HLM Rocks was founded with the goal of creating objects of beauty embracing a similar approach to creativity, innovation and craftsmanship as the most illustrious jewelry and fashion houses in the world, while using a blend of materials that would allow them to be within reach for many more people.

My interest in jewelry began as an admirer of it. From the relatively new company Shamballa Jewels that created a truly unique bracelet – totally modern but refined and luxurious – mixing diamond and gold pave beads with nylon macramé knotting, to the storied Van Cleef & Arples  that spent years developing the Zip Necklace, inspired by a suggestion from the Duchess of Windsor. The Zip necklaces are made of gold and diamonds and are works of art as well as feats of engineering. The interesting ways that others have blended different materials and have pushed the boundaries of what can be used to make jewelry has inspired me to do the same and for the world of fashion jewelry.

My two most interesting projects are 2 of my debut collections – the Unzipped collection – inspired by the Van Cleef necklaces – but mine are made on actual zippers, and the Stealth collection, which uses micro pave bars and beads to resemble the dashes and dots of Morse code, enabling the coding of messages into necklaces and bracelets!

Why Broadway Suites? Location!!! I absolutely love being in the heart of the city. I’m just a few blocks from the fashion and jewelry district – so I can just take a walk to pick up any supplies I need.

This is one of my favorite quotes about creativity and authenticity: (especially the last line)

“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery - celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from - it’s where you take them to."

[MovieMaker Magazine #53 - Winter, January 22, 2004 ]”
― Jim Jarmusc