In the world of fine and high jewellery, where tradition reigns supreme, Pam Cloud, founder of Roseate Jewelry, a fine jewellery brand based in New York City, is charting a brand new course.
Cloud’s journey in the jewellery industry has been defined by passion, innovation, and a deep respect for nature. In 2023, after 25 years at Tiffany & Co. where she rose to the position of Chief Merchandising Officer, Cloud founded Roseate Jewelry.
As a fine jewellery brand with a focus on pearls, lab-grown diamonds and single-mine origin as well as recycled gold, Roseate Jewelry seamlessly blends elegant design with environmental sustainability.
Central to Roseate’s ethos is the cultured saltwater pearl—an alluring organic gem celebrated for its sustainable nature. “Saltwater pearls, as the most sustainable and responsible of all precious materials, remain largely unknown and underappreciated. Part of what we hope to accomplish at Roseate is to shine a brighter light on the unique virtues of pearl jewelry,” observes Cloud.
Through Roseate, Cloud not only showcases the beauty of these pearls but also pioneers a movement towards a more sustainable jewellery industry. Transparency, traceability, and a commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of jewellery creation are the guiding principles of the brand. And these principles define Roseate Jewelry’s brand identity.
By working directly with responsible pearl farms, Cloud ensures that each jewellery piece at Roseate tells a story that is underscored by both the charm of cultured saltwater pearls and their positive ecological impact.
In fact, at Roseate, the fundamental form of each piece is inspired by a glistening drop of water. And from this motif, many other designs emerge, such as stylized hearts and flowers as well as a playful interpretation of the padlock. What’s more, Roseate’s designs are intended to be inclusive, spanning across age and gender.
I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Cloud, and in our conversation, we discussed her jewellery journey, the pivotal moments that defined her career, and why sustainability and ethical sourcing of gem and jewellery materials is a cornerstone of Roseate Jewelry’s vision.
From Tiffany & Co. to Roseate Jewelry, your journey has been remarkable. What inspired you to start your own brand?
Pam Cloud: After having been at such a well-established and well-known brand as Tiffany for so long, I was intrigued with the idea of if you could build a brand from scratch, what would an ideal jewelry brand look like, stand for and what would you do differently than traditional jewelry practices with that brand.
When thinking about materials, I’ve always loved pearls which I believe have been an underutilized material in jewelry. All these ideas were bouncing around in my head and presented an interesting business opportunity. The result of answering those questions is Roseate Jewelry, which we launched in 2023.
Can you share a defining moment in your jewellery career that solidified your passion for the industry?
Pam Cloud: That moment was before I even worked in the industry. For my college graduation, my grandfather took me to Tiffany & Co. and purchased an Elsa Peretti Open Heart necklace for me as a gift, a celebration. Jewelry for me is unique in that women can always tell stories about their pieces. Jewelry is emotional and almost always represents a celebration or a marked occasion for the wearer.
Pearls are a signature element in Roseate Jewelry. What drew you to working with pearls, and what makes them special to you?
Pam Cloud: A beautiful saltwater pearl is magical. I’m fascinated by the material; saltwater pearls are the only truly sustainable gem. I’m also inspired by the farmers we partner with. We buy directly from a select group of farmers who are committed to culturing pearls in the most environmentally thoughtful way. We want to modernize pearls and the way people wear them while supporting healthy oceans and the Earth.
What are your biggest inspirations when designing your collections for Roseate Jewelry?
Pam Cloud: For all our designs, we have started with the idea of a water drop. From that, many motifs emerge, dimensional hearts, tactile flowers and an inventive interpretation of a padlock. And, we add a touch of pearl to everything we create.
As a woman in a leadership position within the jewellery industry, have you faced any challenges? If so, how did you overcome them?
Pam Cloud: The jewelry industry, like many luxury sectors, has traditionally been majority male at the top leadership level. Bold, extroverted behavior was often celebrated and as someone who is naturally soft-spoken and non-confrontational, I had to find ways to ensure my voice was heard without changing who I am.
I focused on two things: deep expertise and results. Instead of competing to be the loudest voice in the room, I let my knowledge and strategic thinking speak for itself. As a result, our merchandising team created a few of the most iconic jewelry collections in the world today: Tiffany T, HardWear, and Keys – to name a few.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are growing concerns in jewellery. How does Roseate Jewelry approach these issues?
Pam Cloud: We formed the company with commitment to a direct and transparent supply chain. We buy our pearls directly from the farmers, each of whom I’ve visited. We buy our lab-grown diamonds directly from a company who creates them in the United States.
We have found a source of single-mine-of-origin gold and transitioning all our collections to this gold, which we will complete by the end of 2025. We also have a vibrant giving back program, Roseate For Good, which supports healthy oceans. It’s very simple: healthy pearls come from healthy oysters which only come from healthy oceans.
We have been in the jewelry industry a long time and know very well the standard practices. In founding this brand, we wanted to do things differently and to break the rules.
Looking back on your journey as the founder of Roseate Jewelry, what are you most proud of, and what are your hopes for the future of your brand?
Pam Cloud: We are still so young so maybe better to ask me in a few years. I am super proud of the product designs we have created so far and the team and vendor partners around me.
What advice would you give to aspiring female jewellers and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the industry?
Pam Cloud: First, develop deep knowledge of the craft. Whether it’s design, sourcing, merchandising, or branding, truly understanding your field will make you invaluable. When you speak with insight and confidence, people will listen.
Featured Image: A Selection of Necklaces and Pendants, Roseate Jewelry
