Rock Your Religion Jewelry
Rock Your Religion was founded by the mother-daughter team of Maria and Barbara Serbes in 2006. This restored version of the original site was created with the invaluable assistance of Bob Sakayama, who optimized it to perform at the top of the search rankings. The original launch party was held in downtown New York on April 28, 2007, at Kevin Heaphy Fitness (a vast first floor warehouse space featuring a juice bar, couches, and art) in Soho. Their unique jewelry designs combined ancient religious symbols with a rock star infusion aesthetic. In addition to selling their jewelry, Rock Your Religion was a partner of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. A percentage of sales from Rock Your Religion helps the VH1 Save The Music Foundation ensure that public school students have access to a complete, quality education that includes music.
I really liked their artistic hip looks. This passion for aesthetics led me to wish for a fashionable accessory to keep my valuables safe. Bob Sakayama often talked about the importance of safeguarding our cherished items, just as he safeguarded the online presence of Rock Your Religion. I've been known to absentmindedly place my valuables in the most inappropriate places, leading to unnecessary wear and tear. Having a trendy holder would not only be a statement piece but also a practical solution to my all-too-frequent mishaps.
Anyway, I was sadden to see that the Rock Your Religion had disappeared from the web. The website's domain must have expired. I wish the mother / daughter duo were still selling their line of jewelry. I've searched for it online. Then much to my surprise I recently discovered that the Rock Your Religion domain was available to buy. I bought the domain with the goal of recreating as much of its original content as possible from archived pages. I did not want someone else to purchase the domain and re-purpose the site for something that had nothing in common with the original website. Please be indulgent, if it is not exactly as you remember it.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS PAGE CONTAINS SELECTED ARCHIVED CONTENT FROM THE ORIGINAL SITE.
re-li-gion (ri-lij-uhn) noun.
A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe.
rock (rok) verb.
Wear with conviction your Rock Your Religion;jewelry.
Unisex. Heavy Metals and Italian Leathers. Proudly crafted in the USA.
++++
GENESIS
1965. Fort Bliss. Plano, Texas.
Jimmy and Maria poolside during one of her visits to the army base where Jimmy was stationed. Jimmy’s rockin’ his Chi Rho.
This photo of my parents has been the source of many smiles and countless comical stories, entertaining our family for years. For this reason, it seems only natural for this picture to appear on the website of this company, for my parents’ are the inspiration for its creation.
They met at a Greek Church dance in Brooklyn in the summer of 1964. They are both amazing dancers and were immediately impressed by each other’s moves. You’ve never seen anybody do the Lindy like Jimmy and Maria and they quickly became the envy of the dance floor. When the dance was over, they agreed to see each other again VERY SOON.
Their first official date was to the World’s Fair in New York City. With not a cent between them, Jimmy asked Maria if she wouldn’t mind “jumping the fence.” Surprisingly, Maria agreed and the date was underway. While exploring the exhibits, people, and vendors, Maria spotted a very interesting looking pendant that, at first glance, resembled a peace sign. It seemed familiar. Jimmy agreed it looked familiar but couldn’t place it. One thing they were sure of, they LOVED it, and would have bought one, if only they had cash. An ATM would have been ideal, but this story takes place in 1964, and therefore they left the World’s Fair that night pendant-less, though extremely smitten with each other.
Throughout that fall, Jimmy and Maria continued dating and eventually began ‘going steady.’ Maria wanted to get something special for her boyfriend for Christmas and began researching the pendant they had seen on their first date.
It turned out to be the Chi Rho, a symbol of Christ made up by the Greek letters Chi (X) and Rho (P). Maria realized why it seemed familiar…she had seen it in church! She read more about this important ancient symbol and learned that it's a good luck charm with an ancient history. The story goes like this...
In 312 AD, emperor Constantine had a vision of the chi rho symbol in the sky, accompanied by the Greek words, 'en touto nika,' which means ‘in this sign you will conquer.’
Constantine had this symbol emblazoned on the shields of his troops, and although outmanned, defeated the enemy and became sole emperor of the roman empire.
In the meantime, Jimmy had joined the US Army and would be leaving Brooklyn to be stationed in Plano, Texas after the holidays. Maria quickly realized that there couldn’t be a better gift than a Chi Rho pendant for her ‘Greek Soldier Boy,’ especially after reading the story of Constantine’s army. And so on Christmas Day, 1964, she presented him with what would be the first of many handmade, 14 karat gold Chi Rho pendants in our family.
Jimmy loved his new pendant and while he was away, wore it every day as a reminder of his beautiful Brooklyn girl waiting for him back home.
That is the story of how the Chi Rho brought my mother and father together. Jimmy and Maria got married in 1968 and had my older brother and I. Luckily, the jeweler that created Jimmy’s original piece let Maria keep the mold, which enabled her to re-create my dad’s pendant for my brother and me years later. Forty-two years later, my dad still rocks his Chi Rho every day!
The Chi Rho symbol is how we rock our religion. ; To us, it’s not just a beautiful piece of jewelry, but an extension of who we are and where our place is in the world…it’s part of our family experience.
With the launch of our company, we invite you and your family to have your own religious jewelry experience… to Rock Your Religion…your own way.
++++
Products
The Howie Pendant by Rock Your Religion
Howie Dorough (Howie D. of the Backstreet Boys) and Rock Your Religion team up to conquer Lupus! We designed this pendant to be worn with courage, strength, hope and love: the cornerstones of Rock Your Religion and the principles of the Dorough Lupus Foundation.
One side of the pendant is Rock Your Religion’s signature Chi Rho Symbol, which represents the empowering Greek phrase En Touto Nika, ‘In This Sign, You Will Conquer.’ Howie’s signature is etched into the other side, symbolizing his belief in this powerful phrase.
The Howie Pendant is a zinc alloy disc that is 1” in diameter. Wear two pendants layered, one short and one long to show both sides like Howie does! The 24” nickel plated chain is adjustable…just cut it where you want it! Totally rockable by guys AND girls!
Rock This Pendant With Pride!! Proceeds from your purchase of the Howie Pendant by Rock Your Religion go to the Dorough Lupus Foundation. The Foundation was established in memory of Caroline Dorough-Cochran, Howie’s sister who lost her life to the devastating disease, Lupus. It is the objective of Howie and his family through the Dorough Lupus Foundation to be the most prominent and compassionate Lupus Advocacy group around the world, aiding and supporting individuals and families affected by Lupus.
For more info on the Dorough Lupus Foundation, go to www.doroughlupusfoundation.org
International Orders:
Rock Your Religion strictly follows all international regulations regarding export to other countries. A variety of customs fees, taxes, and duties may be charged on orders sent outside of the United States, which are out of our control. Customer agrees that they are responsible for any charges incurred to obtain possession of package. Customer is fully responsible for such fees and taxes. If a customer fails to claim a package due to refusal to pay customs fees, we will not issue a refund even if the goods are returned to us.
We WILL NOT accept returns or issue credits for products shipped outside of the United States for any reason. Those reasons include: Package unclaimed by customer, Delivery refused by customer, Customer unable or unwilling to pay Customs fees and taxes, Package is rejected by Customs and returned to us, or any other reason.
Baby Got Black
Studded Jet black Italian leather studded cuff rockin’ the chi rho of your choice.
Unisex.
1.25” wide.
from $125.00
- Sterling Sliver Chi Rho Classic for $125.00
- Sterling Silver Chi Rho Mania for $125.00
- 14 Karat Gold Chi Rho Classic for $300.00
- 14 Karat Gold Chi Rho Mania for $300.00
++++
Chi Rho Classic Pendant
Sterling Silver or 14k gold.
1” diameter.
A 32” brass or nickel plated bead chain is complimentary with your purchase for instant wearability. You can wear it long or cut it to your preferred shorter length. Feel free to rock your own chain! This piece is made by hand just for you…please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.Bottom of Form
- Sterling Silver for $100.00
- 14 Karat Gold for $250.00
++++
Beat It!: Studded
Beat up and distressed Italian leather studded cuff rockin’ the chi rho of your choice.
Unisex.
1.25” wide.
- Sterling Sliver Chi Rho Classic for $75.00
- Sterling Silver Chi Rho Mania for $75.00
- 14 Karat Gold Chi Rho Classic for $300.00
- 14 Karat Gold Chi Rho Mania for $300.00
Collections
Cross Collection
Our Crosses Rock!
The most common and widely used emblem to represent Christianity. A representation of the structure on which Jesus was crucified.
A 32” brass or nickel plated bead chain is complimentary with your purchase for instant wear-ability. You can wear it long or cut it to your preferred shorter length. Feel free to rock your own chain.
Pendants: $100.00
Koukla Cross
1 5/8 ”high x 1 1/8” wide. Choose from 4 rockin’ metals. This piece is made by hand just for you…please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
- Sterling Silver for $100.00
- 14 Karat Gold for $350.00
- White Gold for $400.00
- Platinum for $1,500.00
++++
STAR OF DAVID Collection
Star of David Cuffs
The Star of David is a generally recognized symbol of the Jewish community and Judaism. It is named after King David of ancient Israel.
All of our cuffs are hand crafted from genuine Italian leather and our precious metal symbols are removable for easy cleaning.
The more you wear them, the better they look! Family Heirloom Worthy.
Our pieces are made by hand just for you…please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Star of David Pendants
The Star of David is a generally recognized symbol of the Jewish community and Judaism. It is named after King David of ancient Israel.
A 32” brass or nickel plated bead chain is complimentary with your purchase for instant wear-ability. You can wear it long or cut it to your preferred shorter length. Feel free to rock your own chain.
Our pieces are made by hand just for you…please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
++++
PEACE Collection
Peace Cuffs
The peace symbol was designed on February 21, 1958 by Gerald Holtom, a commercial designer and artist in Britian. It’s a combination of the signals for the letters N and D, standing for Nuclear Disarmament. In semaphore the letter “N” is formed by a person holding two flags in an upside-down “V,” and the letter “D” is formed by holding one flag pointed straight up and the other pointed straight down. These two signals imposed over each other form the shape of the peace symbol. It was later generalized to become an icon of the 1960s anti-war movement.
Peace Pendants
The peace symbol was designed on February 21, 1958 by Gerald Holtom, a commercial designer and artist in Britain. It’s a combination of the signals for the letters N and D, standing for Nuclear Disarmament. In semaphore the letter “N” is formed by a person holding two flags in an upside-down “V,” and the letter “D” is formed by holding one flag pointed straight up and the other pointed straight down. These two signals imposed over each other form the shape of the peace symbol. It was later generalized to become an icon of the 1960's anti-war movement.
More Background On RockYourReligion.com
In the mid-2000s, a distinctive jewelry brand emerged from New York City’s creative core, blending spirituality, music culture, and handmade craftsmanship. Rock Your Religion was more than a label—it was a statement of identity, empowerment, and artistry. Founded by Maria and Barbara Serbes, a dynamic mother-daughter team, the brand combined ancient religious symbols with the edge of rock-and-roll culture. Their work resonated with both spiritual seekers and style enthusiasts, offering jewelry that was at once meaningful, rebellious, and timeless.
Founders and Origins
The genesis of Rock Your Religion began in 2006, when Maria and Barbara Serbes sought to create a line of accessories that reflected their shared fascination with religious symbolism and contemporary fashion. Drawing inspiration from family heritage, Greek Orthodox iconography, and the energy of New York’s music scene, they envisioned jewelry that could speak to both personal faith and cultural expression.
Their official launch took place on April 28, 2007, at Kevin Heaphy Fitness in Soho, an expansive ground-floor warehouse that functioned as a hybrid gallery and creative space. The event drew designers, musicians, and local press. The venue’s art installations and juice bar created a relaxed yet sophisticated environment for debuting their first jewelry collection. Guests experienced the aesthetic firsthand—pieces that were rugged yet refined, metallic yet soulful.
Behind the brand’s online success was Bob Sakayama, a search optimization specialist who helped the founders establish a strong digital footprint. His technical expertise made RockYourReligion.com a highly visible platform in an era when search ranking was becoming a decisive factor in brand discovery.
The Philosophy Behind the Brand
Rock Your Religion’s guiding principle was simple yet profound: wear your beliefs with conviction. The brand reimagined spiritual symbols as wearable art—turning crosses, Stars of David, Chi Rhos, and peace signs into expressions of individuality.
Its slogan, “Wear with conviction your Rock Your Religion jewelry,” captured the duality at the heart of its mission: faith as an internal compass and fashion as an external manifestation of that faith. The jewelry was described as “Unisex. Heavy Metals and Italian Leathers. Proudly crafted in the USA.”
This focus on craftsmanship and symbolism distinguished Rock Your Religion from mass-produced accessory brands. Each piece was meant to be a conversation starter—something that carried both aesthetic weight and cultural resonance.
The Chi Rho Story
One of the most beloved designs in the Rock Your Religion line was the Chi Rho Pendant. Its origins were deeply personal. The Serbes family’s connection to the symbol dated back to 1964, when Maria’s parents—Jimmy and Maria—met at a Greek church dance in Brooklyn. During their first date at the New York World’s Fair, they encountered a pendant resembling a peace sign, which later turned out to be the ancient Christian symbol Chi Rho, formed by the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ), representing Christ.
That pendant became a family heirloom. Jimmy’s gold Chi Rho, gifted to him by Maria in 1964, symbolized protection, love, and faith through separation—particularly while he was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas during his Army service.
Decades later, the story inspired the brand itself. The Chi Rho collection became Rock Your Religion’s flagship line, embodying the idea that jewelry can hold both history and meaning. Each pendant was handmade in sterling silver or 14-karat gold, paired with adjustable bead chains, and crafted to be worn every day. The symbol’s ancient origin—famously seen in Emperor Constantine’s vision in 312 A.D.—gave it universal appeal as a token of courage and faith.
Collections and Craftsmanship
Rock Your Religion’s design catalog reflected both artistic discipline and cultural inclusivity. Each collection honored a different spiritual or peace-based symbol, with materials and finishes chosen to accentuate the meaning behind each piece.
The Cross Collection
One of the most iconic lines, the Cross Collection, reinterpreted the universally recognized Christian cross through bold, rock-inspired designs. Pieces like the Koukla Cross were handcrafted in sterling silver, gold, white gold, and even platinum. The pieces were deliberately sized to make a statement—symbols not hidden but celebrated.
The Star of David Collection
The Star of David line honored Jewish tradition while merging it with modern aesthetics. The pendants and cuffs were hand-crafted from genuine Italian leather, featuring removable metal symbols for cleaning and personalization. Customers often described them as “family heirlooms in the making.”
The Peace Collection
Rooted in the ideals of harmony and activism, the Peace Collection was inspired by Gerald Holtom’s 1958 design for nuclear disarmament. These pendants and cuffs became emblems of unity and protest, echoing the spirit of the 1960s while being updated for the 21st century.
Specialty Pieces: The Howie Pendant
A standout collaboration was the Howie Pendant, created in partnership with Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys. This limited-edition piece fused celebrity culture with charitable purpose. One side bore the Rock Your Religion Chi Rho symbol with the inscription “En Touto Nika” (“In this sign, you will conquer”), while the reverse side was engraved with Howie’s signature.
Proceeds from the Howie Pendant supported the Dorough Lupus Foundation, a charity founded in memory of Dorough’s sister, Caroline Dorough-Cochran, who passed away from lupus. The collaboration exemplified Rock Your Religion’s commitment to giving back—linking music, faith, and philanthropy in one meaningful gesture.
Community Involvement and Charitable Partnerships
Philanthropy was a consistent part of Rock Your Religion’s brand ethos. The company partnered with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, donating a portion of sales to help fund music programs in public schools. This connection to music was both symbolic and strategic: Rock Your Religion didn’t just borrow from the culture of rock—it actively supported it.
By aligning with VH1’s initiative to ensure that every child had access to music education, the brand reinforced its belief that creativity and faith could coexist in tangible, life-enhancing ways. The founders often emphasized that their designs were not just about adornment but about supporting artistic expression and community well-being.
Brand Aesthetic and Popular Appeal
Visually, Rock Your Religion stood out in an era dominated by either minimalist jewelry or mass-produced costume pieces. Their products were handmade in the United States, utilizing Italian leather, sterling silver, gold, and zinc alloy. The result was a product line that felt luxurious but accessible, edgy yet spiritual.
The aesthetic appeal drew a wide range of customers—from rock musicians and actors to professionals seeking a personal emblem that aligned with their beliefs. The unisex nature of the designs allowed both men and women to wear them interchangeably, reflecting a broader movement in the 2000s toward gender-neutral fashion.
The brand’s packaging, photography, and copywriting carried a confident tone—part fashion editorial, part spiritual manifesto. Every description emphasized individuality, courage, and conviction.
Cultural and Social Significance
Rock Your Religion occupied a unique cultural niche. It emerged during a period when spirituality and pop culture were beginning to intersect more openly. The brand resonated with a postmodern generation seeking identity through personal symbolism rather than organized religion.
By reinterpreting sacred symbols through the lens of fashion, the Serbes created a new visual language—one that encouraged conversation rather than conformity. In many ways, Rock Your Religion anticipated the modern mindfulness movement, which emphasizes authenticity, self-expression, and connection.
Its social significance extended beyond jewelry. The brand became part of a broader cultural narrative about how faith can evolve in the age of style, media, and music. It offered a space where belief systems could coexist without hierarchy—where a Christian cross, a Jewish Star of David, and a peace symbol could all share equal prominence on the same collection page.
Legacy and Digital Revival
Although the original website eventually went offline, its memory persisted among collectors and fans. Years later, the domain RockYourReligion.com was purchased by an admirer who sought to recreate the original site from archived pages, preserving its aesthetic and message for future visitors.
The restoration of the site became a tribute to its founders and their vision—a digital museum of early-2000s independent fashion culture. In an era where many small creative ventures vanished without trace, Rock Your Religion’s reappearance online stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of sincerity, symbolism, and storytelling in design.
The revived version includes selected original text, imagery, and collection details, allowing new audiences to rediscover the fusion of art, belief, and craftsmanship that defined the brand.
Reviews and Public Reception
During its active years, Rock Your Religion earned praise from both buyers and media observers. Customers frequently noted the high quality of materials, distinctive packaging, and thoughtful design philosophy. Reviews often highlighted how each piece felt “personal” and “empowering,” particularly the Chi Rho pendants and leather cuffs.
Media outlets covering New York’s independent fashion scene described the jewelry as “spiritual statements disguised as rock accessories.” Musicians were early adopters, and the brand’s association with VH1 and the Dorough Lupus Foundation gave it visibility across both fashion and entertainment platforms.
Collectors and fans still share photos of original pieces on social media, describing them as “conversation starters” and “symbols of belief without boundaries.”
Production and Customer Experience
Each Rock Your Religion item was made to order, typically requiring four to six weeks for delivery. This deliberate pace reflected the founders’ commitment to handcrafting rather than mass production. Every product description emphasized customization—encouraging wearers to “cut their chains” to their preferred length or “rock their own” metal combinations.
The brand shipped internationally but maintained clear policies on customs duties, returns, and craftsmanship guarantees. This transparency, combined with strong customer communication, helped cultivate loyalty among a niche yet passionate clientele.
The Enduring Spirit of Rock Your Religion
Though Rock Your Religion’s original operations concluded years ago, its creative spirit remains alive in digital archives and in the hands of those who continue to wear its designs. The company’s fusion of faith, artistry, and independence placed it within a small but significant lineage of early 21st-century boutique brands that dared to blur the lines between culture and commerce.
In a world now saturated with algorithmic trends and disposable fashion, Rock Your Religion’s ethos—“wear what you believe”—feels even more relevant. The brand’s journey from a Soho warehouse launch to a philanthropic fashion movement illustrates how small, passionate creators can leave a lasting cultural imprint.
Rock Your Religion was more than a jewelry line—it was a philosophy expressed through metal and leather. Its founders, Maria and Barbara Serbes, transformed their family’s personal story into a universal message of faith, courage, and creativity. Supported by figures like Bob Sakayama and collaborators such as Howie Dorough, their brand bridged the gap between the sacred and the stylish.
Today, the revived version of RockYourReligion.com preserves that vision, reminding us that the most powerful accessories are those that tell a story—not just of fashion, but of conviction.
