TK: When did you start Codis Maya?
RA: 1987.
TK: And what led you to start the brand?
RA: I had just finished my jewelry degree in London and I’d also just had my daughter. Luckily, she was an easy baby, which meant I could keep working while she was still very much the focus. She really became the anchor in terms of time management.
TK: Where did the name Codis Maya come from?
RA: It comes from South American indigenous cultures, specifically the Mayans. They were an incredibly sophisticated civilization with a deep relationship to symbolism. A codex, or codices, is essentially a book of writings. Not exactly hieroglyphics, but a record of knowledge and culture. The Mayans were also extraordinary jewelers, which felt meaningful.
TK: Your work is so visually distinct. It feels substantial, almost architectural. Has that always been the case?
RA: I think it comes from training. Having done a formal degree in jewelry, you’re taught to get to the essence of something. If you make an object as well as you possibly can, it develops its own voice. It doesn’t need explanation or introduction. It just is.
TK: Why cufflinks? Of all things.
RA: We initially thought about a women’s collection, but that market has always been very saturated. Men’s jewelry felt less crowded. It was also a series of moments that clicked into place. Seeing exhibitions like Carl Fabergé at the Victoria and Albert Museum, René Lalique elsewhere. You start connecting dots. Sometimes it feels like everything is already laid out, and you just have to find the path through it.
TK: Jewelry for men often carries meaning. A watch from a grandfather, a wedding ring passed down. Your work feels like future heirlooms. Is that how you think about it?
RA: Always. Especially now. We’re in the 21st century, and there’s a renewed importance in things that are beautifully made and meant to last. Objects that carry memory, that remind you of people you love. Those things matter deeply.
TK: Do you have pieces like that yourself?
RA: I do, but I’ve given some of them to people I love to look after for me. I have a slight fear of losing things.
TK: We found you through your network in England, through people who genuinely love your work. You’ve been doing this a long time. How do you see yourself in the industry now?
RA: I see myself sitting in a very comfortable armchair, floating somewhere in the clouds.
TK: The industry moves quickly, and there’s a lot that doesn’t feel permanent. Your work feels considered and built to endure. Was that always the intention?
RA: Not at the beginning. It didn’t start as fine jewelry. It started as a design dream. We were working with base metals and glass enamels. The idea was to make beautiful things that weren’t prohibitively expensive. So many heirlooms are made from gold, platinum, diamonds. But why not create meaningful objects from more accessible materials?
TK: How long did it take to arrive at where the collection is now?
RA: It’s still happening. Refinement is ongoing. Your work, your customer base, your relationships, all of it evolves. That’s one of the gifts of getting older. Things become more tuned.
TK: Do you have a clear idea of who your customer is?
RA: They’re all ages. They love beautiful things. They’re usually well traveled. And they’re confident in who they are. Some of the designs have a distinctly British sense of color or character, and that’s not for everyone. But for men who are comfortable with themselves, it works.
TK: There’s a sense of play in your work, but it never slips into novelty.
RA: Exactly. Fun, but within a clear aesthetic. That balance gives men permission to wear it without feeling self-conscious.
TK: As we introduce Codis Maya in San Francisco, is there anything you’d want people here to understand about the brand?
RA: San Francisco is a beautiful, sophisticated city. It’s often compared to Europe in spirit. There are many well-traveled, curious men there who appreciate something different. I think the openness to design and individuality really fits.
TK: So when are you coming to visit?
RA: I’m very tempted. Especially if there’s a lobster roll involved, with a view of the ocean.
TK: That can absolutely be arranged.
We’re pleased to offer Codis Maya cufflinks in the shop and online. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully made, they’re an easy choice for formal wear and a considered detail for elevating any cuff.
Our Locations
San Francisco
Our San Francisco showrooms are nestled at the crux of an eclectic mixture of Jackson Square, the Financial District, North Beach, and Chinatown.
This showroom is appointment-only.
Palo Alto
Our newest showroom in Palo Alto opened in 2023, and is tucked away at 433 Hamilton Avenue.
This location is appointment-only.