When a master silversmith and wax carver meets a rock musician turned gemologist, something extraordinary emerges. House of RAVN is born from this unlikely alchemy: a Los Angeles atelier where traditional hand-carving techniques merge with an obsessive pursuit of exceptional gemstones and where every piece is conceived as a future heirloom.
Worn by Madonna, Rihanna, and a constellation of artists who recognize jewelry as wearable art, House of RAVN has quickly established itself as a distinctive voice in contemporary high jewelry. To mark the arrival of this bold new brand at The Unique Gallery Dubai, we spoke with founders Angela and Mike Kroeger about their creative journey, their approach to craftsmanship, and the vision shaping House of RAVN’s identity.
1. Can you share the story behind House of RAVN and how the brand first came to life?
House of RAVN was founded by myself, Angela Kroeger, and my husband, Michael Kroeger, in Los Angeles, California, in 2019. Our journey together began much earlier, rooted in our individual passions and experiences. In 1999, we founded MichaelAngela Design in Vancouver, Canada, a venture rooted in our shared passion for craftsmanship and artistry. I started my career as a silversmith, goldsmith, and wax carver, trained in traditional jewelry techniques long before the advent of CAD design. Meanwhile, Michael, a struggling musician and a founding member of Nickelback, developed a deep fascination with gemstones. He began correspondence studies with the Gemological Institute of America, honing his knowledge and passion for the world of gemstones. Together, we created MichaelAngela Design, where we enjoyed several years crafting bridal jewelry pieces for a growing clientele. In 2001, following the tremendous success of Nickelback, we pressed pause on our jewelry business to focus on raising our two children and touring the world. After our hiatus, our passion for design and craftsmanship was reignited in 2019, leading us to establish House of RAVN in Los Angeles, a brand that embodies our shared dedication to artistry, supreme quality, and creating unique, bespoke heirloom jewelry.
2. You come from two very different professional backgrounds, Angela’s rooted in fine art and traditional jewelry craftsmanship, and Mike’s as a founding member of Nickelback and formal training in gemology. How do these different paths come together in House of RAVN, and how do they shape your creative vision today?
After our hiatus, our passion for design and craftsmanship was reignited in 2019, leading us to establish House of RAVN in Los Angeles, a brand that embodies our shared dedication to artistry, supreme quality, and creating unique, bespoke heirloom jewelry.
3. As a duo, how are your roles divided within House of RAVN? How do you balance creative direction, design, and the business side of the brand while working so closely together?
While our roles in the brand are different, our core vision remains the same. Michael oversees the business side of our brand, while I focus on the creative. We know how to collaborate effectively, and our diverse strengths make us stronger together.
4. When you begin working on a new piece or collection, what does your creative process look like?
My creative process typically begins with a vision, either inspired by a specific gemstone or rooted in a story within my mind. When I feel inspired I am compelled to bring that vision to life whether it be for a single piece or an entire collection. The technique I use for most of my work is the process of wax carving. Once the carving is complete I take the piece to be cast and finished. If it is a piece I plan to make again I will take a mold which allows me to recast the piece in different metals, such as 18k gold in white, yellow or rose, or platinum. I only cast large sculptural pieces in sterling silver but always include 18k gold even in these.
For me, creating is what it means to be truly alive. I find inspiration in countless aspects of life, nature, art, music, animals, and even dreams. These ideas flow to me continuously, and the challenge lies in choosing which direction to pursue in my studio. It’s never a shortage of visions, but rather an abundance that makes maintaining the flow difficult. I have numerous partially completed designs and carvings that I look forward to revisiting when the time is right. Currently, I am focusing on cultivating the discipline to see my designs through to completion, and to fully develop our existing collections before delving into new endeavors that patiently, or somewhat impatiently, sit beside me. For Michael and myself, House of RAVN has wings beyond a brand and business, it is the culmination of our passions.
5. Which piece or design do you feel is the most representative of House of RAVN as a brand, and why?
I can’t say any one piece or collection most represents House of RAVN, as each is a facet of the whole. Every piece among all collections complements one another and can be worn together.
6. Gemstones play a central role in your creations. How do you select them, and are there specific stones or materials you feel particularly drawn to when designing?
This is where Michael and I collaborate on stones we are drawn to. We love visiting our various gem dealers and pouring over each stone. It is such a gift to have a gemologist partner that can ensure the stones we purchase are of the quality we want to reflect our brand. Natural diamonds will always be a staple and among our favorites. While we love and appreciate all gemstones, we do have our favorites and different reasons for that. I personally love large, unique gemstones with interesting inclusions and stories. I am also really drawn to cabochon cut gems. I’d say my top three would be emeralds, rubies and tourmaline, although as soon as I say that I have three more instantly pop into my head vying for mention. Mike is most drawn to tourmaline, particularly Paraiba tourmaline, and peridot, in part because they cannot be synthetically produced.
7. If someone were discovering House of RAVN for the first time, how would you describe the brand’s personality and aesthetic in a few words?
The House of RAVN aesthetic can be described as bold and richly detailed, emphasizing heirloom quality and drawing inspiration from the fantastical.
8. Your pieces often reveal unexpected elements up close. What details can truly be appreciated only when seeing your jewelry in person?
When creating House of RAVN jewels, I always incorporate nuanced details that become apparent upon closer inspection, elements revealed as you wear the piece. These subtle touches can be found in the intricate carvings or within the stones themselves. Attention to detail in stone setting is equally important to me and to our brand. We are committed to preserving and celebrating heritage craftsmanship in every piece we create.
9. Several celebrities have worn House of RAVN designs. Could you share some of these moments, and what that kind of recognition represents for you as a brand?
We are truly privileged to have a number of artists and celebrities wear and purchase our pieces. Among them is Madonna, who has worn several pieces from our Kaleidoscope Collection, including our Pink Sapphire Aurora pieces, the Enchantress Ring, and the Looking Glass Pendant Necklace. Rihanna has also styled our opal rings from the Mystics Collection. Additionally, we’ve had the honor of seeing Miley Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Kim Kardashian, Doja Cat, and recently Linda Perry wear our designs at various events and performances. It’s a genuine honor that these individuals recognize the uniqueness of our brand and choose to be adorned in House of RAVN.
10. What does it mean for you to present House of RAVN at The Unique Gallery Dubai, and what are you most looking forward to sharing with visitors?
We are thrilled to showcase our pieces at The Unique Gallery Dubai. Their gallery and vision embody the finest standards of high jewelry, and their team is incredibly knowledgeable and inspiring. It is truly an honor to be included in such esteemed company. We look forward to maintaining this relationship for years to come and to being a part of their growth journey in Dubai and beyond, expanding into other global cities.
House of RAVN is now presented at The Unique Gallery Dubai, offering visitors the opportunity to experience these extraordinary creations in person. By visiting the gallery, guests can discover the creations of House of RAVN alongside a curated selection of international fine jewellery brands, all distinguished by exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a shared dedication to excellence.
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