Not everyone can say there’s even one thing they like about their job, but Allison, the creator of RockLove Designs, has combined both of her loves into a very stylish business. Her line of jewelry is highly inspired by her unique taste in music, and beyond that she even partners with musicians to create special collections. Keep reading to see how this twenty something is making it big.

How did you get started in the jewelry industry?

I originally started in the industry designing and production managing for a well known fine jewelry designer in the Diamond District of Manhattan. Though I am very thankful for the experience, I suppose I was jaded right away, learning first hand the kind of quality cuts and complications of overseas mass production. It was a very small company so I had responsibilities in about every facet of the business - it only took a couple of years before I felt very unfulfilled and disgusted by the whole industry. To save my sanity, I took the handmade pledge and began RockLove Jewelry, only working with small independent vendors and producing pieces locally myself to ensure top quality.

You’ve done a great job fusing your two loves together; jewelry and music. Do you think the type of music you’re interested in shapes your design sensibilities? And if so, how?

I have always been interested in darker styles of music - goth, industrial, electronic, gypsy punk - but it’s also been tamed and refined by my lifelong interest in baroque and Victorian classical. Lately I’ve been super into rockabilly and psychobilly, hence the Pin Up Vixen Collection. Normally I even listen to that style of music while working to ensure literal “rock and love” in every piece. Each time I immerse myself in a different genre of music, it inspires a different line of jewelry.

Some of your pieces are collaborations with artists. How do you go about networking with these musicians, and what is it like working with them?

So far I have been immensely lucky, working with some really amazing talented musicians and artists. Some of whom I meet through the grape-vine and others whom fall into my lap out of pure coincidence. Working with them is like working with any ambitious and diligent person - respect and listen to their exciting ideas and then hang out like normal people. Right now Emily Lazar from the band Fugitiv is my new favorite shopping buddy

Tell us a little bit about what it’s like creating jewelry by hand. What kind of materials do you use for your pieces?

Each piece is hand carved and cast in top quality nickel-free sterling silver. I am super allergic to base metals, so I not only want to ensure the highest quality for my customers, but for my own health. I do the majority of the work by hand myself and though I take protective measures, I still end up inhaling a lot of silver particles. Another reminder that safety is top priority. For the Pin Up Vixen Collection I also use all authentic lucite beads from the 1950’s.

What inspires your designs? Do you ever get creativity block, and if you do, how do you overcome it?

The designs are inspired by the music I’m presently listening to and the artists I’m currently working with. I don’t get creativity block as much as temporary burn out - I’m dead set on making by hand rather than contracting the work out locally which sometimes takes its toll.

Tell us a bit about the different collections of jewelry under RockLove What sets each one apart and what type of woman would like each of them?

RockLove is going in a more unisex direction lately - many men wear the Emblem Collection and various custom pieces, plus the Anchor or Helm on longer chain. I personally wear my jewelry in a gender neutral way; a single pendant on short chain or leather cord, so that’s how my designs usually come out. I don’t make anything I wouldn’t happily wear on a daily basis. The Victorian Glam collection has the classical baroque feel with triple chains and filigree, whereas the Pin Up Vixen collection uses 1950’s lucite and rockabilly iconography. The Emblem collection also utilizes nostalgic images, each in a square frame. Pieces are getting much more accessible, transcending the genres of music from which they were inspired… I’ve been pleasantly surprised bye my rapidly growing middle aged fashion forwards clientelle and continue to love my hip younger rockers.

What has been the hardest thing to overcome so far with building your company? What has been your greatest success?

Oh budget, budget. I’m currently uploading a bunch of new stores, so that’s a big financial risk and commitment. My greatest success isn’t one specific instance - it’s every time a happy customer tells me how much they enjoy their RockLove Jewelry. When people tell me that they wore it for their wedding or when they played at the big concert, or used it to ask out their significant other. Or even a letter from Afghanistan from a soldier who bought a Pin Up Angels star for his wife. I save and treasure every message.

How would you recommend a woman work your pieces into her wardrobe?

RockLove is meant to be accessible daily wear for just about any man or woman of any age. Initially for younger edgier audiences, but our demographic is much wider than I originally realized. Some pieces, like the Posy Necklace, are innately fancier, but can be dressed up or down. I wear the Posy or Anchor Necklaces with Industrial Bangles on a daily basis whereas my mother is constantly wearing her Clockwork Earrings. Let the jewelry compliment how you dress and feel that day.

Where do you hope to be five years down the line?

The usual - world domination. Just kidding - but RockLove will be a known and respected handmade brand by then… with a small team of independent jewelers to help me produce, because I will never contract out work or use overseas manufacture!

Do you have a favorite quote about fashion?

I don’t know any enlightened quotes, but can remind you of an important mantra - fashion is an extension of your personality; it should accentuate who you are as an individual, not define you.

(average rating: 5 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Check out these popular posts

• Fallon Jewelry Gemstone Cuff
• Cute Overload Decorative Buttons
• Daily DealCrush: Striped Tops
• Bottega Veneta Woven Leather
• Wednesday BookCrush: That Extra Half an Inch by Victoria Beckham