Behind the Bench: Andrea Rokosz
Gallery
![Two gold pendants, one an oyster and one a shrimp.](https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1305&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=b14bbb43a59604f6361eb11ba431c433 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2611&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=891636f6b7a9e775b52390ad42a4cb7b 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1079&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=106c8a2a12f7f28724429d3952b33155 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=d4e74e78eda78691fc414ab66d0cb3fe 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=835&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=e4987b431feaac6b83af368853403fda 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1671&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=6d5c1bb644b3517b4d9bf9636d593d33 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=626&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=2df74a9407ffa56242674ba07c245dd9 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1253&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=70aeebe6c6330a0510ece5a1fcd14a3c 1152w)
![A tattooed hand holds various pieces of gold jewelry and gems.](https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=c8c8714a635e0b09360d632d767c97d9 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=7ad7c8250dccd73843fc8ea238044c09 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=e41610154df28081c55a687689501347 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=e72173cf344307f365c6668b610e8217 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=c83ea882d1054f69a281e160edcb6b59 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=fe1b414c81a4bced38faf22746372878 1152w)
![A wrist with many gold bracelets.](https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=1531209bd92ac57f8a0ff54137818258 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=95a0e4ffbc420f7b2a3c13a1b2b2a4bd 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=d54de5915740d704290549f5a1f46692 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=371817bbedc6980d71d737cd28165131 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=7170cbbdefb4ec8c4a882062118e8f77 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=7a9f674fbaf2d430789ad7317e54247a 1152w)
![A workbench with pieces of gold jewelry on it.](https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=b9dbd13833ab256eab0cecf7934dee48 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=b5909aade3ac08548acadfd20b91d381 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=c6555a0ebeb92e65982a5738fd2fb590 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=e4fc688edbddb508e3e6e52f9e10bcb6 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=68595df8232f1860beb32097af4d816c 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=62dd7bd2f0dd8c38b839f32715d46187 1152w)
![A hand holds a pair of gold earrings with a chain that connects them.](https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=d3636054326670a1182215896681b737 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=6e7b8c269efc65cee7f00d62981bb496 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=90b93567699f6c65386c922568afb28c 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=e3555f26e84d0491960742e481846ccb 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=0554fdfed886e0fde2c7ad3e018c0d87 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=3afaa30c401756425aab83af6bfbe66e 1152w)
![A pair of gold earrings with blue sapphires.](https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1500&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=3e1f7f36e8d06daa83618e01138afb19 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3000&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=e6111aedb78f528d8a238dfdaff3d3b1 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1240&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=de3ea932399f1a23454ddc3c61fba2ae 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2480&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=f2a20172771d966076eae86b21f27457 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=960&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=1a28ec4d2cd11ab026499847eba3dbaa 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1920&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=e94b20ce706c34f935aedc0321bc3914 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=720&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=1544ef1878cc8be819b05471bd01306f 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=a157906da37210cd2a064ff73127695f 1152w)
Our partnership with Asrai Garden allows us to meet makers, artists, and longtime collaborators that have been engaged with Asrai for many years. This conversation was inspired by Asrai's recent Magic in Mined collection.
✨
Andrea Rokosz is one of the featured artists for Asrai Garden’s Magic in Mined collection, a collaborative project among Asrai Garden, Misfit Diamonds, and a handful of jewelers. These designers created one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the longstanding friendships and partnerships between Asrai Garden and their own brands.
Some of these designers have been working with Asrai Garden since they started offering fine jewelry in 2005, and some are newer friends. All have lent their unique perspective to grow Asrai’s fine jewelry offerings to the magical collection that Asrai is known for.
When asked, Rokosz can’t even put a number on the years she’s been working with Asrai—but she does recall many milestones in their relationship together, like her first time showing her gold work at an Asrai Garden trunk show. Before that, Rokosz had only been working in silver, marking a major transition in her jewelry practice.
“There’s been this beautiful journey that they’ve come alongside me on. Not pushing me in any way, but just supporting me along the way. One of the things that I almost cry thinking about is how many of [the Asrai staff] have gotten me to do custom, really important pieces for them.”
A quick scroll through Andrea Rokosz’s Instagram page reveals how her work is hard to nail down. With designs ranging from “Super ‘s’” pendants and cocktail shrimp charms to elegant, angular engagement rings, Rokosz herself hesitates to define her own creative style and interests.
“In all honesty, my style is always evolving,” she says. Even within her city of Vancouver, she draws inspiration both from the urban environment and from the nearby mountains and ocean. As a mother of two children, she also emphasizes the importance of nostalgia and the well of creativity that dwells within that sense of the inner child. She’s currently working on designs for an ocean-inspired ring that harkens back to some of her early life memories.
“I grew up in a little beach town, and we would go have picnics at the beach after school and watch the sunset every night. Maybe it's because I'm seeing the world through my kids’ eyes that it's reminding me so much of my childhood. But right now, it's feeling like that's kind of like a real inspiration point, which is beautiful.”
![Two gold pendants, one an oyster and one a shrimp.](https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1305&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=b14bbb43a59604f6361eb11ba431c433 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2611&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=891636f6b7a9e775b52390ad42a4cb7b 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1079&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=106c8a2a12f7f28724429d3952b33155 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2158&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=d4e74e78eda78691fc414ab66d0cb3fe 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=835&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=e4987b431feaac6b83af368853403fda 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1671&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=6d5c1bb644b3517b4d9bf9636d593d33 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=626&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=2df74a9407ffa56242674ba07c245dd9 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/shrimp.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1253&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=70aeebe6c6330a0510ece5a1fcd14a3c 1152w)
In the process of developing the pieces for the Magic in Mined collection, each jeweler was able to select from a set of Misfit sapphires that Asrai Garden curated. Rokosz made her selection as a challenge for herself: as someone who makes a lot of wedding and engagement bands, she wanted to go for a set of gems that would allow her to work on a totally different kind of piece. Even at this point in the process, she was excited by the creative environment established by Asrai and Misfit—whose owner, Ashkan Asgari, is a strong supporter of new designers in the industry. “Everyone's stoked on each other. That's when the best work happens, when everyone's a cheerleader,” Rokosz says.
The sapphires that she ended up selecting, two 6 x 3 mm heated, baguette Madagascar sapphires that total 0.75 carats, were the basis for her design. "Those stones, when you put them in the light, they glow like neon," she says.
![A tattooed hand holds various pieces of gold jewelry and gems.](https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=c8c8714a635e0b09360d632d767c97d9 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=7ad7c8250dccd73843fc8ea238044c09 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=e41610154df28081c55a687689501347 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=e72173cf344307f365c6668b610e8217 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=c83ea882d1054f69a281e160edcb6b59 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=fe1b414c81a4bced38faf22746372878 1152w)
![A wrist with many gold bracelets.](https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=1531209bd92ac57f8a0ff54137818258 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=95a0e4ffbc420f7b2a3c13a1b2b2a4bd 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=d54de5915740d704290549f5a1f46692 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=371817bbedc6980d71d737cd28165131 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=7170cbbdefb4ec8c4a882062118e8f77 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-8.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=7a9f674fbaf2d430789ad7317e54247a 1152w)
![A workbench with pieces of gold jewelry on it.](https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=b9dbd13833ab256eab0cecf7934dee48 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=b5909aade3ac08548acadfd20b91d381 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=c6555a0ebeb92e65982a5738fd2fb590 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=e4fc688edbddb508e3e6e52f9e10bcb6 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=68595df8232f1860beb32097af4d816c 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-2_2023-04-28-165831_kkfq.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=62dd7bd2f0dd8c38b839f32715d46187 1152w)
![A hand holds a pair of gold earrings with a chain that connects them.](https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=d3636054326670a1182215896681b737 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=6e7b8c269efc65cee7f00d62981bb496 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=90b93567699f6c65386c922568afb28c 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=e3555f26e84d0491960742e481846ccb 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=0554fdfed886e0fde2c7ad3e018c0d87 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Andrea-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=3afaa30c401756425aab83af6bfbe66e 1152w)
The final result, the “Hybrid” earrings, are a truly one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that can be worn a variety of ways: the chain can be detached and worn as a bracelet or necklace, or it can dangle from each earring to form a chin strap chain. This modular feature of the piece makes it challenging to define: it's not quite a pair of earrings, not quite a necklace. Really, it's a cohesive set that can be re-styled to suit the wearer's preference in the moment. (For the record, Rokosz herself would style it with the chain attached, creating a new level of dimension with other necklaces.)
Rokosz also introduced some familiar motifs from her prior collaborations with Asrai Garden: a moon and a snake. “It was a celebration of the time that I've gotten to work with Asrai Garden. It feels really special that I've had this magical journey of working with Asrai for so many years.”
For the Hybrid earrings, Rokosz knew that she wanted to channel that feeling of nostalgia. With the success of her business, she has moved into using tools like CAD software to aid in the process of developing and crafting her jewelry. But for this piece, she went old-school: she embraced an intuitive process of working directly with the materials, creating castings for the snakes and gem settings.
![A pair of gold earrings with blue sapphires.](https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1500&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=3e1f7f36e8d06daa83618e01138afb19 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3000&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=e6111aedb78f528d8a238dfdaff3d3b1 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1240&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=de3ea932399f1a23454ddc3c61fba2ae 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2480&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=f2a20172771d966076eae86b21f27457 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=960&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=1a28ec4d2cd11ab026499847eba3dbaa 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1920&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=e94b20ce706c34f935aedc0321bc3914 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=720&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=1544ef1878cc8be819b05471bd01306f 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/asrai_garden_magic_in_mined_rokosz_hybrid_earrings_2023-04-28-210934_gufh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=a157906da37210cd2a064ff73127695f 1152w)
“I was laying the materials out in front of me, and as I was carving, things like things were fitting together differently,” she explains, articulating the handmade nature of the piece. But she offers one disclaimer: “I mean, I didn't make the chain. That would be fucking crazy.”
When asked what was special to her about this piece, Rokosz emphasized the rare opportunity to make something so different and conceptual.
“It really felt fun. I wanted to make something that no one's ever really seen before. I wanted it to feel like a choose-your-own-adventure.”