About Us
Riot Alliance offers hand-crafted jewelry with a bold look and resounding message:
Our people and planet deserve better.
Jewelry for Justice
While Riot Alliance encourages everyone to embrace who they are, we recognize that being able to express our authentic selves is a privilege.
We want to live in a world where all people are safe to explore their identity and wear it without shame or fear. We believe that this means playing an active role in building equity—not just in freedom of expression, but in all social, economic and spiritual settings.
That’s why 10% of our profits are donated to organizations that are united in our fight for social justice and a more equitable, healthier world. To date, we have donated over $3,200 to our social justice partners.
Our team members are also actively involved in protests, actions and volunteering to support social justice initiatives. We offer free sound healings to community organizations and work with youth entrepreneurs who are aging out of foster care. We won’t wait for a ripple effect. We want to make waves.
We’d like to thank those who support our mission and the organizations we believe in. We also urge you to learn more, dig deeper and get involved. Visit our Impact page to learn about our current social justice initiatives.
Beautifully Worn, Ethically Sourced
We’re also here to disrupt the conflict, secrecy and lack of ethics that tarnishes the jewelry industry. That’s why all Riot Alliance jewelry is handmade in Philadelphia using ethically sourced materials and stones. Plus, all of our packaging is recyclable and compostable. We work with like-minded suppliers to ensure the beauty of each piece is transparent—not questionable.
If you’d like to learn more about ethical sourcing, please reach out to us.
Our Team
Sara Schwartz
Founder
Sara Schwartz is a Licensed Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents as well as survivors of domestic violence, immigrant communities and those who have lost loved ones to gun violence.
Sara founded Riot Alliance in 2014 to connect her passions for jewelry making and social justice. As a social worker and social justice activist, Sara uses Riot Alliance as a platform to create art with a socially conscious mission.
Sara’s jewelry designs are inspired by her love of vintage fashion and architecture, the gorgeous patterns only nature can make, and designs that are fancy but rough around the edges. Most pieces are initially carved in wax, adapted from an original wax design or made in metal en route to the final product.
In 2021, Sara embraced her musical background and began training in sound healing. Sara is certified in crystal singing bowls and sacred metals, and has a deep understanding of healing-centered practices. Her sound baths offer a welcoming, safe space for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to rest, meditate or process deep emotions—all in an open, accepting environment.