Cities, Memory, and Light: A Conversation with Anson of Harle Paris
From personal stories to starlit landscapes, Harle Paris explores jewellery as a vessel for memory, craftsmanship, and connection.
At Precious Room in Paris, I spoke with Anson, founder of Harle Paris, whose work blends storytelling, craftsmanship, and personal meaning. His pieces are shaped by travel, memory, and the people he encounters — translating moments into carefully considered designs.
In this conversation, Anson shares the story behind his brand, his approach to materials and design, and how his latest collection captures the atmosphere of Cairo after dark.
At Precious Room in Paris, I met Anson, founder of Harle Paris. A jewellery brand rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship, and personal meaning. Her work balances technical expertise with artistic expression, creating jewellery that celebrates both the beauty of gemstones and the stories they hold. The name Harle Paris has a wonderfully personal beginning. "It comes from my very first pet rabbit," Anson tells me. "The breed was called Harley Quinn, so I took 'Harley' from that." She paired it with Paris—a city she has always admired.
"For me, Paris is the city of love and the city of light. It's where artists gather, and it's somewhere I've always felt connected to."
Later, she discovered that the Harley rabbit breed had also been recognised in Paris, making the name feel even more fitting. Although Harle Paris has been established for just two years, Anson brings seven years of experience within the jewellery industry. Her background is an unusual combination of gemmology, media, and fashion. Gemmology gives her a deep understanding of gemstones and sourcing, while her experience in fashion shapes the creative direction of the brand. When discussing materials, Anson's enthusiasm is immediately apparent.
"I love working with platinum," she says. "I really believe in its value."
She also enjoys working with gold, appreciating how different gold alloys introduce warmth and colour into a design.
When it comes to gemstones, colour is everything.
"I love coloured gemstones."
That appreciation is visible throughout Harle Paris, where vibrant stones become the centre of every story. Rather than beginning with trends, Anson finds inspiration in everyday experiences. "It comes from my daily life," she explains. "From memories I've shared with people, or stories that I've read." Those moments gradually evolve into collections that preserve emotion through design.
One of the highlights of Precious Room was her newest collection,
Stargazing at Midnight.
The centrepiece is a striking ring titled City of Stars and Lights, inspired by a journey through Cairo.
"The design captures Cairo after dark," she explains. "The River Nile reflecting the city's golden lights beneath a deep midnight blue sky."
Every material contributes to that narrative.
The centre stone is a vivid tanzanite, surrounded by yellow diamonds and fancy coloured melee diamonds. Crafted in 18-carat Single Mine Origin yellow gold and platinum, the ring layers colour and light to recreate the atmosphere of the city.
Even its structure tells part of the story.
The triangular intersections reference the brickwork of the pyramids at Giza while also echoing modern architectural forms.
It's a design where every element has purpose.
Anson has also embraced new technology through the inclusion of a digital product passport. Rather than simply documenting authenticity, it preserves the complete story of each piece.
The passport records the design journey, from the original sketches and CAD renderings through to the finished jewellery, alongside information about provenance, craftsmanship, and materials. But perhaps its most meaningful purpose is what comes next.
Anson hopes every owner continues adding their own memories to the piece, allowing the jewellery to evolve with each new chapter of its life.
Storytelling doesn't end when the jewellery leaves the studio. It continues with the person who wears it.
Another important theme throughout Harle Paris is celebration.
For Anson, jewellery marks milestones, achievements, and meaningful moments.
"It's about adding colour into life," she says. "Life isn't just black and white."
That philosophy feels woven into every collection.
Her design process begins with traditional hand sketches before moving into development alongside carefully selected gemstones.
Sometimes the stones themselves influence the final direction, allowing the design to evolve naturally around them.
Looking ahead, Anson hopes to introduce Harle Paris to an international audience.
Currently based in Birmingham—a city recently recognised as a World Craft City—she also draws inspiration from her roots in Hong Kong, another place celebrated for exceptional jewellery craftsmanship.
For her, expanding internationally is about connecting these two worlds.
"It's meaningful to me," she says.
When I ask where she hopes to be in a year's time, her answer is simple.
"Continuing to expand internationally, while growing Harle Paris here in the UK."
As our conversation comes to an end, it becomes clear that Harle Paris is about much more than beautiful jewellery. Each piece carries a story—whether inspired by travel, memory, architecture, or celebration—and is designed to continue gathering meaning long after it is worn.
Like the cities that inspire her, Anson's jewellery captures light, preserves memories, and invites its wearer to become part of the story.