Tell us about RUUSK.
RUUSK is a fine jewellery label that believes in creating modern heirlooms not off-the-shelf. We craft jewellery for the bold, the daring and the romantics who seek lifelong pieces that truly speak to them. These precious pieces are thoughtfully designed and mindfully crafted to be a cherished part of your story. We use traditional wax carving methods to bring contemporary shapes to life, and we like to involve the wearer in making each piece. I am proud to say that all RUUSK pieces are made to order right here in Sydney using solid gold, conflict-free diamonds and other precious gemstones including Australian Sapphires.
RUUSK takes to heart the personalisation aspect of jewellery making, and we make sure that all our pieces can be worn together in unique combinations for a long time, to be loved and passed on to the next generations.
What inspired you to start RUUSK?
I was inspired to start RUUSK as I wanted to create pieces for people who want to invest in jewellery that they are truly connected to. I’m passionate about creating mindfully and locally and I wanted to create a brand that encapsulated my values and passion for honour slow-made, high quality pieces with intention.
These values were shaped growing up and being taught to appreciate well made, beautiful things, infused with story. My mum is South American and my father is Italian, and I was lucky enough to travel often. Our home was filled with multi-cultural statues, artefacts and paintings—each one with a unique story to tell. Being surrounded by so many rich and eclectic pieces taught me to believe in the power of storytelling through objects.
My mother and grandmother have been huge influences for me, in many more ways than one. I was always drawn to the jewellery they wore and have really strong memories tied to these pieces. My grandmother (my mum’s mum) used to visit us from South America, and vice versa, and every time I would see her I used to play with her bangles. I loved the way they made sounds as they clinked together and she also used to take them off and let me spin them on the table.
When I was at university studying design, I became increasingly fascinated in how jewellery can be seen as an intimate extension of oneself. I was drawn to, and inspired by, the idea of being able to create pieces that could be so meaningful to someone’s life and loved ones. There are very few items that can truly hold so much intimate emotion.
Tell us about your career and background.
Both of my parents ran their own businesses so my childhood was imbued with an entrepreneurial spirit. I worked with my mum from when I was a teenager, starting out with creating swing tags, to working in her boutiques, to graphic design and everything and anything in between. Other than working for my mum, I like to joke that I only ever had a ‘real job’ for 3 months. After completing my bachelor in design majoring in graphic and ceramic design, I worked at a graphic design agency as an account manager. It didn’t take me long to realise that the normal 9-to-5 office day was just not for me. So I quit, moved to Bali then travelled as I worked as a freelance brand and graphic designer. I moved back to Australia at the end of 2017, and that’s when I decided that I really wanted to pursue jewellery design which I had fallen in love with in my final year at uni.
Describe a typical work day for you.
When you run your own business, no two days are the same but at the moment my work day involves overseeing the team and studio, checking in on order progress, taking photos and videos for our socials, updating the website with new collection pieces, dreaming up new designs, visiting suppliers to find gorgeous stones for our clients, and coffee and lunch break in the sun. Each day brings a new set of challenges and joys but I love being involved in all aspects of the business. It’s definitely a wild ride.
What advice do you have for those wanting to start a business?
Do something you love and truly believe in. We live in a big wonderful world where even the most out-there ideas and products can be successful. Running a business is hard work, so if your heart isn’t in it, you’ll likely throw in the towel when things get tough. If you have true passion, and are willing to learn, pivot and work hard, you can do it. Stick with it, be open to growing in ways that you didn’t predict and always follow your gut and stay true to your values and beliefs.
What’s next for you, and RUUSK?
We’ve just launched our new collection, called Monte, which is so exciting! It’s inspired by the mountains and my Italian heritage.
Aside from this, my main focus at the moment is on nurturing and growing our new Sydney team. Mid this year I made the decision to move the business back to Sydney from Newcastle so these past few months I’ve been working on setting up the studio and finding amazing passionate souls to join the team. Looking ahead, there is so much for us on the horizon. Next year we’ll look at further developing the team and studio space with the vision of becoming an iconic Australian fine jewellery brand in the years to come.
Find out more about RUUSK and view their gorgeous collections.
