Get to know Chelsy
Get to know the heart and soul behind Aya Jewels: Chelsy Davy. A mum of two, Chelsy runs the business between London and Mauritius, balancing the beauty of family life with her love for creating jewellery. Aya officially launched in 2016, born out of a love for one-of-a-kind gemstones. Initially dedicated to African gemstones in honour of Chelsy’s Zimbabwean heritage, the brand has since evolved to include lab-grown stones, perfecting jewels that can hold their own but also layer seamlessly with one another. Get to know Chelsy with these quick-fire questions...
What does your day-to-day running Aya look like?
I'm an early bird - first thing in the morning is my favourite time of day - before the kids are up and the chaos kicks in. I work from my home office most days and my day will normally consist of calls, spreadsheets, design meetings, firefighting and a lot of coffee.
Your favourite travel destination?
Going home to the Zambezi River. Most of my childhood memories are there, and it provides a sense of perspective that I struggle to find anywhere else. It’s both timeless and immediate - a rare combination.
Go-to London dining spots?
La Famiglia, The Pelican and The River Cafe
Best business advice you’ve ever been given?
You need to know when to pivot.
Your most sentimental piece in your jewellery box?
My engagement ring and a yellow diamond pendant passed down to me from my Great Grandmother.
How would you describe your jewellery style?
Minimalist but bold - items that are suitable for every day. I love to layer on the weekends though.
What’s your favourite piece in Aya’s collection?
I love the round and emerald-cut necklaces in the Aya Essentials collection - they are so wearable and perfect for every day. I am also loving the Ruby and Diamond Tusk necklaces from our 18kt Gold Collection.
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Chelsy's Favourites
Your favourite bespoke piece you’ve ever made?
A one-of-a-kind diamond and emerald cocktail ring.
Your favourite gemstone?
I love an Emerald.
Favourite part about running Aya?
When a piece you weren’t sure would be popular sells out!
Rules when it comes to stacking and layering?
Varying lengths for layering and embracing asymmetry for stacking.
What inspires your designs?
I work on all the Aya designs with my best friend - and we, quite simply, create pieces that we would want to wear.
What’s your birthstone?
Opal
What jewellery staple do you think everyone should have in their jewellery box?
Made from 18k gold vermeil and set with 0.18cts of lab-grown diamonds, these huggie hoops add the perfect amount of sparkle to your everyday ear stack. Wear them alone or layer them with the rest our Essentials earring collection for the ultimate Aya look.
Our lab-grown diamonds are formed using the CVD and HPHT methods, both processes creating diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to natural stones.