A Timeless Peace

Alana Epstein's Peace Bracelets

By Naomi Ratner

The most popular way to support world peace is the two-finger peace sign, but Alana Epstein’s collection of Peace Bracelets is a more stylish way to wear your political statement. Epstein works freshwater pearls, turquoise, glass beads and semi-precious stones onto wire, suede or ribbon to create the world famous sign for peace.

“I like sharing peace with other students through my work,” said Epstein, a freshman industrial design student at Syracuse University. “Even though it’s only a bracelet, there’s a lot of meaning behind it.”

The 1960s Peace Movement inspired Epstein to incorporate the peace sign into her designs, and encouraged her to spread the message of peace in a wearable way.

To create the socially-conscious jewelry, the Pittsburgh native shops in New York City’s wholesale jewelry district, purchasing the materials to create the eye-catching peace signs.

Each piece Epstein designs is also an expression of her mother’s influence. “My mom’s unique and individual style of jewelry has influenced me to try new things and not be afraid to take risks in my designs,” says Epstein.

The designer was surrounded by her mother’s designs as a child, and later explored her passion in high school with a 3-D art class. She picked up some wire, started to work with it, and began creating her first pieces. As time went on, Epstein explored various materials, even taking apart old jewelry that she had sitting around and reusing the beads in her designs.

“I play around with my materials, and whatever happens, happens,” she says.

Epstein’s dorm room is fully equipped with all the necessary design essentials, so when something inspires her, she gets in the designing zone, sitting at her desk with glass beads, pearls, and wire spread all around.

A passion for creating jewelry fuels Epstein’s business, with talk of her designs spreading through word-of-mouth.

She plans to expand her collection beyond Peace Bracelets, and without any boundaries, she executes any ideas that come to her mind.

Epstein is preparing for a trunk show later in the semester. She is also working on selling the pieces in local Syracuse boutiques. Every bracelet retails for only $30 and custom orders are no extra charge.

For more information on the Peace Bracelets or to place an order, contact arepstei@syr.edu.