For this versatile designer, staying true to her authentic business style means pairing diamonds with sweatpants and opening a piercing bar in New York.
Well-known for her maximalist jewelry pieces, New York-born and raised designer Ali Weiss embodies her brand’s catchphrase of “no rules — anything goes.” Mantras are one of the things that inspire the designer, “as well as people, nature and words; everything that makes me feel good,” she explains. Her style is all about layering, mixing, and wearing diamonds with sweats. Yes, even with sweats: One of the brand’s promises is that its pieces go with everything. “You never have to take them off and hide them in a safe,” she promises.
Weiss started her business in 2005, after working for designer Helen Ficalora. “The first piece I created was a gold-bar necklace that I hand engraved with the word ‘Grateful,’” she recalls.In the early days, she produced a small collection of jewelry. She did a handful of trunk shows a year and held private appointments at her house. But now, she’s all about expansion: Weiss has over 1,500 designs and, in 2021, she opened a showroom and piercing bar in Armonk, New York.
With the new location already open, one of Weiss’s recent projects is organizing piercing parties and pop-ups. Clients receive a complimentary piercing when they purchase earrings at these events, though there is a charge for the service in the store. The team also helps them to style their ear and find the perfect fit for their ear type. “There is a real art to ear styling. When you get pierced with us, you know you are investing in a good earring you will have forever,” the designer explains. Weiss’s next goals are to launch a men’s line and to open a second location.
How did you get the idea for the ear-piercing bar? How is this project going?
I was really into getting my own ears pierced and I kept adding piercings. I loved ear styling and making that a big part of my business. I thought it was so fun and interesting. One day, a client told me about her ear piercer, Keri D’Angelo, and I decided to reach out to her. We met and immediately hit it off. When I decided to open my own showroom, I knew I wanted to incorporate luxury piercing, so I brought Keri on full time. We feel so grateful for all the support we have gotten since we opened, and our ear-piercing bar is booming!
How would you define your style as a jeweler and as a consumer?
As both a jeweler and a consumer, my style is classic with an edge. It is inspiring, wearable, and fun. Whatever I love, I bring to my brand. I like a lot of layers. Too much jewelry is not in my vocabulary. Jewelry and sweatpants are my ideal combination, but you could also wear my pieces for a dressier occasion.
How would you define your customers?
My customer is anyone that has a love for jewelry and wants to wear pieces that make them feel good. I love when a client will take chances, step out of their comfort zone, and trust my styling.
Can you tell us about the most special piece of jewelry you own?
I have many special pieces, but if I had to choose one it would be two gold cuffs that I have been wearing for the last 12 years. One is hand engraved with the names of my kids, and the other is engraved with the word “Authentic.” Authentic is my favorite word and I use it as a daily reminder to be my true self. I never, ever take these cuffs off.
Are there new materials and gemstones that you want to explore in the future?
I’m always interested in different gemstones. I’d love to start working with crystals. We currently use many gemstones with 14-karat gold and are always expanding on our designs.
Main image: Ali Weiss, jewelry designer. (Ali Weiss Jewelry)
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