The designer’s about strong women—but not girlie jewelry.

Working from the design principles she learned from her time at 3.1 Phillip Lim and pulling inspiration from National Geographic and her own extensive travels, Asia Ragland conceived of Feliks + Adrik two years ago in NYC, juxtaposing delicate jewelry silhouettes with a tough, masculine vibe. “The name of the company comes from an international baby name website,” she laughs. “I knew that I wanted something very bold and very strong, but also something feminine and refined—something that represented all of the different women in my life.” To back up that girl-power ethos, she notes that two pieces in her own personal accessories collection that she wears every day are a nameplate necklace gifted to her by her maternal grandmother and a locket swiped from her paternal one, a present from her husband on the occasion of her wedding in 1945.

And while the process of both starting and running a successful company all by yourself is an incredibly daunting task for anyone, Asia is more forest than trees. As she explains it, “The most exciting part of the whole process is having the opportunity to work with such talented, powerful women. I design for women who are strong, independent, and determined—those who put their hearts into everything they do. Of course, they’re undeniably and effortlessly cool, too.” —courtney mccarroll

Our edition by Asia: an awesome gold-and-navy ring that we’re going to wear to death. Get it while you can.