As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Lady of the Lake collection, we invite you to journey behind the magic and through the veil of inspiration that birthed this project. At Acid Queen Jewelry, origin stories are woven into our very fabric, making this anniversary the perfect time to unveil the synchronistic tale of how this collection came to be!
If your curiosity calls you and you want to step into a realm where creativity dances with collaboration, this story is for you.
...A tale where female artistry and visionary minds ignite an idea that gives life to The Lady of the Lake collection…
The Power of Feminine Energy & Collaboration
When I founded Acid Queen Jewelry, I never imagined one of my greatest joys would be forging deep connections with fellow female artists and being able to share our talents to create magic. Our brand ethos is rooted in the idea of community over competition. The Lady of the Lake, a powerful figure in Arthurian legend, symbolizes divine feminine energy—she wields great influence, guiding Arthur and shaping destiny. Her story is one of empowerment, reminding us that true strength often lies in collaboration, wisdom, and the nurturing spirit that drives women forward together.
Enter Courtney Hall, but you might know her as @light_witch, on Instagram. Last year, we opened the portal to working with influencers on social media, celebrating their creativity through a campaign titled "Live In Your Magic.” I've long admired Courtney’s artistry and her ability to weave stories through imagery, invoking profound emotions without a single word spoken. She is a photographer who captures the spirit of dreamers, seamlessly blending the fantastical and the magical into images that transport you into her mind’s eye.
Then enters Rachel Hsiung—a true unicorn of a human and someone I'm deeply proud to call a dear friend. Her creative talents are a constant source of admiration. Based in Los Angeles, Rachel is the mastermind behind Sorceress & The Stone, where she crafts unique, handcrafted adornments meant for ritual and everyday magic. On top of that, she runs a crystal wholesale business, The Crystal Tabby, with incredible dedication and grace.
Courtney and Rachel had already been working on the idea of this photoshoot inspired by The Lady of the Lake when they invited me to join in. As I racked my brain for what pieces I wanted to use a spark of inspiration hit.
…This was the inception of The Lady of the Lake collection, yet at that moment, I had no clue of the magic that would soon flow through me and be worn by you…
How a Photoshoot Sparked a New Collection
Through the flickers of conversation, an idea began to take shape, and with a deadline looming, I plunged into creation mode. I had recently stepped into a new design phase for Acid Queen, pushing myself to grow and explore my talents through the one-of-a-kind collections I had been creating, yet using those pieces for this collaboration felt misaligned. I wanted to create something new and I wanted the jewelry to be accessible and worn by creators, witches, artists, and rebels worldwide.
With the photoshoot penciled in for September, I dove into research, immersing myself in the folklore of The Lady of the Lake, allowing the themes to infuse my vision. The idea of mystical femininity, as shaped by this iconic figure, was begging to be birthed.
…I focused on capturing the essence of nature, transformation, intuition, the power of the feminine spirit, the eternal mystery of the lake, and the goddess within…
Re-Introducing the Lady of the Lake Collection
As I started to piece together this new collection, ideas flooded in. The Lady of the Lake collection was not only a birth of its own; it became a cornerstone for my brand and a foundation for Acid Queen Jewelry to continue building upon! This collection represents not just a theme but a reflection of who I am as a designer now and the future of AQJ.
I envisioned pieces that would root you in the emotions at hand, transcending you past just placing a piece of jewelry on you but truly allowing you to step into the energy for yourself. The Lady of the Lake collection is tied to the rich history of the characters from folklore, invoking an image of medieval fantasy and female strength woven into every curve of the pieces you touch.
The story is further intertwined with the choice of stones: aquamarine, representing the calming yet powerful energy of the waters; opal, a soothing stone that balances mood swings; and rainbow moonstone, which embodies the magic of intuition.
We couldn’t unveil this collection without honoring the enchanting figure of Nimue, the lady of the lake herself. The Nimue necklace features a delicate curve that wraps around the stone, embodying her essence. The sword Shield Necklace tells her tale of power, and the Morgana Hoop Earrings transport you into a different realm.
Designing this collection opened new creative doors for me as an artist. It deepened my understanding of storytelling and how essential it is to my approach. I carefully selected our best-selling stones for their meanings, weaving Nimue’s legend into each design with thoughtful attention. This process not only elevated the pieces but also enriched the narrative behind them, making each one a symbolic extension of the story.
…Every line, every stroke acted as momentum for the brand itself…
Acid Queen Jewelry was birthed to tell stories, so why shouldn’t every collection deepen the art of storytelling? The Lady of the Lake collection re-instilled this calling within me and the brand, marking the beginning of a new identity that AQJ we are continuing to grow into!
So, as the tale of The Lady of the Lake Collection draws to a close, remember the importance of collaboration and community. Embrace the magic that unfolds when creative minds unite rather than compete for the spotlight. When you shine your light on someone else, your glow grows brighter and stronger!
We invite you to explore our made-to-order collection inspired by Nimue, the Lady of the Lake. Each piece is more than just jewelry; it's a tribute to creativity, feminine power, and the magic within us all. Crafted with intention, these talismans embody the essence of strength and artistic expression, allowing you to carry the spirit of the legendary Nimue with you wherever you go. Each piece is designed with intention, offering a beautiful way to embrace and express your inner power.
Anddddd....We're excited to be offering you a special invitation: Are you an influencer on social media? Do you have a deep love for all things occult, witchy, spiritual, and creative? In the spirit of exploring new partnerships, we are again opening the door to work with collaborative creatives. Partnerships with people (not just "content creators") that love our jewelry as much as we love making it & want to share our magic with their followers! If you’d like to join our circle and create beautiful content together, we’re looking for you!
We're working on a survey, but in the meantime- if you're interested Contact Us HERE with the subject line: Influencer.
With love,
Alex and the AQJ Team
She sits quietly and waits
For us to look into her still waters
So we can see ourselves in her—
Our reflection staring back at us
Inviting us to love all that we are
And discard the rest—
Watching them sink
To the bottom of her floor—
Never again to wash up to shore.
