Angie Harmon Has Designs on Giving Back

Fans who know Angie Harmon as Jane Rizzoli on TV’s Rizzoli & Isles will see another side of the People’s Choice award-winning actress in April with the debut of her Angie Harmon Red Earth collection of recycled hand-cast brass and aluminum jewelry.

“This is about celebrating the world,” says Harmon, 42, whose designs are made in collaboration with artisans in Kenya who work with Red Earth, an ethical lifestyle accessories brand.

Parade.com asked Harmon to dig a little deeper about her partnership with Red Earth.

HOW DID YOUR COLLABORATION WITH RED EARTH COME ABOUT?

I was in Nashville working on a film project and my production partner was showing me around. We walked into this place and there was this gorgeous jewelry hanging on the wall. I thought I had walked into an art gallery. It was Red Earth. There were all these bracelets and necklaces. Each one was unique. Then I found out more. I love what this company is about. They are shining the spotlight on these talented artisans in Africa by partnering with them. It’s about celebrating their talent, craftsmanship and artistry. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of my line go to Unicef, where I’m an ambassador.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGNS?

When I see a piece of jewelry or clothing and it’s unique, I’m drawn to it. I want to know, where did you get it? What’s the story behind it? I want to get my hands on it! I like that special one-of-a-kind piece. These pieces are beautiful but they’re not perfect. Each piece is one of a kind. It’s all from recycled materials such as melted down doorknobs and faucets.

WHAT WILL PEOPLE LOVE ABOUT THIS JEWELRY?

I’d like to think that all women love a beautiful piece of jewelry. It’s substantial but really affordable. You can wear this jewelry with a tank top or a button down shirt or when you’re all dressed up. Spring, summer or winter—anytime.

THERE ARE A LOT OF SKULLS FEATURED IN YOUR LINE. WHY IS THAT?

When I was growing up, a skull was a scary thing. But what skulls represent to me now is that we’re all unique, special and incredible. But when you break it all down, we’re all the same. So to me, the skull is just a reminder that it’s all of us, we’re all here together. We’re all trying to get to the finish line together, trying to get there in one piece and be as happy as possible. It’s universal.

TELL US ABOUT WINNING THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD FOR FAVORITE CABLE TV ACTRESS EARLIER THIS YEAR.

Tears fell! It came at such an amazing and needed moment in my life. I felt like it was a wink from God. To win that award, voted by the fans, is one of the biggest thrills in my life. It means the world to me. I want to cement [the award] to the hood of my car.