Look Book

26 | The Jewelr y Book by Michael Shulman OOAK Gilda Scarf (from the "Gloria" collection) featuring a 54" length of the House's woven- mesh Large Leo Chain in 18K Gold, capped on one end with a brilliant-cut Old Mine Diamond (0.51cts | K, SI1, GIA- cert), and on the other end with a cushion-cut Old Mine Diamond (1.20cts), both set in 18K Gold. Large Green Tourmaline Vic Ring (from the "Vic" collection) featuring five cabochon-cut Green Tourmalines (22.70ctw), set in 18K Gold. OOAK Brown Zircon Cymbal Ring (from the "Percussion" collection) featuring a hand- selected cushion-cut Brown Zircon (16.47cts), set in hand- finished 18K Gold. Small Opal Cowbell Earrings (from the "Percussion" collection) featuring cushion- shaped cabochon-cut Ethiopian Opals (3.4ctw), set in high-polish 18K Gold. R UZZO'S JOURNEY to jewelry design was a bit more circuitous than most, in that aer graduating from FIT, she spent a decade working in fashion and personal styling, before two significant life events (and a global pandemic) would set her on her current path. "During COVID, I became a jewelry consumer. And though I was in the styling world, jewelry had never been my specialty. Being a very obsessive person, when I go in on something, I will learn every single thing about it I can. I found myself trying to find pieces that could honor my father [Vic, who passed in 2015], and allow me to carry him with me, that I could pass down to my daughter [Gloria, who was born in 2019]; where even though he never got to meet her, they'd somehow be connected through this beautiful piece of jewelry." Unable to find any jewels that truly fit the bill, she decided to design some herself. Aer being introduced by a mutual friend, Ruzzo met with For Future Reference founder, Randi Molofsky; and in very short order was expanding the collections she would show to buyers and editors in the For Future Reference villa at e COUTURE Show at Wynn Las Vegas, in 2023. OOAK Paraiba Tourmaline Gong Pendant (from the "Percussion" collection) featuring a hand-selected pear-shaped cabochon- cut Mozambican Paraiba Tourmaline (13.35cts) set in satin-finished 18K Gold, with a hinged-bale. W E A R A B L E P R O Z A C " There's so much power in a simple design that whispers instead of yells, " Jade Ruzzo explains to me. " It's that strength that comes from a quiet confidence. " We are discussing Ruzzo's design ethos, but it's clear that this could describe the woman as well as the incredibly wearable jewelry she designs. JADE RUZZO: M I N I M A L I S T S C U L P T U R A L H E I R L O O M S W I T H A S T R A I G H T F O R W A R D S E N S I B I L I T Y

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