Rockin’ into the holidays with Rock Star
By Laura Tate / Editor
Jennefer Lawless knows a thing or two about eye-catching jewelry. One piece she designed for herself, her wedding ring, catches the attention of anyone talking to her. Set with a natural blue sapphire, the stone glistens in a bluish-purplish color, a unique, deep color not seen in most sapphire jewelry. That’s because it is not heat-treated, therefore it retains its natural color. Most stones are heat treated to brighten their colors, making them more vibrant, Lawless said, which, she added, is not a bad thing. It is standard in the jewelry business. But the stone for her ring was perfect just the way it was found, and more valuable, Lawless said.
The ring, completed with micro pavé diamonds and two diamond bagets set in white gold, is unique, and this uniqueness is found throughout the store that Lawless runs with business partner, Laird Landmann. In fact, so unique are some of Rock Star’s pieces, the Metropolitan Museum of Art borrowed one for an exhibit on ancient jewelry, something that is a passion of Landmann’s. Another will be featured in a book on antique jewelry.
As Lawless said, “Antiquities are really hot now” as gift-giving items.
Also popular is rose gold, but, as the jeweler said, diamonds are always a girl’s best friend.
Diamonds set in white gold, that is.
Of which the store carries plenty. One piece, in particular, Lawless describes, is a diamond link bracelet made with all pavé diamonds (9.13 carats) with a high VS (Gemological Institute of America rating system from flawless to internally flawless) set in 18-karat white gold. The bracelet, made by Siera, cost $32,110.
In addition to the Rock Star team’s own creations, the store also carries jewelry from various other designers. Barry Kronen specializes in “family” jewelry, Lawless said, making custom pendants that can hold photos. A black Maltese diamond pendant is made by Rhonda Faber Green, and designer Susan Foster specializes in jewelry that looks ancient yet modern at the same time. “[She makes] cool, every day jewelry,” Lawless said.
Realizing that the current economic crisis may have put the crunch on some people’s budget for the holidays, Lawless said they made sure the store was stocked with some lower priced gift items such as charm necklaces in white gold that range in price from $800 to $1,200.
When gift shopping, manager Sherri Calosso recommended to find out what the potential gift-ee likes in advance, either by noticing the jewelry he or she wears, or asking them. Or send the person into the store in advance to pick out what they like; ruins the surprise factor, but at least you’ll know they’ll love the gift they receive.
Lawless opened Malibu Rock Star in the Malibu Country Mart more than three years ago, buying out Ron Goodson of Goodson Jewelry for whom she had worked several years. She had learned the jewelry trade working at a mom and pop jewelry store in Northern California , and then went on to study at the Gemological Institute of America.
Now starting into the fourth year of the business, Lawless said she and Landmann plan on opening more stores in the future, and also to increase the design and production of the Malibu Rock Star line, focusing more on custom pieces.
“[Because] that’s what we love to do,” she said.
Malibu Rock Star is located at 3835 Cross Creek Rd., Suite 3A; 310.456.7374