remind me it can be and it should be. I strongly connected to her statement “Today I affirm.” For today is always a new day to create happiness and positivity within ourselves. I reached out to Alexandra last October and to my great delight she was also excited about collaborating on a ring. If you relate to struggling with self-love or with any of Alexandra's words I hope you'll be inspired by the piece we made. Check out the “Today I Affirm” ring here.
Read our “Jewel Box” interview with Alexandra below to learn about what jewelry means to her and the stories behind her most significant pieces. Her collection includes some of favorite designers (like her mom!), as well as 2 special Starling bracelets! And this lady pierced her ears with a safety pin, so major props (I always tried and never had the nerve..). Enjoy!
xo Chelsey
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WHAT DOES “KEEPSAKE” MEAN TO YOU? WHAT PIECE OF JEWELRY COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF KEEPSAKES?
Pieces that can be kept and passed down forever are keepsakes to me. When I think of my keepsakes, I immediately think of my rose gold & pink diamond bunny necklace by Hortense Jewelry. My oldest daughter’s nickname is Bunni, so I see her having it when she is old enough to take care of fine jewelry and passing it down to her children, if she has them.
FIRST JEWELRY MEMORY?
My Nana’s jewelry box was filled with opulent broaches and my mom collected beautiful sterling silver pieces. I used to want them all, and thought their items were so beautiful. I used to get in trouble for sneaking on my mother’s jewelry and wearing it to school. But I couldn’t help myself!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE IN YOUR JEWELRY BOX?
I love my Marla Aaron Locks! I own three, and they are so unique and fun to wear. I always keep a lock around my neck along with one of my Hortense Jewelry Diamonds, and Winden Jewelry AL (my nickname) necklace. I always have some sort of dainty gold around my neck, but those are constantly there.
ANY JEWELRY SUPERSTITIONS OR RITUALS?
I cannot wear my rings inside for some reason. Once I get home my wedding rings and casual rings are taken off, immediately. Is that weird? lol.
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WHAT ARE YOUR EVERYDAY PIECES OF JEWELRY?
Daily, I wear my AL necklace, a mini diamond, and my gold lock.
WHAT IS YOUR OLDEST PIECE OF JEWELRY?
My oldest piece of jewelry is a pair of beaded hoop earrings. An old friend passed them down to me, and I still love them to this day! They aren’t anything expensive or super fancy but they’re gorgeous. I think they are about 12 years old.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST RECENT PIECE OF JEWELRY?
My most recent pieces of jewelry are my Starling birthstone bracelets. I wear them in honor of my daughters. I also recently added a gold diamond 8 point star from Nana Bijou, a Jade Buddha from JuJu Supply Co., and some beaded gemstone necklaces that my mom made for me.
HOW MANY JEWEL BOXES DO YOU OWN?
I have 4. One for fine jewelry, one for rings and things, one for brass earrings, and one for my less expensive pieces.
FAVORITE STARLING DESIGN?
The bracelets I own are dear to my heart. The dainty birthstones kissing my wrist serve as a reminder that my daughters are always with me.
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TELL US THE STORY OF HOW YOU GOT YOUR EARS PIERCED!
I don’t really remember when I got my first holes. My ears have been pierced for as long as I can remember. However, my second and third holes I did with a safety pin in high school (don’t try that at home, kids!) and my cartilage was pierced by a professional; I still have those same exact 3 hoops in now from years ago.
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ALEX'S DAUGHTER CHARLEIGH, AGE 10, Also loves jewelry and answered some questions for us too!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU WEAR?
I love wearing my necklaces and chokers.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE GEMSTONE?
Amethyst is my favorite gemstone!
HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WEAR JEWELRY?
I feel magical and happy!
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR MOM?
She is very funny!
Thank you Alexandra, Charleigh and Ila! And Thank you Erika for the gorgeous photos!