Ten years ago today Dillon Rose was born. We chose our logo, a rose within a diamond, to symbolize the blending of imagination and aspiration we held when founding this creative business. Uniting our middle names Dillon & Rose, we created something beyond our individual identities, a vessel embodied with the spirit of the west, pioneering a frontier of dreams. This is more than a business, it is our love child, an opportunity for exploration, connection and storytelling within and beyond ourselves.

In the beginning our jewelry was crafted of found objects; feathers, shells, copper and sterling silver, adornments telling stories of connection and exploring relationships between humans and nature. We sold on street corners, in cafes and art fairs across the country, often sleeping in our van to keep expenses down. The hustle was exhausting and exhilarating. Parenting young children, honing a craft and relying on creative expression for a living required different facets of ourselves to sharpen simultaneously. Though difficult, there were signs that it was working. We poured ourselves and our money into pieces with greater complexity and refinement and met with support and encouragement from our community. We knew we were headed somewhere new though the path or destination wasn’t clear.

After two years, Dillon•Rose outgrew the spare bedroom of our home and found its now permanent location on Charles Page Blvd across from the flowing Arkansas river. Increasingly, I was sought out to craft bespoke engagement rings, leading to an evolution into fine jewelry. I enrolled at the Gemological Institute of America to gain confidence working with diamonds. I watched countless youtube videos to improve my skills setting faceted stones and elevating my jewelry. My techniques, materials and designs evolved. The intention to craft talismans that inspire connection remained and remains a constant. 

Every investment in more costly materials and new equipment was unnerving. I remember shaky hands and a pulsing heart beat when making the first ring in gold and diamonds. The materials alone cost as much as we had in the checking account, there was no room for failure initially, a stressful sink or swim moment. Looking back, I now know the risk was worth it but at the time it felt tenuous and even foolish, reaching beyond the safety of more familiar materials like silver and turquoise. The risk of going all in on a creative endeavor, attempting to become master of my own destiny, is both empowering and harsh. When things fail, which is inevitable, necessary even, there is no one else to blame. I have struggled and labored and suffered even but the reward, creating objects of value and meaning for people with stories of their own, expressing myself in new ways, has been an empowered confidence that I can do hard things, that the sacrifices are worth it.

After years of rent payments, we came to the realization that we needed ownership to continue investing and maintain the value we create. We explored real estate options in other parts of Tulsa but they never felt quite right or they were beyond our resources. Frustrated, we knew we needed to be patient. We were delighted when our landlord agreed to discuss the sale of our current building, another moment of community affirmation. Every business needs an iconic sign and this was our first major improvement. With the approach of the Rt 66 centennial next year we knew we wanted to continue the legacy of American ambition symbolized by the Mother Road and all the vibrance of the roadside stops across the western expanse. Neon is a symbol of aspiration, a beacon in the dark, embodying the dreams of the American West, the great frontier. We now bask in the neon glow of Dillon•Rose in the parking lot of our studio, our home away from home, and feel a sense of wonder at our own journey.

Today, 10 years after founding Dillon Rose in a small bedroom, we own a small part of Tulsa, with a bright, red and white neon sign out front to let you know we’re gonna be here for a while. We have invested in tools and skills and education to tell stories in metal and stone. We create talismans and adornments that connect their bearers with inspiration, love and connection. We explore, we dream and we create from our home in the heart of the American West. We are beyond grateful for the community that has followed our journey and continues to support us as we evolve and grow. We are proud of the work we have put in and are encouraged to keep moving. Though we may not know exactly where we’re going or how we’ll get there, we look forward to a bright future full of tales of family, love and connection. The world is wonderful and we are grateful to be here with you, ever evolving.

Stay gold….

                                                                                    -Rachel Rose and Seth Dillon