COSTOLO is a luxury fine jewelry company specializing in both custom pieces & modern product lines. Inspired by nature’s elements, our mission is to innovate the sustainability of the industry.
We design with an appreciation for the planet that provides these precious materials, and make everything with tremendous care in Los Angeles. Your piece will last a lifetime. Our mission is to educate people on the differences, but more importantly, the similarities between created and mined diamonds. Allowing each customer to make an informed decision about which diamond (created or mined) they would like to use in their COSTOLO piece.
Rose Costolo
Female founder Rose Costolo sees this as the primary method to effectively incorporate created diamonds into the exclusive, high jewelry market. Rose believes wholeheartedly that love exists within each piece of jewelry she creates. She works in partnership with the Angel City Jewelers and is a certified professional by the Gemological Institute of America.
ROSE
COSTOLO
INTERVIEW WITH ROSE COSTOLO
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a jewelry designer?
I started off exploring the industry because I was curious about production – how to influence methods of producing high end products. CAD software opened my mind to the possibilities of custom work and that is what really sparked my interest in design. But what I will say is it wasn’t a conscious thought as much as it just stuck and started happening. I was enjoying my days and my education through Angel City’s mentorship so things just started moving. Before I knew it I had clients of my own and the designs I experimented with for myself were selling. That’s when I began to take myself seriously as a designer.
How important is your cultural background for your brand?
My cultural background doesn’t specifically play a huge role in my brand. However, the cultural background of the people I get to work with is incredibly important to my day to day work in the LA district. The jewelry community in LA is rich with international culture. I have had the pleasure of working with talented jewelry engineers from all over the world who have opened my eyes to history and the global economy in an entirely new way. One of the things that initially fascinated me was how international this work is – I hear around 5 different languages being spoken during the course of any work day. Gold is a physical currency that holds value based on global current events. Everyone I work with has a unique story to tell and I would be amiss to not mention that as this community has supported me so much.
Who have been your biggest mentors in this industry and what is the best advice they have ever given you?
SAM AND ISAAC AT ANGEL CITY JEWELERS. I am incredibly lucky to have found these people. I truly think of them as a second family. Sam and Isaac saw my work ethic and believed in me when I had absolutely zero experience, and they have supported me each and every day since I started. They truly want what is best for me. Their best advice is super hard to choose from. Aside from their many day to day lessons – the best advice these two have given me was to go big. When I was intimidated to start making my own pieces, Sam and Isaac told me “if you build it they will come.” They told me to take risks and bet on myself.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?
I would tell myself that it’s okay to call myself an artist and entrepreneur – I definitely felt imposter syndrome for that in the beginning. I would tell myself that although I wanted a full functioning company of my own immediately, everything is a work in progress and to enjoy the journey. Just go.
What was your biggest fear when starting your own brand?
Failure! At the end of the day you’re taking a leap of faith and employing yourself which is a brave thing to do and I did not always feel sure of myself.
What do you want women to feel when wearing your jewelry?
I want my pieces to make people feel like they are on the cutting edge of a modern style. Like they are wearing something original and as unique as they are as a person. I want the people who gravitate towards my work to feel a bit edgy, modern, and beautiful when they put on one of my made-to-order works. I want people to feel connected to the planet when they wear my jewelry, which is why so many of my pieces are inspired by earth’s elements.
Who would you most like to see wearing your jewelry?
I think I would faint if I ever saw Rihanna in something I made.
Name two icons you admire or you would like to collaborate.
Gaia Repossi is a huge role model of mine. She is a true global visionary and an incredible designer. Her work is super unique yet fine, and I am in awe of her as a person. Also Yoon Ahn of Ambush. Ahn directs Dior Men’s jewelry and I really admire her as a woman in that space – she’s incredibly creative and I think has played a large role in making jewelry mainstream for men.
Do you have a most treasured item in your personal jewelry collection?
My mom designed a necklace for me a few years ago, and that is where my fascination with custom work really began. I wear that necklace every day and whenever I look at it I’m reminded of where this all started. I’m a big believer that every piece of jewelry represents love in some form. This piece represents familial love, it’s about heritage and that’s why my brand is my family name, Costolo.
A letter to your future self. What would you write?
I would write that I hope this is all still functioning. I hope that this new company grows and operates for years to come. I hope that we can change messaging around sustainable materials in high jewelry. I would write that I hope the vision comes true and that in the future I get to be witness to that. I really hope we not only build something unique, but also influence the industry for the better.
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