Dora Mae Jewelry just had a major glow-up—and Ivanhoe Village is feeling the shimmer.
The beloved studio, known for turning grandma’s brooch into something you’d actually wear out, has officially expanded into fine jewelry. We’re talking gold, platinum, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. Bigger sparkle. Bigger heart.
“I could give you some business reason for our transition into fine jewelry,” says founder Ansley, “but the real answer is, I followed my sparks, my passion, what lit me up inside. I think you have to do this as a creative in business or a little of you will die inside!”
That spark has always been the whimsy behind the brand. Dora Mae began as a tribute to Ansley’s grandmother—a wildly creative force of nature with a third-grade education and a gift for poetry, piano, and making life beautiful. After she passed, Ansley reworked a few of her vintage pieces into modern jewelry. Suddenly, those sentimental keepsakes weren’t gathering dust—they were telling stories. Loudly. Stylishly.
Friends started dropping off ziplock bags of tangled heirlooms. One transformation led to another. Before long, Dora Mae became a business. And a vibe.
Now? That vibe’s dripping in karats.
“I had two distinct passions,” Ansley says. “Original fine pieces of vintage and antique jewelry—I love them for their handmade soulfulness, story, and one-of-a-kind style. So we have an ever-expanding and revolving collection of gorgeous antique rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
“And becoming a full-service fine custom jewelry studio focusing on heirloom transformation, specializing in that same soulful vintage style that honors the past while also celebrating our client’s style today.”
Translation? You can now bring in your great-aunt’s wedding ring, your own diamonds, or that mystery stone from the bottom of your jewelry box—and walk out with something that feels like you. Only shinier. Or you can fall in love with one of their curated antique fine jewelry pieces and start a whole new story.
“If you come into Dora Mae, you can expect to experience the joy of transformation and the beauty of new life as we dream and create your perfect piece together,” Ansley says. “We love to sprinkle both meaning and style magic to ensure the final product expresses who you really are!”
So yeah, it’s a glow-up with all the glitz, glam and grandma’s creative spirit.
And that’s what makes it gold.
Dora Mae Jewelry is located in the Ivanhoe Village Shopping District at 1620 N. Orange Ave. and you can visit the website by clicking here.