Sweet like Suri Jewels

To solidify a place in the jewelry world these days, a designer needs a truly unique, sparkle-worthy quality. Layla Asgari has accomplished just that with Sweet Suri Jewels. What makes this edgy Houstonian stand out? A practicing dentist, Asgari strives to create innovative new trends, rather than following those around her. My personal fave? The Black Druzy Gunmetal Alchemy Ring in 14K gold. Yes, please! Asgardi stopped by my office to show off her jaw-dropping (no joke) baubles. Here’s a peek into our convo. [special-blockquote]

TELL US ABOUT SWEET SURI JEWELS.
Sweet Suri Jewels is a line of bohemian luxe jewelry for women who set  the trends and are confident and empowered. I like to design pieces that can be worn day or night, from season to season. Every piece in my collection is handmade by metal smiths who have been making jewelry for over 25 years. I love to use natural stones, and I love to experiment with metals and colors to create jewelry that is fresh and exciting.

WHERE DID THE INSPIRATION COME FROM?
My signature piece, the Alchemy Ring, is what I like to call a “beautiful accident.” I was playing with materials I had on hand, and I came up with the first prototype for the ring. I wore it as I went shopping one day, and I was asked, “Where did you get that?” by so many women (and even some men) that I knew it was a design people loved. I think the juxtaposition of the perfect, almost industrial coil band with the raw natural stone creates a beautiful and appealing piece of jewelry. For all of my pieces, I take inspiration from ancient motifs and ancient art. I like to use the crescent or moon in many of my pieces, because it is elegant and beautiful. I treat every piece as a work of art, and I believe balance is a big part of making a piece of jewelry that a woman will want to wear everyday.

CONGRATS ON THE PATENT! WHAT A BIG DEAL. HOW DID IT COME ABOUT?
Thank you! When I started to see the amazing response to my Alchemy rings, I thought it would be a good idea to protect the design. I filed for a design patent two years ago, and the whole process took 15 months before I was granted a patent on the ring design. It means a great deal to me because I know I have designed something that is unique and innovative and can’t be found anywhere else.

FAVE PIECE.
My favorite piece is the Alchemy ring with the black druzy on gunmetal. I think it looks super-luxe and pretty with anything I wear from day to night.

GUILTY PLEASURE.
Watching way too much Real Housewives.

SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS ABOUT YOU.
Most people who I have met in the past few years have no idea I’m a dentist by trade. I was an artist throughout my life, and jewelry design is my artistic outlet now.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW?
My biggest inspiration for starting my jewelry line is my beautiful daughter. A switch flipped in my head after she was born, and I realized I have to pursue my dreams and set a great example for her. Sweet Suri Jewels is named after her, and everything from the packaging color to the logo has some significance to me.