"Art Teacher" Jewelry Is Trending—Here Are the Pieces That an NYC Designer Recommends

      I first encountered Ashley Moubayed at a Misha & Puff dinner held at Tascha in Nolita. During our conversation, it became clear she possesses an intuitive sense of impeccable taste. She showcased stunning jewelry that she crafted herself. Moubayed is the creator of the handmade beaded jewelry line Don't Let Disco—a clever twist on the phrase "don't let this go." While we chatted, she invited me to a summer gifting suite at her Brooklyn studio to experience her newest collection firsthand.

      As I browsed through her designs, each piece radiated thoughtfulness and intent. For instance, the necklace I took home was crafted with fully charged rock crystals, drawing inspiration from Victorian "Pools of Light." It's bold jewelry, yet it never comes off as trendy. What I cherish most is that each item feels more like a piece of art rather than merely an accessory—unique, special, and something that instantly becomes a treasured possession. As I tried on various necklaces, Moubayed referred to one as “art teacher jewelry”—a phrase she said was coined by Veronica Szalas Valentine. That description resonated deeply, perfectly encapsulating its aesthetic.

      Before establishing her own company, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist 2025 spent many years in the art world, most recently as a director at Sotheby’s. Her Instagram bio identifies her as a “Collector & Curator of Beads,” and Don’t Let Disco seems to be a natural extension of her background. Meeting her, it is evident that her work is more of an artistic endeavor than simply a brand.

      In the following conversation, I talked with the designer about her brand, her design approach, her personal style, current jewelry trends, and the pieces she loves most.

      I noticed you worked as a director at Sotheby's prior to launching Don't Let Disco. Can you share more about your background and career trajectory before the brand?

      Before starting Don’t Let Disco, I spent several years at Sotheby’s, where I collaborated with collectors, artists, and objects steeped in history. This experience taught me a great deal about provenance, craftsmanship, and the emotional ties that prompt people to keep certain items. I had always created jewelry alongside my career and eventually realized I desired to create something of my own. Don’t Let Disco stemmed from that aspiration and my fascination with objects imbued with memory, history, and personal significance.

      You established Don't Let Disco in 2021. What inspired that decision—what attracted you to jewelry and beads?

      Don’t Let Disco began quite organically in 2021. My interest in objects carrying history led me to beads, which I view as small vessels of memory. Each bead can be individually distinct while contributing to a larger creation. I started working with vintage and found materials naturally, shifting my focus from making traditional "jewelry" to creating small, personalized compositions that feel collectible. This approach eventually laid the groundwork for the brand.

      How does your background in art history and fine art shape the brand? Are there specific artists, movements, or references that continually inspire you?

      My experience in the art world greatly influenced my perception of objects and their meanings. Being surrounded by art and collectibles taught me the importance of provenance, context, and the emotional depth that objects can possess over time. I’m particularly drawn to objects and movements where material and memory intertwine. Rather than focusing on fixed references, I am more intrigued by how an object can embody time—be it through found materials, vintage beads, or repurposed elements.

      How would you characterize your personal style, and does it impact your label?

      My personal style is largely instinctual and contrasts different elements. I usually gravitate towards classic foundations but enjoy adding unexpected aspects—be it texture, proportion, or a piece of jewelry that alters the entire look. If I had to summarize it in three words, I would describe it as considered, textural, and instinctual. This same dynamic appears in Don’t Let Disco, where the pieces are refined yet still have an unfinished quality, with materials and composition doing the storytelling.

      Can you describe your design process when creating a new piece? Does it vary each time or follow common starting points?

      My design process is primarily driven by materials and rarely begins in the same way twice. Generally, I start with a collection of vintage beads, found objects, or stones, taking time to observe how they relate, what creates balance, and what naturally sits together. From there, I begin to build intuitively rather than following a predetermined sketch, adjusting according to proportion, color, and overall feel. There’s always a dialogue with the materials; I aim to respond to their innate suggestions rather than impose a fixed idea on them.

      You utilize globally sourced beads, upcycled materials, and found objects. Can you explain your sourcing method?

      My sourcing process is quite instinctive and ongoing. I constantly explore vintage beads, antique jewelry, and found materials—often through dealers, small archives,