Meet the Designer: Ann Williams of Yearly Co.

Inspired by a family tradition, Ann Williams founded Yearly Co. to acknowledge life's biggest moments. She creates solid gold bangles designed to be collected, just like the memories they commemorate.

Designer: Ann Williams of Yearly Co.

Location: Nashville, TN

How did you get started making jewelry?

I started making jewelry in 2015 when I was pregnant with my second daughter. Our family had a tradition of gold anniversary bangles and I wanted to learn how to make them. I took a jewelry making class at the Sarratt Center at Vanderbilt University (my alma mater). I fell in love with the magic of creating something out of gold and the rest is history.

Did you always know you wanted to be a designer?

Not at all! I have always had a creative streak but I got my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Child Studies. I spent some time working in research but always felt the calling of entrepreneurship and tried a few different businesses before jewelry design. Once I started making jewelry for my family and friends it was clear I had found my passion.

What does your business look like now, versus when you started?

When I started I was creating one bangle at a time alone in my garage when my kids were sleeping. Now, we have a wonderful team of 20 in Nashville lead by our amazing CEO, Elizabeth Geny. For years I grew the business doing a little bit of everything, slowly hiring as we needed more help in each department. It's so exciting for me now to be able to spend more time on the creative direction of our line and less time on logistics. Having a team handling each part of the business from management to marketing and fulfillment gives me the ability to step back and constantly think about our customers and how to improve our products and experience.

What’s your favorite part about being a jewelry designer?

I love to imagine the "why" behind every piece of jewelry we design and create. It's fun to start with a milestone or moment and to design from there. Our pieces are always classic and well-made so that they can be worn daily as a reminder of the moments that we want to remember. Often my favorite pieces come from my own experience or what I'm looking to give or receive.

Do you have a favorite piece that you have made?

Our Original Bangle was the first piece I made and honestly still one of my favorites. This is the dainty yet strong bangle that is most similar to the ones my grandfather gave my grandmother every year of marriage. When these bangles are stacked together over time they create the most beautiful layered and meaningful collection.

Do trends in the industry affect the way you design a new collection?

I really don't design based on trends. We may incorporate a new stone shape or color, add a chunkier chain, or layer in an engraving style that our customers are loving. But generally we try to make our designs so timeless and classic that your granddaughter would be as excited to wear your pieces in many years as you are today. I think when you're investing in solid gold pieces and natural stones you want to be sure that you aren't going to regret your purchase in a few years. And there's a reason that certain setting styles and designs (like a classic, simple bangle) have been around for centuries, because they can be worn daily forever.

What’s your favorite piece of jewelry from your own personal collection?

I have so many favorites! One piece I'm excited about is actually not even made yet. I sourced an emerald recently that I absolutely fell in love with. It's a beautiful clear and deep green and I am playing around with a few design ideas to create a ring for myself. I went through a Breast Cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2024 and the emerald was a gift to myself to represent a year of healing and rebirth for me after such a hard experience. I can't wait to create something special out of that stone that will remind me of my strength and my opportunity for a fresh perspective of deep gratitude in life.