We sat down for a Q & A with Elle Pirmoradi, designer and founder of Bangelle. The story of how her love for stackable bangles turned into three comprehensive jewelry collections – and counting.
A Conversation With Elle Pirmoradi, Founder And Designer Of Bangelle
For Elle Pirmoradi, creating jewelry is more than designing beautiful objects. It is about capturing timeless aesthetics, individual expression and the confidence that comes from wearing something truly unique. What started with a vision for four signature bangles became Bangelle, a fine jewelry brand with an emphasis on the art of wrist stacking.
Created for gold lovers and jewelry enthusiasts who appreciate distinctive pieces, Bangelle focuses on 18K solid gold bangles handcrafted by local artisans. While the L.A. jewelry house still puts stackable bangles at the core of its vision, the latest collection introduced rings, earrings and necklaces as well.
Q: What inspired you to create Bangelle?
Elle Pirmoradi: It all started with a Cartier watch that my husband gifted me for Christmas a few years ago. It’s a stunning timepiece, no question, but I had doubts if that particular large Santos was the right fit for my dainty wrist. I’m lucky to already own a few beloved watches. Long story short, I visited Cartier’s flagship store in Beverly Hills, with a mission to find a bangle instead. I found the stunning usuals, the Juste Un Clous in different variations, the Love Bangles etc. As I made my way from collection to collection, I realized all felt too familiar, too recognizable. I was looking for something I didn’t see. At that point I didn’t yet know what exactly that was. What I did know however was, if I felt that way, there must be others who felt the same. So I left the store with my watch, and no new bangle.
Today I’d say that very visit ignited my vision for Bangelle. About a week later I began sketching and my version of a perfect bangle was born, at least on paper. Based on that vision, I designed our four 18K solid bangles, perfect for stacking: modern and timeless at the same time. With a background in jewelry from many years prior, I reconnected with my network of master goldsmiths. The rest is history.
Q: How would you describe the design philosophy behind Bangelle?
Elle Pirmoradi: The inspiration comes from many different places. My background, experiences, and the places I have called home have all influenced my approach to design.
I am a transplant by nature and an artist at heart. I grew up in Hamburg and am fortunate to have called Paris, Berlin, Bangkok and finally Los Angeles home. Each place has shaped my understanding of aesthetics, culture, and style. My classical piano education in Germany and my psychology degree from UCLA have also influenced the way I think about creativity, persistence and human connection far beyond what I could attempt to describe here.
My creations are the result of all these influences paired with the desire to make my version of perfect. This perspective allows Bangelle designs to feel both personal and universal. My eye naturally resonates with symmetry, angularity and clean lines. These are definitely elements that make their way across all collections. I love the fact that I don’t have to chase trends. You could say fine jewelry exists above trends, as it stands for timeless beauty, worth and significance. At least that’s my interpretation and aspiration.
Q: What makes Bangelle’s bangles so unique?
Elle Pirmoradi: First and foremost it has to be the distinctive design that sets our bangles apart from anything else on the market. Yet it goes without saying that a great design is worthless if not executed by the craftsmanship it deserves.
Each piece has a clear identity: whether it’s the clean architectural lines of the early pieces or the unexpected shapes of the latest collection, they are designed to stand out in a stack full of icons. Next to Cartier, VC and Hermes, they still hold their own. That’s not easy to do but it’s exactly what I’m striving to achieve.
Opposed to lots of well-meant advice at the beginning, I focused exclusively on bangles initially. Having that level of focus puts us in a unique position. The fact that these pieces were designed specifically to elevate an already great stack rather than compete with it, showed the level of commitment that really resonates with our clientele. In a world where everyone is wearing the same three luxury bangles, Bangelle introduced the piece they didn’t know they were missing.
Q: What challenges have you experienced while building Bangelle?
Elle Pirmoradi: Building Bangelle has been both exhilarating and humbling. The gold price has been one of the most unpredictable factors during this process. Working with 18K means navigating a constantly shifting market – and honestly deviating from quality and craftsmanship was never an option. Finding creative ways to make that work financially has made me a sharper, more resourceful designer.
Breaking through as an independent designer in a space full of legacy houses has been equally energizing. Learning to carve out our identity amongst them rather than compete with them has shaped how I design, market and tell our story. And being the newcomer? I actually love that position: there’s everything to prove and nothing to lose. Every press feature, every celeb placement, every person who discovers Bangelle hits differently when you build something entirely from scratch.
Q: How has Bangelle evolved since its beginning?
Elle Pirmoradi: Bangelle started with the idea of creating one exceptional bangle, and that vision has continued to grow. At the very beginning, that one bangle quickly turned into four variations, with a similar DNA at varying weights, all in 18K solid. Our philosophy is and was to make good bracelet stacks better. With this mission at heart, the next collection introduced more playful elements, such as the use of gemstones, chains, moveable parts… the guiding force was again to create unique additions to enhance stacks.
While bangles and bracelets remain at the center of the brand, we have expanded into rings, earrings, and necklaces. These newer designs continue to draw inspiration from earlier collections through shared elements like stackability, symmetry, and a bold approach to gold.
Launching the third collection earlier this year represents an exciting stage in our journey. It shows how a single idea can grow into a broader creative expression while staying connected to its original purpose.
Q: What do you hope people experience when they wear Bangelle?
Elle Pirmoradi: More than anything, I want people to feel like themselves – but tuned up. Empowered, beautiful and a step ahead of the game. Something happens when you put on a weighty piece of 18K solid gold. You notice your wrist, other people notice your wrist including the piece they can’t stop looking at. That feeling of wearing something nobody else has, something that holds its own next to the jewelry icons but is entirely its own thing, that’s what I’m going for.
For more: Explore the brand’s latest creations at bangelle.com and on Instagram. Discover jewelry designed for those who have seen it all and are ready to move beyond predictable luxury.