Socially Conscious Jewelry: The Story of Gina Raphaela Jewelry

Art has been created in many forms to motivate social change and justice for causes the artist truly believes in. Three years ago, friends and business partners, Gina Raphaela and Tina Alexis Allen co-founded Gina Raphaela Jewlery to take a stand against gun violence.

Gina Rafaela has taken one of the most dangerous weapons in the world to create wearable art—the Bullet. These beautiful hand crafted courageous works of art make a powerful statement worn on the exterior of the body instead of causing damage or death to the interior.

Gina Raphaela’s philanthropic mission provides a percentage of all proceeds to be donated directly to non-profit organizations striving to enhance the quality of life for all people, while raising awareness and making a stand of NO MORE VIOLENCE.

This is in alignment with her thoughts on contemporary feminism; her work is a reflection of her beliefs. Gina feels that it’s pretty much the same as it has always been. Feminism is about fighting for equality. “And I’m all about that. Ever since our last election and the women’s march in Washington, I realized that my art and jewelry reflects the importance of all humanity particularly men and women being on equal footing. I believe that is our best shot at having a more loving and compassionate world.”

In order to determine what charities would benefit from the proceeds of the jewelry, Gina and Tina began with the No More Violence Collection using inert bullets. They researched organizations that were a stand for gun sense. Each season, a generous portion of their proceeds from the collection benefit a different non-profit organization whose mission is to end violence.

“In a society that is calling for change, designer Gina Raphaela expresses her provocative jewelry to reflect the need for transforming our society’s obsession with violence by facing it directly and fearlessly, with the use of real harmless inert bullets, casings, and links. By combining a masculine sense of danger and provocation with refined and modern shapes, Gina Raphaela infuses each piece with her passion for constructive sculpture.

As painter and sculptor, Gina desired to make her art accessible to a wider audience, allowing more people to own the story of her art—in whatever form—since buying a piece of jewelry is a very different investment than a six-foot sculpture.

Along the way, Gina’s inspiration has come from other notable artists such as: Pollack, Brice Marden, Marilyn Minter, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dustin Yellin, Nick Van Woert, Michelangelo, and Alexander McQueen. Definitely Bowie, and Banksy too for their uniqueness. And since she’s on the B’s… Beyonce. An especially influential person in Gina’s life who inspires her creativity in art is her partner and co-founder of Gina Raphaela Jewelry, Tina Alexis Allen. Her love and passion for her art - acting, writing - always inspires her. “My pal, musician/artist Nona Hendryx for her commitment to her evolution as an artist and her spirit of generosity.” There are many artists that inspire her, “It’s sort of like you take all the greats in and make it your own”.

The best advice Gina has been given is, know who you are, never underestimate your self-worth and believe in yourself. And most importantly, there is no way things should be. Conversely, Gina’s advice to aspiring artists is to be inspired by great art. Never stop doing what you love to do and share your art from a place of freedom within. Use other people’s opinions as a source to further stimulate creativity. Simply use everything! Check the website for your shopping pleasure and support the cause!