Cove Fine Jewelry: Crafting Coastal-Inspired Elegance for Every Adventure

In the world of fine jewelry, where elegance often meets fragility, one designer is breaking the mold by creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also durable enough to withstand the elements. Cove Fine Jewelry, founded by Connecticut native Alyson Iarrusso, embodies this ethos, offering jewelry that can be worn while fishing, surfing, or swimming. With a commitment to quality and a deep connection to her New England roots, Iarrusso is redefining what it means to wear fine jewelry.

A Vision Rooted in Nature

Alyson Iarrusso’s journey into jewelry design is deeply intertwined with her love for the coast. Growing up in Manchester, Connecticut, she spent countless summers visiting Cape Cod, where her family has deep roots. This coastal inspiration is evident in her designs, which reflect the colors and textures of the New England shoreline. After living in Hawaii for a decade, where she embraced an active lifestyle, Iarrusso sought to create jewelry that could accompany her on all her adventures.

“Most of the things that I do wear and make, I try to think about, ‘would I wear this on my boat fishing? Would I wear this if we were going to go surfing as a family?’” she shared in an interview. This practical approach to design ensures that each piece is not only stylish but also functional.

Craftsmanship and Quality

Cove Fine Jewelry specializes in creating pieces that stand the test of time. The collection includes diamond earrings with super-strong friction backs and gemstone necklaces with secure clasps, designed to withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle. Iarrusso’s commitment to quality is further exemplified by her use of authentic Tahitian pearls and lab-grown diamonds, which offer superior quality while minimizing environmental impact.

All of Cove’s jewelry is made in the United States, with gold sourced from New York City. This dedication to American-made products not only supports local businesses but also fosters relationships with other female entrepreneurs, a community Iarrusso is passionate about.

A Connection to Place

Each piece in Cove’s collection carries a deeper meaning tied to geography. Iarrusso’s signature ring collection features rhinestones that represent specific places in New England—red for Boston, blue for Cape Cod, and pink for Connecticut and Rhode Island. This unique approach allows wearers to express their connection to their hometowns, much like sports fans wear jerseys to show team pride.

“It’s inspired by the coast, not only with the colors and the textures and the meanings behind them, but it’s also a story that I want to be able to wear wherever I go,” Iarrusso explained. This sentiment resonates with many, as jewelry becomes a tangible connection to cherished memories and places.

A Journey of Resilience

Iarrusso’s path to becoming a jewelry designer was not linear. After earning her degree in education, she began her career as a high school social studies teacher. It was during her time in Hawaii that she discovered her passion for jewelry making, learning the craft from a friend and eventually starting her first company, Aly Beach Jewelry, in 2008.

Despite the challenges of balancing teaching and entrepreneurship, Iarrusso continued to hone her skills, diving for shells and working with Tahitian pearls. However, after moving back to New England in 2013, she faced burnout and stepped away from jewelry for a time. It wasn’t until 2023 that she decided to fully commit to her craft and launch Cove Fine Jewelry.

Community and Empowerment

Cove Fine Jewelry is not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s also about building community. Iarrusso actively participates in local business networking groups, such as the Women’s Business League, where she collaborates with other female entrepreneurs. This sense of community has been transformative for her, allowing her to support and uplift others while growing her own business.

Her commitment to empowering women extends beyond her business practices. Iarrusso hopes her journey will inspire other women, especially those transitioning careers or navigating motherhood, to pursue their passions. “I think it’s really important to show females that it’s possible to switch careers and still find success,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As Cove Fine Jewelry continues to grow, Iarrusso is excited to debut new pieces, including her Nantucket red ring at the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival. With a focus on quality, community, and connection to place, Cove is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of fine jewelry.

For those interested in exploring Cove Fine Jewelry’s collection, the entire range is available on their website, along with information on where to shop in person. Each piece tells a story, inviting wearers to carry a piece of the coast with them wherever they go.