Ashley Gardner founded Rendrag Jewelry with a vision to create bold, thought-provoking pieces that blend contemporary design with personal storytelling. Rendrag is committed to sustainability and uses innovative techniques to craft unique, high-quality jewelry that pushes the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship.
Q+A
What inspired you to start your business?
After working on the wholesale side of mainstream bridal, I found that I wasn't crazy about mainstream bridal. I didn't like the amount of mark up I was seeing on pieces or the lack of interest in ethical sourcing. I really wanted to do something different, with ethical materials and hand done details. I was also at a job where I was strictly doing design work on the computer and I really wanted to be able to get back to making things with my hands and learning new jewelry skills and techniques.
How would you describe your customers? What do you think sets your brand apart for them?
My ideal customer is someone who appreciates craftsmanship, ethical sourcing and attention to detail. My brand focuses on durability over trends, and the highest craftsmanship from every angle. I truly think your most important pieces of jewelry should be well thought out and considered from every side.
Could you share some of the key products/styles your brand offers and what makes them unique?
I think my two best selling rings describe how unique and versatile my brand is, The Lydia engagement ring is a low profile engagement ring with a beautiful hand engraved band, but its unique feature is the setting, it's a half bezel with two claw prongs. It feels antique but is super solid and interesting and can have any shape center stone.
My other best seller is my Sylvie ring, when you have these two styles next to each other they are almost opposites! The Sylvie is an ultra modern, super smooth band that comes up to encircle the center stone. This ring feels almost fluid. It's also low profile for maximum comfort and durability. One of my strengths as a designer is my versatility and appreciation for all styles of jewelry.
Can you describe your personal connection to your brand and how it reflects your values and passions?
I like making jewelry with materials that feel good. I like knowing where all of my materials are coming from and I love working with customers who also feel passionate about the environment, community and labor conditions. A lot of my designs are inspired by my love of nature, with loves of leaves and hand engraving, so when you buy something from Rendrag via my website, I donate 1% of the proceeds to the development of carbon renewal systems to help fight against global warming. I am trying my best to make the world better, full of beautiful things and good intentions.
What are some of the prominent sustainability initiatives or practices that you prioritize during your production process?
All of my gold and platinum is recycled and refined locally, and all of my casting happens on jewelers row, right here in Philadelphia. I keep all of my production local. I love working with gem suppliers with the same ideals as me, so knowing the origin of a diamond, canadian or antique, the type of lab facility a lab grown diamond is created in, and where a sapphire is mined, these are all important to my design process. I also work a lot with client heirloom stones and offer to recycle or refine gold, whenever a client comes in with a worn out or unwanted family piece. I love giving things new life.
