Behind the Scenes: A Peek into the Jewelry-Making Process

Whenever I like someone's work—be that person an artist, a writer, or a designer—I become curious about her. What does she do every day, who does she live with, what does she love? So I thought you might want to know some of the same things about me. Here's a little bit about me, my family, my business, and how I spend my days.

I live in Arlington, VA (a suburb of Washington DC), with my husband, our 12-year-old son, and our adopted toy poodle. I also have a daughter who's in college in Philadelphia.

I spend my days in a quiet, cozy office/studio that my husband built for me when we remodeled our house about 10 years ago (that was nice of him, right?) I work at a big, scuffed-up table we bought when we lived in Hong Kong  right after we got married (random interesting fact: my daughter was born there).

I single-handedly manage all aspects of my small jewelry business, which includes sourcing materials, designing and making jewelry (which I sell on Etsy and at local stores), marketing, interacting with store owners and customers, doing shows, and record keeping. I also work as a writer/editor at Georgetown University. 

When there's any time left over, you usually can find me hanging out with my family, going for a long walk, reading a novel or watching a movie on my iPad, drinking a cup of extremely strong coffee, or shopping. Confession: I'm a shopping addict.

I've always loved beautiful things. I was past 40 when I discovered that I also love to make beautiful things and share them with others. By then I already had two kids, a house, and all the responsibilities that come with being an adult and a parent (a job, a mortgage, and my turn driving the carpool to gymnastics practice—to name a few). That makes for a busy life—and juggling everything can be overwhelming at times. But I don't for a second regret launching my jewelry business. The experience has taught me that it's never to late to grow, learn, or start anew.

Love,

Ruth

The Story Behind My Kids' Birthstone Jewelry Collection

I adore solitude. More often than not, I'll choose an evening in by myself, working on my jewelry and watching a movie on my iPad, over going out. Owning a business forces me out of my cocoon and into the world. That can be hard for me. But as a result I've come to know some fantastic people who have enriched my life. 

Like Shanlee, who used to manage a shop that carries my jewelry. Talking to her helped me take my idea for a kids' birthstone jewelry collection past the concept stage. I don't think I'd be sharing the collection with you today if not for her encouragement and great suggestions. Now she carries the collection in her own new children's store, Little Birdies!

After hammering out details for the jewelry itself, the next step was a name. My 12-year-old son Miles suggested Ruthie B. I've always like the nickname Ruthie. Done!

My intern Maddie offered to use her Illustrator skills to create a logo and jewelry cards. I hadn't even realized she was so creative. I love what she came up with.

The collection features simple, delicate earrings, necklaces and bracelets made with cubic zirconia and pearls in all the birthstone colors, like aquamarine (March), sapphire (September), and topaz (November). Each item is available in silver or gold-filled. Necklace and bracelet lengths can be customized. Just e-mail me! And even though the jewelry was conceived for kids, it's also perfect for the grown-up minimalists among us. I'll confess to having stolen a few pieces for myself. The ruby bracelet and topaz earrings are my favorites.

I'll always cherish my solitude.  But if it weren't for my my friends and family, I'd just be—well—alone.

Love,

Ruth