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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
