Harriet Gilpin | Hattie Banks

Harriet “Hattie” Gilpin is the founder of Hattie Banks. The fine jewelry brand is made in New York City from recycled and responsibly sourced metals, shells, and gemstones, while using ethical and sustainable production methods. Each unique piece of Hattie Banks fine jewelry passes through a minimum of 10 skilled artisan hands. Craftsmanship is of the utmost importance, Gilpin has used the same production team since launching the brand in 2018, and she visits the studio daily to ensure the finest quality is delivered.

“My ultimate goal is to create precious pieces of jewelry that can be passed down from generation to generation and cherished for years to come. I wholeheartedly believe in a lifelong marriage with your jewelry, my pieces should be worn daily, not kept in a safe.”

Where are you from and where do you live now? I am from South Carolina, and currently living in New York City.  I grew up going to the beach on the Carolina coast. My mother and I would walk the beaches for hours, combing the sand for sharks’ teeth or interesting shells. At night, we would sort them all and I would make jewelry out of some of the treasures we found. 

What did you study?  I studied Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a focus in Hotel Development at Clemson University before attending the Gemological Institute of America.

What is your first memory of jewelry? My mom’s jewelry box. I can vividly remember always wearing her charm bracelet and playing dress with the rest of her pieces. 

When did you know you wanted to be a jewelry designer? I always wanted to be a jewelry designer, I love the idea of creating such intimate pieces that have meaning tied to a certain moment in time. 

What are some of your favorite jewelry pieces? Any heirlooms or stories behind the jewelry you wear personally? My favorite heirloom piece is the charm bracelet my mom gave me when I turned The charms were all made from my grandfather’s old tie pins. 

What was the first piece you designed? A sand dollar necklace (mermaid money) as part of the Sea Dipped Collection. Sea Dipped not only draws inspiration from the ocean, but actually uses its gems. The shells are gathered from beaches from around the world, treated, coated, and dipped in gold. A portion of proceeds benefits See Turtles, a non-profit organization that protects endangered sea turtles through unique conservation & volunteer trips, and educational programs.

You are an Equestrian. Tell us about your history with horses? I have been riding horses and competing since I was 9 years old. In fact, my first collection launched at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida in 2018. I do not compete any longer, but I do have several rescue horses in South Carolina. Living in New York, I try to escape to Connecticut to ride. Horses are good for my soul, they are my therapy. I support the Equus Foundation, the nation’s only charity dedicated solely to horse protection, and promoting their unique ability to empower, teach and heal. 

Who or what inspires you? Places that travel, cultures that I am immersed in, and lifestyles I am able to get a glimpse of. My friends, family, and mentors also inspire me. 

Do you listen to music while you design? If so, what? I listen to A LOT of oldies, “soul music”

What are you reading and watching these days? Z, a novel by Zelda Fitzgerald, and National Geographic has been my most recent binge. 

Where do you dream of traveling? South Africa.

What is your daily uniform? Normally jeans, with a sweater/ T-shirt and a fun jacket of some sort. 

How has the brand transitioned due to Covid-19? Virtual Trunk Shows have been an interesting way for my customers to host an event for their friends globally with10% of the proceeds going towards the charity of the host’s choice.  It is also an opportunity for me to launch new collections, products, and offer styling services.

Tell us about your non-profit and charity initiatives? Giving back to the community has always been VERY important to me. It is something that my parents do, and I have done with them for as long as I can remember. Virtual Trunk Shows have allowed me to give back to multiple organizations that are important to my customers, while still giving back to initiatives that I care about. 

You have a bespoke and bridal collection. What custom creations are brides requesting these days? I have created a lot of engagement rings using alternative stones from diamonds. Ovals have also been very popular. 

What are some of your favorite gemstones and materials and why? I love sapphires (the deep blue is something that is just magnificent), aquamarines as well (they remind me of the ocean), and grey diamonds— each grey diamond is very unique - from inclusions to the shades of grey… they are spectacular.

Favorite jewelry piece throughout history? A string of pearls, they are a classic! I think there is nothing more elegant. 

You have a home collection with scented candles and diffusers. What is your signature scent? Radiant Cut, it is a very light scent, very calming. Bergamot, marine, amber, ocean, and crisp citrus.

What fragrance do you wear? Noisette by Maison d’ Etto.

The Proust Questionnaire

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Surrounded by my friends and loved ones.

What is your greatest fear? Passing without living.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I put others before myself - way too much. It is something that I am working on.  I can’t fill others’ cups until mine is full. 

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty and hatred.

Which living person do you most admire? My parents.

What is your greatest extravagance? My skincare routine.

What is your current state of mind? Determined.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Monetary Success.

On what occasion do you lie? A surprise party.

What do you most dislike about your appearance? Nothing, I have fallen in love with myself.  If you would have asked me this a few years ago, I would have had a few things to say, but self-love and mental health is something I strongly believe in and work on every day.

Which living person do you most despise? I despise no one -never burn a bridge, just don’t cross it often.

What is the quality you most like in a man? The ability to listen.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? The ability to support others.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My dog.

When and where were you happiest? I am happiest when I am on the beach. 

Which talent would you most like to have?  The ability to sing… on tune.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To dance with rhythm!

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Starting my own brand, despite what everyone said.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? My dog. 

Where would you most like to live? On the beach, in a little shack filled with bikini and jewels 

What is your most treasured possession? My charm bracelet made out of my granddad’s tie pins. 

What is your favorite occupation? Marine Biologist.

What is your most marked characteristic? My laugh!

What do you most value in your friends? Honesty, even when it’s brutal.

Who are your heroes in real life?   Eleanor Roosevelt. 

What are your favorite names? Adeline.

What is it that you most dislike?  Hatred, Ignorance.

How would you like to die? Surrounded by my loved ones

What is your motto? “KEEP GOING!”

Text: Veronica H. Speck Follow: @hattiebanksofficial