Lockets, fine jewelry, and luxury objects are at the core of Monica Rich Kosann’s ethos, which come together powerfully in a personal, meaningful way.

Marking her 20th year since launching her eponymous brand, Rich Kosann’s designs tell stories, often led by her lockets, which, as she herself put it, are “a place to keep mantras, secrets and yes, of course, photos.”

To honor the special two-decade milestone, we spoke to the CFDA member about her start in business, her inspiration, and advice she has for designers looking to make their mark in fine jewelry.

Take us back 20 years. What inspired you to start your business then?

My roots are in portrait photography, so I have always been a storyteller. There are parallels between what a great photograph can say about someone and similarly what jewelry can say about you and for you…they both connect us. I found myself gifting my photography clients their photos in pieces from the past…a vintage locket, an old cigarette case repurposed…things like that led me to design and create my own brand of jewelry that is personal, meaningful and tells stories.

How has your collection evolved since launch?

I have always adored vintage pieces which are unique and evoke the time, the craftsmanship and care each one holds. I love taking a vintage concept and making it new and modern, like the lockets. I grew tired of the ones out there 20 years ago which were boring and really an old concept, so we took the locket and made it modern…and young, fresh…a place to keep mantras, secrets and yes, of course, photos.

I always ask myself the question, how will this idea move my customer? Ever since, I have tried to create new collections that will speak to them, connect with them, motivate, and give them courage in life. All our collections from necklaces to charms to bracelets are continuously designed to help our customers tell their stories; to inspire them…our pieces all have meaning, so they become their daily armor. Pieces that will become their families’ future heirlooms.

Quality has always been very important to us and that is why we became a Certified B-Corporation, ensuring that each piece we make meets the highest standards of environmental and social impact. It was how we always ran our business! We have spent 20 years finding the right sources for the best craftsmanship, finest materials, and work obsessively to use only the best quality materials and gemstones.

What did you learn about yourself in the process?

Probably that being in your own business takes patience. We have been doing this for 20 years now…we are the tortoise and the hare…slow and steady!

Name three highlights in the two decades.

1. My relationship with my clients
2. Becoming a Certified B-Corporation
3. My team

What are the favorite pieces you designed?

This is so tough…I’ll have to start with my locket, it holds my favorite poem by Robert Frost, two roads diverged…then I’d have to say my charm bracelet which tells my entire life story on the wrist…and, perhaps, my Points North Compass Cuff that is new this Fall and helps to quietly guide me.

What are your aspirations for the next two decades?

We are opening our third retail location in Troy, Michigan at Somerset Collection in mid-October and recently renovated our 400 square-foot shop in Bergdorf Goodman (believe it or not, I started my business on a small shelf there 20 years ago and have had a 400-square foot boutique for the last 10 years)…I hope to keep moving forward (like I always say about our Perseverance Collection ) by continuing to expand our brick-and-mortar footprint, taking a more serious approach outside of the United States, and generally, continuing to create fine jewelry that inspires the wearer…I want to design pieces that tell my customers’ story and stand the test of time.

What advice do you have for aspiring jewelry/objet designers?

Have a sense of humor always, don’t be afraid of hard work, and have patience…becoming an “overnight success “ takes time :). We are still striving for that.