Sustainable Jewelry Line Alkemie: Reclaimed Metals, Transformed

By Lexi Green
June 30, 2011

By taking natural motifs—like an octopus, peacock feather or flower—and infusing them with a dose of organic grittiness, jewelry designers Dara Gerson and Ashley Lowengrub have eschewed cloying for cool, and garnered fans including celebrities and top fashion magazines. That their jewelry line, called Alkemie, is fabricated from a special blend of 100% reclaimed metals is just another reason to stock up—as if we needed one.

Octopus Cuff ($209); Peacock Feather Necklace ($198); Single Rose Necklace ($209)

Alkemie jewelry: Octopus Cuff ($209); Peacock Feather Necklace ($198); Single Rose Necklace ($209)

Dara Gerson and Ashley Lowengrub Before they began Alkemie, both Lowengrub and Gerson owned jewelry lines of their own—Gerson's line, called Dara Jewelry, was sold at stories like Barney’s and Neiman Marcus, while Lowengrub's jewelry collection was inspired by the sculptural and organic elements of the work of his mother, the renowned artist Ilana Goor.

When they met at a trade show, where each was showcasing their respective jewelry lines, partnership (and romance) was born. “It was love at first sight,” said Gerson, who with Lowengrub, launched their line in 2007. “We have a total fairytale romance. We work as a team with everything. We have the type of creative relationship where we would both walk into a store and go for the same thing. We try to always be in unison; if not, the piece doesn't go in the line.”

One of the first jewelry pieces they designed for Alkemie was a large stingray cuff fashioned from a leather skin the couple found at a flea market. And as they grow the brand, they continue to be inspired by vintage finds and nature. Newer pieces include rings fashioned to look like leafy ferns, floating manta rays and a crescent moon. They also design a line of belts with leather that comes from sustainable cattle ranchers and is dyed with earth-friendly non-toxic dyes. They use the leather in some of their jewelry, too.

Large Stingray Cuff with Tear ($209); Manta Ray Ring ($154); Fern Spoon Ring ($176)

Large Stingray Cuff with Tear ($209); Manta Ray Ring ($154); Fern Spoon Ring ($176)

Bianca Jagger, Keith Richards and Tom Ford may be their fashion icons, but eBay is one of their sources for creative stimulation. “eBay is a good research tool to look at jewelry design through the ages and to find inspiration,” Gerson said. On that note, with Gerson's guidance, we hit the online shopping marketplace.

Brown Distressed Vintage Snap on Belt Strap

(buy it now price, $11.49)

Gerson likes the idea of matching vintage belts with Alkemie belt buckles.
Antique Apothecary Display Case

(buy it now price, $57,500)

Gerson wants to up the ante at trade shows by displaying her collection in antique apothecary cases. She could also use them for storage back at the studio.
Set of 10 Vintage Brass Ear Wires

(buy it now price, $1.99)

Gerson turns to eBay for vintage brass ear wires to make into earrings.
The Rolling Stone Files Book

(buy it now price, $22)

With icons like Bianca Jagger and Keith Richards, it's no surprise Gerson is on the hunt for a coffee table book covering vintage rock and roll fashion.
Vintage Leather Doctor Bag

(buy it now price, $44.99)