Meet the Designer: Lindsay Knox of Ladha

Ladha is a new-to-SHELTER line that we're so excited to bring to DC. Inspired by the strong women that raised her, their global travels, and the diversity of cultural aesthetics, designer Lindsay Knox creates timeless treasures in gold, silver, and bronze.

Shop Ladha here.

How did you get started making jewelry?

Jewelry making was always a hobby of mine, since I was a little girl. In 2013, I took my first metal smithing class at a local community center and I was hooked. After much dabbling, I took the summer off in 2016 to study silversmithing in San Miguel D'Allende, Mexico. I then completed the Jewelry Technician Intensive Program at Revere Academy in San Francisco where I received a more formal education as a bench jeweler. Upon receiving my certificate in 2016, I went to work for an established jewelry designer in Oakland and started my own line in 2019.

Did you always know you wanted to be a designer?

I always knew I would end up doing something creative, whether it be with jewelry, apparel, decor etc. I have always loved retail merchandising and gravitated toward product development in my 20s and early 30s. It wasn't until I started my formal jewelry education that I knew I wanted to design jewelry as a profession.

How long have you been in the trade?

Since 2016!

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

When I first started my line it was a true side hustle, as I was working full time doing production for Lauren Wolf. I worked out of my garage in my spare time and made jewelry in bronze and silver, selling mostly to friends and family. I would upload my homegrown Instagram photos onto my very simple website and didn't do any in person events.

Now I have a collection of fine jewelry, and work with gold, diamonds and precious gems. I kept my signature bronze and silver fashion collection, which has become my bread and butter so to speak. I do multiple trade shows and in person events each year and have expanded into wholesale nationwide. It's been a cool journey of slow growth!

What’s the most challenging part about being a jewelry designer?

Growing as a designer and a business is exciting and also a bit challenging as a one woman show. Wearing multiple hats can be very hard, especially when balancing family, social life and self care. It goes without saying that the rising cost of gold has also been a huge challenge recently!

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

I love seeing a piece of jewelry come to life. You start with something rough and crude, and end up with this polished, glowing, shiny thing that you can then wear. It's quite satisfying! I also love meeting and connecting with customers in person. It's really special to know that someone appreciates my art enough to want to wear it on their body - as jewelry tends to be very personal.

Who is another jewelry designer that you admire/do you have a mentor in the jewelry industry?

I have so many jewelry industry crushes! I owe a lot of my jewelry education to Lauren Wolf as I worked in her studio for 3+ years before going out on my own. It was awesome to get to work at the bench and get the hands on experience of making jewelry from her line, while getting a peek into how she ran her businesses behind the scenes. My time with her was truly invaluable.

Do you have a favorite piece that you have made?

Hard question! A customer recently commissioned a chunky gold domed signet style ring with a big, round radiant yellow diamond. I had a really hard time handing it off to her!

Do you have a favorite metal or stone that you prefer to work with?

I love working with my "magic alloy" — a certain bronze that reads more of an 18k color. It ages so nicely and doesn't patina like other bronze metals. I also love working in 14k yellow gold due to the durability and buttery color.

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

Yes and no. I do keep track of trends but I try to design mostly with my intuition. I think of my designs as classic and timeless with a unique twist, not as "trendy".

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

I have a gold charm bracelet that was given to me by my Aunt. She gave it to me when I was in my late 20s after secretly collecting the charms for my entire life. The bracelet tells a beautiful story and I plan to hand it down to my daughters one day!

Shop Ladha here.