CollectionsOct 24, 2023
Larkspur & Hawk Has Created the Perfect Collection for Brides CollectionsNov 01, 2023
Quiet Luxury Gets Loud in ‘Percussion’ Collection
Jade Ruzzo looked to music when designing her elegant, restrained new offerings.
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.
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.
The “Vic” rings, named for designer Jade Ruzzo’s father, who was a drummer, showcase her love of cabochons. The rings start at $3,800 and are available in a variety of colored gemstones.
The “Cymbal” pendants come in different sizes and with different gemstones.
The “Atha Cuff” (left) and Vic rings (right).
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.
“Chime” ear climber in 18-karat yellow gold with 9.77 carats of Malaya garnets ($8,800)
Engraved initial “Drum Head” ring in 18-karat yellow gold ($7,200)
One-of-a-kind collar in 18-karat yellow gold with sugarloaf cabochon emerald (price available upon request)
“Drum Head” ring in 18-karat yellow with champagne diamond pave ($12,800)
“Cowbell” earrings in 18-karat yellow gold ($6,400)
Medium “Cymbal” pendant in 18-karat yellow gold with green tourmalines ($4,200)
“Chime” earrings in 18-karat yellow gold with baguette-cut tourmalines ($5,800)
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.
More on Collections
The Latest
MajorsJul 26, 2024
Diamonds Direct Opens Store in AtlantaIt’s the Signet-owned banner’s first location in Georgia.
TrendsJul 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Double Loop’ EarringsCommemorate “brat summer” with these green hoops.
EditorsJul 26, 2024
Out & About: A Dispatch from the Nation’s Smallest StateEditor-in-Chief Michelle Graff returns from Rhode Island with thoughts about in-store shopping and a trends report.
Brought to you by
The End of an Era? Lab-Grown Diamonds' Journey Towards Price StabilityAs the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry may still be increasing, the most notable change we are likely to see is price stabilization.
Supplier BulletinJul 25, 2024
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionSponsored by Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJul 25, 2024
Amazon, BBB Sue Website Allegedly Peddling Fake Reviews They claim ReviewServiceUSA.com was selling both positive and negative reviews of products and businesses.
SourcingJul 25, 2024
De Beers’ H1 Revenue Falls 21% in ‘Weak’ MarketLab-grown diamond sales in the United States and ongoing economic challenges in China are impacting natural diamond demand.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionGIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
IndependentsJul 25, 2024
Store Designer Ruth Mellergaard DiesA longtime member of IJO, she’s remembered for her passion for design, learning, and environmentalism.
FinancialsJul 25, 2024
Boucheron, Pomellato Post Double-Digit Growth in Q2 The gains come amid a tough time for parent company Kering, which saw sales slide 11 percent in the first half of the year.
MajorsJul 25, 2024
Shane Co. Partners With Kids In Need Foundation to Donate 7,200 BackpacksThe fine jewelry retailer filled backpacks with back-to-school essentials for students in 13 states.
FinancialsJul 24, 2024
LVMH’s First-Half Jewelry, Watch Sales Dip 5%Tiffany & Co. is focusing on its “iconic” collections while the company has made changes at the top at TAG Heuer and Hublot.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
See Chaumet’s Paris Olympic Medals Inspired by its High JewelryThe Parisian brand is the first jewelry company in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to design the medals.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Acquires Pawnbroker Insurance ProviderUnion Life & Casualty will join JM Insurance Agency Partners, expanding the provider’s pawnbroker coverage.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
Ben Bridge Announces 2024 Lonia Tate Scholarship WinnerLos Angeles-based Bradlei Smith was selected for this year’s award.
ColumnistsJul 23, 2024
Peter Smith: The Case for Optimism in Sales In his latest column, Smith shares multiple reasons why people who look at the glass as being hall full often make better salespeople.
SourcingJul 23, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 15% in Q2The company also reported the $150 million sale of an iron ore royalty right, part of its ongoing effort to divest “non-core” assets.
IndependentsJul 23, 2024
Long’s Jewelers Is Giving Away a Luxury Cape Cod VacationThe giveaway is part of the New England jeweler’s summer bridal event.
Policies & IssuesJul 23, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its 2024 Entrepreneurship Grant WinnersThe grant provided a total of $100,000 to support 13 entrepreneurs from diamond communities in Africa and India.
CrimeJul 22, 2024
Florida Jeweler Shot, Killed Following Argument With CustomerGhazi Michel Osta, or “Gus,” was killed Friday by an 83-year-old man said to be a frequent customer at his store, Volusia Gold & Diamond.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2024
JVC’s Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez Joins RJCThe organization also announced Effie Marinos as its new specialist advisor for technical standards, as well as four other appointments.
SourcingJul 22, 2024
AWDC Names Karen Rentmeesters as CEORentmeesters has served as interim CEO since April following former CEO Ari Epstein’s resignation.
IndependentsJul 19, 2024
Longtime D.C. Jeweler Brian Mann Dies at 70Mann, whose family’s jewelry store was located inside the Pentagon, is remembered for being a thoughtful champion of the industry.
IndependentsJul 19, 2024
The 1916 Company Opens New Tudor BoutiqueThe 500-square-foot boutique is located in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
WatchesJul 18, 2024
TAG Heuer, Hublot Will Have New CEOs Luxury giant LVMH is reshuffling the leadership in its watches division.
MajorsJul 18, 2024
New Etsy Campaign Prioritizes Creators Amid BacklashSellers and shoppers have spoken out against a rise in mass-produced merchandise on the platform meant to highlight handmade goods.
MajorsJul 18, 2024
Swarovski Names Ariana Grande as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe celebrity will star in Swarovski’s holiday campaign.
