Rockhaus Metal ·Jun 11, 2025

Meet The Maker: Kristina Brownell

When Molly and I created Veer Collective, Kristina was the first artist we put on our dream inventory list...we have been Rockhaus Metal fan girls for YEARS and are so thrilled to shine a spotlight on her. She has a keen eye for minimalist design which makes up the core of her offerings, but where she really slays (in my opinion) is with her one of a kind stone set designs. It's truly something special when you can spot a piece of jewelry on someone and know exactly who made it and that is the kind of talent and skill that Kristina brings to our local jewelry scene. We are so lucky.

Tell us a little about Rockhaus Metals. What do you make? What led you to creating jewelry?

Rockhaus Metals is a line of handmade jewelry made from precious metals and gemstones utilizing traditional metalsmithing techniques. My style is pretty minimalistic and I create earrings, necklaces and one-of-a-kind rings.

Growing up I explored a lot of different art mediums and took oil painting classes throughout middle and high school, but stopped painting when I moved for college. Fast forward to a year after becoming a mother to twins (who are now 10!) and I was feeling a loss of identity in that new phase of my life. So I took a metalsmithing course to try to reconnect with my creative side and immediately fell in love with it.

Are you a native Floridian? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Virginia while my dad was in the Air Force so we moved around a bit when I was younger. He retired when I was in 4th grade and we moved back to Shalimar, FL, where he had been stationed previously at Eglin AFB. So I grew up in the panhandle until I moved to Orlando to go to college.

What do you like most about what you do?

There are a lot of steps in the process of using metal and fire to fabricate something delicate like jewelry. I love the joy I get from creating something beautiful from raw materials. When I’m in my studio, I get lost in the flow and time flies by.

How many hours a week do you spend at your bench? How would you describe your work style?

My bench time has been sporadic lately. When I’m in my groove (the kids are in school and we have some life structure) I average about 15-20 hours a week in my home studio. When summer break hits, that time goes down. I’ll still work on wholesale/web orders and customs here and there. But there’s a lot less time to experiment. Retail also slows down during summer though, so I take advantage of that period to spend with my daughters.

Do you have a favorite material to work with? Or, do you have a favorite thing to make?

I absolutely love working with 14k gold. Specifically, I love making custom 14k gold rings with uniquely cut semi precious gems.

What other hobbies or interests or day jobs keep you busy when you’re not at your jewelers bench?

I decided I wanted to learn how to skateboard last year and some friends and I started a weekly women’s skate meetup. That has become a big part of my life and is also an activity that I get to share with my family.

Speed Round. Don't think. Just answer. Dogs or cats? Random fact about yourself. Go!

Dogs. Give me all the large breed dogs. I had two pet prairie dogs in high school.

What does the word “veer” mean to you?

To me, veer means a change in direction or path. I’ve personally veered many times over the past 10 years from where I may have thought life was leading me. I never imagined owning my own business! It means taking risks and doing the unexpected… There's so much opportunity for growth and change and you just have to believe the universe has your back and go for it.