Collections

Quiet Luxury Gets Loud in ‘Percussion’ Collection

CollectionsNov 01, 2023

Quiet Luxury Gets Loud in ‘Percussion’ Collection

Jade Ruzzo looked to music when designing her elegant, restrained new offerings.

Jade Ruzzo jewelry Percussion collection Cymbal pendant
From Jade Ruzzo’s “Percussion” collection, this “Cymbal Pendant” is rendered in 18-karat yellow gold with a 1.56-carat old mine-cut diamond and Brazilian rosewood ($15,800). The designer has a penchant for antique diamonds.
New York—Certain inspirations pop up again and again for jewelry designers, like architecture or flora and fauna. 

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

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Carrie Forman
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of Sales

Carrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.

undefined.png
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals

A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.

Grader looking into microscope at IGI lab
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next Week

In a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.

Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6M

The offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.

Exterior of Sauer’s Madison Avenue Store
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. Store

The Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.

Person at keyboard holding credit card
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says Adobe

An Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.

American Gem Trade Association and University of Arizona
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences Students

The inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.

JA New York Show Entrance
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 Show

A Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.

Ray Griffiths and Ray Griffiths: The Works
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design

“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.

Grant Mobley and Thomas Davis
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board

Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.

Movado campaign
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ Environment

The retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.

Treiber & Straub store Brookfield, Wisconsin
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is Closing

Mike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.

Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious Mousse

The color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.

Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s Kokoro Ant Pendant
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ Pendant

The Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.

Roberto Coin jewelry
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1

The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.

Gold rings
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech Issues

The jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in November

A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.

Michael S. Krzemnicki
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award

The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.

1.png
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Sponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy