Our Story

We always seem to view the world a little bit differently. From the moment we met and began dating in NYC in 1999, we knew we were quite different – many evenings were spent in debate. Yes, sometimes there were some raised voices. The election in 2000 – wow, that was a long couple of months. But our opposing views never drove us apart. A hearty debate over a hearty pint – that’s fun to us.

Our differences and the dialogues that followed were more like good sport and competition creating an even stronger bond. I think we both have open minds and open hearts and ultimately, we’ve found that is more important than politics.

LLPH founding children and future History Makers.

Like it did for so many, September 11, 2001 forever changed us. Being in New York City that tragic day and the days that followed was transforming. In a flash we all knew life would never be the same. For us, that meant deciding very quickly what our true values were and what was important. Thankfully on those thoughts we were in complete alignment.

In addition to the unfathomable loss, what comes to mind looking back to 9/11 is handing a case of beer we had just bought over to a fire truck making its way uptown from Ground Zero. Standing in the Old Town Bar on 18^th Street and singing God Bless America along with the House and Senate on TV. Going to Yankee Stadium and seeing armed forces along the baseline and snipers on the roof. The horror of the smell. The bus stops lined with photos and flyers of those who were missing. “See something. Say something.” This was the new normal. And we were all in it together.

September 11 and the days that followed tore so many apart, but it united a city and the country. That feeling of being united is what we want to capture with LLPH. And why we want to share it with others.

If you look at those days, and our unique history before it, there has always been a true awesomeness of the American spirit. It’s about struggle and sacrifice, courage and perseverance. We want people to wear it and own the idea that the American experience is truly special.

David Lloyd, Partner and Designer of LLPH Icons

So we set out to create something unique, and with help from our creative genius, friend and partner Dave Lloyd, we designed 13 symbols to reflect the historical moments that compose our DNA as Americans. Each graphic icon represents not just an event, but traits that are woven into the fabric of our culture and being.

We centered the jewelry collection on the acronym LLPH – Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, and designed the icons to form a circle.  The story begins and continues with LLPH. And the more you look at those words, the more they should become the call to action for a new generation of Americans. First, know your history. But like so many that came before you, be fearless. Live life. Pursue happy. Go make history.