This Jewelry Brand Combines Modern and Ancient Aesthetics

Baylee Ann Zwart fell in love with the art of jewelry metalworking while in Guatemala, working for a fair-trade non-profit with local artisans. It was there on the shores of Lake Atitlan that she began to study the art of jewelry metalworking and was immediately enamored with the notion of being able to sculpt pieces from the ground up that could be worn every day and passed down from generation to generation.

Upon moving back to the states to further pursue her interest in sustainable fashion, Zwart worked in Design and Product Sustainability at TOMS Shoes. She developed AZLEE’s first collection while still at TOMS, eventually parting ways to establish her brand in Spring 2015. Nowadays, she’s fully invested in her brand, creating long-lasting, quality pieces which pinnacles in her Custom Atelier.

Zwart’s design aesthetic is characterized by her fresh perspective and restrained approach. Made of 18k gold and platinum, AZLEE’s pieces are made locally in Los Angeles by master craftsman. The enamel is hand-painted by a local artist and the jewelers are top craftsman in their field.

Her pieces feel modern and chic, yet effortlessly wearable, with personal influences that include French Art Deco as well as her fascination with ancient civilizations. “I’m really passionate about creating fine jewelry options for modern women, that feel approachable for everyday wear, but special enough to invest in knowing they will have it for years to come,” she told Flaunt.

“I also have kept distribution strategic, so that when clients come across our brand they feel like they’ve discovered it, and it won’t be something all of their friends have,” she adds.

“I’ve always loved the Art Deco era of jewelry, it was so architectural and linear with the use of such unusual shapes of stones and diamonds, and I design in a very linear way, so I have loved creating a more modern take on Deco. On the other hand I’ve also been fascinated by ancient civilizations for as long as I can remember, so being able to create ancient looking coins, in solid gold was always an ambition of mine, and so was combing those two worlds, Ancient and Deco, and that’s really the voice and foundation of our collection.”

Add a touch of modern glam (with an ancient twist) to your jewelry collection, or follow AZLEE’s creations from afar.

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