Meet the Designer

Jewelry runs through my veins: my grandmother, Sue Chan, is a goldsmith who has owned and operated a jewelry store in the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown for over 50 years. I was fascinated with all things shiny growing up, leading me to an auction house internship where one look through a jeweler’s loupe revealed a whole world deep inside the gemstones that I never wanted to escape.    

Since then, I have held positions in operations at Harry Winston (Chicago), sales at Betteridge (Greenwich, CT), business development coordinator at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers (Chicago) and sales management at Marshall Pierce & Co. (Chicago). I completed the Graduate Gemologist program at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), CA and later attained a certificate in Jewelry Design at GIA’s New York campus. These multi-faceted experiences led me to create Lei Lee Jewels in 2013.

In 2011, I received the "Shining Star" Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) Chicago Chapter and am currently President-Elect of the WJA Dallas Chapter. In addition, I serve on the WJA Advocacy Taskforce, am a board member of Gen-Next Jewelers and an active member of the Notre Dame Club of Dallas.

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Lei Lee Jewels

Designer Ashley C. Chan's Chinese name is Lei Lee, meaning lotus flower. Emerging from the mud, the lotus flower blooms just as spectacular gemstones rise out of the depths of the earth. Recognizing beauty all around, Ashley transforms stories from art history, spirituality and travel into wearable works of art. 

Designs begin with an inspiration such as a work of art or geographical destination which morphs into a finished piece. From inception to completion, each piece of jewelry is designed and created in the United States using gemstones procured from all over the world. Please contact Lei Lee Jewels to help you capture the beauty of your story in a special piece that will last a lifetime. 

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