Quiet Luxury Gets Loud in ‘Percussion’ Collection
Jade Ruzzo looked to music when designing her elegant, restrained new offerings.
Musical instruments, specifically of the percussive variety, are far more unexpected as the starting point for a collection. And yet, a look at one of Jade Ruzzo’s “Cymbal” pendants and one won’t believe they didn’t see the connection sooner.
Instruments’ sculptural forms expertly translate to jewelry in the designer’s “Percussion” collection.
With stones like old mine-cut diamonds, green tourmalines, and sapphires set at center, the Cymbal pendant with its circular engraving becomes a bold and luxurious accessory.
Ruzzo leans into percussion instruments’ broad surfaces, weathered and softened with use, transforming them into the “Cowbell” earrings and “Chime” earrings and ear climbers.
The designer describes percussion instruments and their role in music as “strong, steady, timeless, and vital,” which is felt visually in her designs, through their heft and solidity.
Perhaps the most literal musical rendition is the “Drum Head” ring, though Ruzzo cleverly transforms the style into her version of an initial jewel with off-kilter engraving. She also makes a cocktail ring version with champagne diamond pavé or an opal cabochon.
The designer’s love of gemstones shines throughout the collection, complementing the metal-heavy styles with pops of tourmaline, Malaya and grossular garnet, and cobblestone-style diamond pavé.
Unheated tanzanite, Muzo emeralds, and Turkish diaspore make guest appearances in one-of-a-kind pieces.
Ruzzo may be a new designer—she only launched her line in 2022—but years of working in marketing for various creative and luxury companies and then as a personal stylist have honed her visual acumen and taste.
“Looking back, all the roles I’ve held have really helped me to lay the foundation for starting my own brand,” she said.
The New York City native produces her work between the city’s diamond district and Los Angeles, but resides primarily in the Hudson Valley with her family, including four-year-old daughter, Gloria.
Family provided Ruzzo the direction for the Percussion collection. Her late father, Vic, was a drummer.
“He passed away eight years ago, and since then I’ve searched for ways to honor him and keep him close to me,” Ruzzo said.
“I just love the permanency of fine jewelry and the way it can live on through generations telling its story.”
The “Vic” ring and bangle, cabochon eternity styles destined to become brand best-sellers, are a fitting tribute.
Starting at $3,800, the collection is available at Jade Ruzzo retailers and the company’s website.
The Latest
“Fancy Studs” will feature revamped branding and a new lab-grown diamond fine jewelry collection.
Nivoda and Liquid Diamonds both have big plans for the new capital.
The 2024-2025 edition features new colors and styles, as well as storytelling elements.
GIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
From moringa to ecotourism in the Okavango Delta, the country and its leaders are exploring how Botswana can diversify its economy.
The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.