Avermore Jewelry: Where past meets present

Avermore Jewelry marks a new chapter in Biltmore’s story and is a testament to the estate’s enduring allure.

Aubrey Vanderbilt Cecil Baliles, the great-great-granddaughter of George and Edith Vanderbilt, is the Founder and Creative Director of Avermore, a fine jewelry brand inspired by the craftsmanship and beauty of Biltmore Estate. Discover how her designs honor her family’s history while embracing a bold, modern vision.

A new chapter in a storied legacy

Avermore Jewelry finds inspiration in the architecture of Biltmore House and the Vanderbilt family.

Inspired by George Vanderbilt’s vision for the estate and Edith Vanderbilt’s unwavering commitment to preserving her husband’s legacy, Aubrey embarked on a mission to create jewelry that encapsulated the estate’s timeless elegance and deep heritage.

“In a world where trends and fast fashion often overshadow the true essence of jewelry, Avermore is dedicated to creating pieces that will be cherished and honored,” said Aubrey. “Our designs are meticulously crafted with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship that reflects our core values.”

The inspiration: Where past meets present

In a recent interview with Town & Country, Aubrey describes how an incident with an emerald was the impetus to go all in with Avermore Jewelry.

Left: Edith Vanderbilt’s emerald-and-diamond brooch. Right: inspired by her great-great grandmother’s heirloom jewelry, Aubrey designed a brooch featuring diamonds around a yellow sapphire that can also be worn as a pendant.

“My great-great-grandmother had an emerald brooch that I love,” Aubrey said. “A few years ago, the matching ring was being worn at a wedding reception dinner. The stone fell out of its setting and ended up in a butter dish, and that was a turning point for me. I saw that I could modernize an heirloom by turning it into a more wearable piece of jewelry that still carried its history and its connection to my family.”

Aubrey’s vision isn’t just about creating jewelry; it’s about creating a legacy that celebrates the past, honors the present, and inspires the future.

Edith Vanderbilt was known not only for her efforts to preserve Biltmore and her philanthropic work, but also for her bold personal sense of fashion and style, as shown in this 1920’s-era photo.

“With Avermore, I took a page out of the era in history where women were exchanging corsets for slip dresses, incorporating bold design with Gilded Age sensibilities. Avermore is designed in luxurious metals with architectural features to create timeless pieces with notes of modern refinement for everyday wear,” said Aubrey.

The collection: Statement jewelry for the modern heirloom seeker

The Stuyvesant Collection by Avermore features timeless designs with stunning gems set in precious metals.

In an industry often characterized by imitation, Avermore’s commitment to innovative design serves as a key differentiator, with each piece created as a singular work of art.

Designs draw inspiration from a wide variety of elements, with Edith Vanderbilt cited as one of the primary sources for her timeless elegance and self-expression.

Crafted with only solid metals and AAA gemstones, Aubrey’s designs marry sophisticated lines with delicately placed detail. Every element works together in harmony to create a vision of refinement, adding a breath of simplicity and elegance to your day.

Aubrey’s role: Passion, vision, and craftsmanship

Aubrey Vanderbilt Cecil Baliles, founder and designer of Avermore.

“For me, Avermore began as a way I could carve out my own path to honor the Vanderbilt legacy. My husband Kyle and I work as a team, building a new part of our own family legacy for generations to come,” said Aubrey.

Aubrey believes that much of today’s jewelry has been defined by mass production, losing the artistry and soul that make each piece meaningful. Every Avermore design is thoughtfully created and handcrafted in Asheville, North Carolina, preserving the integrity of true craftsmanship and the beauty of individuality.

“With Avermore, we are creating unique jewelry designs that come from the heart just as much as they are inspired by history. Through meticulous design and execution, we are delivering timeless jewelry that tells a story while also exceeding the expectations of quality for fine jewelry,” said Aubrey

Elevate your collection: How to own a piece of history

No detail is overlooked in Avermore, like the inner surface of this elegant silver ring from the Stuyvesant Collection.

“Where timeless elegance and craftsmanship meet generational storytelling—that’s where you will find Avermore,” Aubrey said. “Thoughtful pieces provide first-time buyers and collectors with high-quality heirlooms rooted in the enduring legacy of the family that founded and now preserves Biltmore.”

• Oak Sitting Collection: Inspired by the ceiling of the Oak Sitting Room, a private family living space into which George and Edith Vanderbilt invited only their most special guests, this collection personifies warmth and intimacy through rich gold and French La Belle Époque style engravings.
• Stuyvesant Collection: Avermore’s signature collection began with a beautiful heirloom discovered in Edith Vanderbilt’s home and features the finest gemstones—in cut, quality, and color—representing the quality of Edith’s character and offering sophistication and a little extra sparkle for the contemporary wearer.
• Commodore Collection: Inspired by the bold spirit of Cornelius Vanderbilt, George Vanderbilt’s grandfather, these pieces reflect the strength and regal elegance of the iconic marble lions in front of Biltmore House.
• Avermore Heirlooms Collection: Inspired by the expressive tastes of George and Edith Vanderbilt, this collection draws from the colors and architectural elements of Biltmore House to offer distinctive pieces brimming with artistry and meaning.
• New! Christmas with Mrs. Vanderbilt, Avermore’s inaugural holiday collection, inspired by Edith Vanderbilt’s keen sense of style and joyful spirit, brings festive flair to beloved family heirlooms.

The beauty of Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Chamber decorated for Christmas at Biltmore provided inspiration for the new “Christmas with Mrs. Vanderbilt” collection from Avermore Jewelry.

Seek the Avermore spirit for yourself with breathtaking displays on the estate at our Traditions and Marble Lion shops and online, and you’ll see what jewelry was always meant to be: timeless treasures, each with a narrative waiting to be discovered, embraced, and shared.

Main image: 1920s-era photograph of Edith Vanderbilt in the Tapestry Gallery of Biltmore House.