Back to the Bayou

By Alexa Malevitis

This Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting jewelry designer Ashley Porter, founder of Porter Lyons. Porter Lyons, launched about a year ago in New Orleans, features jewelry inspired by the culture and indigenous materials of Southeast Louisiana and the Bayou. Every piece in Porter’s first collection has a New Orleans tie back to it. In her jewelry she uses agate, the state mineral, and alligator; specifically the alligator’s horned back.

Drawn to the organic nature and beauty of the ridges, Porter uses molds as well as the actual backbones of the alligator to make most of the collection’s cuffs, earrings, rings and necklaces. Also in Porter’s first collection: Agate pendants, chain-linked bracelets and genuine Louisiana Alligator belts. What sets Porter Lyons apart, besides their unique pieces, is the brands dedication to preserving culture. The brand is committed to preserving and protecting a sustainable Louisiana coast by donating 5 percent of all profits to the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.

Each piece is unique and unlike any other you will find in your jewelry box. Since Porter uses bones and minerals, each item is different but equally beautiful. You can shop the collection on their website or at ShopSeptember, a boutique in Snider Plaza that features some of the line. I couldn’t leave without purchasing this beauty, and I already have this piece on my Christmas list.