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Jonathan and Lauren Tesauro are the Millennial design twins who own and create for Brother Wolf Jewelry.
The tale of how Francis tamed a ferocious wolf that was terrorizing the people of an Italian town inspired the name of their six-year-old Brother Wolf line of religious-inspired jewelry.
The pair bought the firm in 2014 from a founder who wishes to remain anonymous, ready to sow their own jewelry seeds thanks to an industry education courtesy of their parents, owners of Chapel Hills Jewelry in Pittsburgh. Designers—including Lauren—bring home relics from afar, studying their history and relaying their meaning to Brother Wolf buyers, who purchase 14k gold or sterling silver replicas.
Each is assigned a specific virtue based on the history and origin of the original piece, and nearly everything is handmade in the U.S.
Clickable Show Notes
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Question #1 – Before we get into the Brother Wolf story, I just recently found out your parents own Chapel Hills Jewelry in Pittsburgh. Which to me is very cool, because my wife and I used to live in Robinson Township which is on the way to the Pittsburgh airport. In fact, when we heard it was the Chapel Hills Jewelry store, we remembered it being between the Highland Park Bridge and the Waterworks Mall on Freeport Road. Really nice jewelry store as I recall with an impressive collection of jewelry designers. So I have to ask, what’s it like growing up behind the jewelry counter, and how has it influenced you? Timestamp: [4:07]
Question #2 – When I was talking about having “Brother Wolf” on the show, you should’ve heard their comments. They ranged from, “What, you’re interviewing Franciscan monks now?” to “How did they come up with that name?” Before we move on, can you share the backstory on the name, “Brother Wolf” and how you started the business? Timestamp: [7:39]
Question #3 – Before the Show today, we were talking about relics and how you find them. Can you share some of that conversation and Lauren, did you say you go out to these obscure places looking for them as well? Timestamp: [10:57]
Question #4 – For me, I became a fan of the collection once I got a chance to hold a piece in my hand. I could feel the weight and see the true authentic nature of the piece. It felt like I was holding an actual, genuine relic from the middle ages in my hands. So can you take a minute and walk us through some of the most popular product assortments, metal types, and the meaning behind them? Timestamp: [13:49]
Question #5 – The symbols you’ve curated for the Brother Wolf collection are powerful and have deep personal meaning to those who wear them. Any stories you could share about why clients bought a piece or what it’s like searching the world for ancient relics and symbols? Timestamp: [18:52]
Question #6 – In my opinion, you’ve got the enviable position of having the next “must-have” collection for most jewelers across the country. Any thoughts on how you can maintain quality standards and ensure you’ve got the right outlets for distribution? I mean, the popularity of this brand could become a runaway freight train, with everyone clamoring to have it in their stores. Timestamp: [22:38]
Question #7 – As I mentioned at the top of the Show, to me, the collection has an edginess that is obviously huge with Millennials but also powerful symbolism that speaks to a full age range of clients. So what’s next? What do your store outlets and your growing legion of fans have to look forward to in the future? Timestamp: [26:18]
Question #8 – If there was one message, one final group of thoughts you wanted independent jewelry store owners to remember about Brother Wolf jewelry, what would it be? Timestamp: [29:19]
Question #9 – The jewelry trade is indeed changing. Having the distinct advantage of growing up in an independent jewelry store and also designing jewelry, what do you think the Trade will look like in five to ten years? Timestamp: [32:37]
Question #10 – We covered a lot of ground today but is there one question that I should have asked you, but didn’t? Timestamp: [35:36]
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Mentioned In The Show & Links
Brother Wolf Jewelry – Jonathan Tesauro of the Brother Wolf family gave some insight into the inner workings of the company. “We believe in fashion with meaning and that style is a virtue. Those are the two very important aspects to Brother Wolf.”
Brother Wolf takes a truly unique approach to jewelry design. Tesauro says, “Our designer travels the world and finds inspiration from different places. Relics found in remote shops far off the beaten path will inspire a design that will then be in the line.”
When asked about the process of making the pieces, he says, “Once we have a design, we do extensive research on the saint or mystic that we’re featuring. We want to know as much as possible so that we can write the story and share it with our customers. Each handmade piece comes with a card that explains the history and meaning.”
On the subject of the future of Brother Wolf, Tesauro says, “Right now, there isn’t a true leader in the high-end spiritual jewelry industry. We want to be that leader.”
Brother Wolf’s Sanctus Collection features beautiful and intricate images of saints and Western mystics cast in precious metals with hand-finished 14 karat gold or sterling silver framing.
Contact Jonathan at Brother Wolf via telephone at 203-202-7076 or email: jonathan@brotherwolfonline.com
Chapel Hills Jewelry – Since 1989 Chapel Hills Jewelry has established a business that offers a wide range of the highest quality designer jewelry and fine watches, including Simon G, Katharine James, Hidalgo, Rina Limor, Avanessi, Tacori, Sal Praschnik, Dora, Avanessi, Parade, Accutron, Chase Durer, Frederique Constant, Maurice Lacroix, Swiss Army, and Wittnauer. – Pittsburgh, PA
Brother Wolf Jewelry – Video Collection
Go behind the scenes of the Brother Wolf cover shoot for Maniac Magazine’s November/December Jewelry issue. Jonathan and Lauren Tesauro are the brother-sister duos behind the brand, which is based in Pittsburgh but growing nationwide. To play off the brand’s name they brought in four striking Huskies, whose incredible energy made the shoot truly come to life.
Our “Inside the Jewelry Trade” Radio Show Episodes
The host of “Inside the Jewelry Trade” Radio Show – Jewelry Business Strategist – President of Four Grainer LLC. Author of the business books “A Reason To Chant,” and “A Reason to Chant – Jewelry Trade Edition.” Rod lives in Atlanta with his wife and two almost-human cats.