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

My Valentine's Day Plan

I've been married for 22 years. When you've been with someone that long, sometimes romance fades to the background. This Valentine's Day, my husband and I are planning dinner at a favorite neighborhood restaurant to remind ourselves how much we enjoy each other's company. I usually dress casually, and that's what makes me feel comfortable. But for this night I want to wear something special. 

That gave me the idea of putting together three looks for a Valentine's Day date. Personally, I'd choose the first look, which is a combination of casual and elegant, with the chunky choker necklace taking center stage. The second look is inspired by my friend Christen, who always pulls off edgy ensembles with such flair. The chain bracelet and earrings complement the outfit without overwhelming it. Finally, the last look is appropriate for a formal evening. The simple pearl pendant is classic but unique, and you can wear it every day, too.

One of the things I love most about what I do is creating pieces that work for a wide range of women. If you like outfit #3 but want a piece that makes more of a statement, why not try my chunky mixed pearl necklace. It works equally well for a romantic evening, a day at work with a dress or blazer, or a casual weekend with a basic white tee.

Other favorites for Valentine's Day are my clear cubic zirconia earrings, my wishbone pendant, and my turquoise bracelet.

And if you happen to be a man and are wondering about the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your sweetheart, e-mail me for suggestions!

Love,

Ruth

www.ruthbarzel.com

New Pieces

I've been loving the quiet hours in my studio after the whirlwind of orders and trunk shows over the holidays. That was fun, too, but what I really thrive on is being alone and creating.  Here are some new pieces I recently added to my shop. Click on each photo to go to the specific listing and see more views of the item.

Happy New Year from Jackson the Cross-Dressing Poodle!

If someone had told Jackson the little toy poodle, as he waited dejectedly with the other dogs hoping for a home at the Falls Church Petsmart adoption event in September 2012, that within a year he not only would have a family who adored him but also would have launched a career as a cross-dressing jewelry model, he would have slunk away, incredulous. But miracles do apparently happen, and his trajectory from abandoned, unwanted, and earmite-ridden to pampered superstar has been a rapid one. Jackson has found not only happiness but also his true calling in life—and it's all thanks to you, his devoted fans! From the tips of his long ears to the end of his weird tail (notice that is not visible in any of his photos) he would like to thank you for all your support and wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Spring Preview

I've known Morgan Moran and her family since Morgan was in first grade. Recently, we've become reacquainted, since Morgan's sister Maddie has been working for me as an intern (while also studying fashion merchandising at Virginia Commonwealth University). Right now, Maddie is working on a logo and packaging design for a new line of children's birthstone jewelry I'll be launching this spring. She brought her sister Morgan over one day last week when both were home from college on winter break (Morgan is a junior at the University of Alabama, where she's studying political science). We had a great afternoon taking pictures of Morgan in some of my new spring pieces, going over logo ideas, and playing with my toy poodle Jackson (who managed to find his way into one of the photos).  Here are a few of my favorite photos from the shoot. All the jewelry is available in my Etsy shop. Click on the photos to link to each individual item.

New Jewelry for Fall

Lately I've been inspired to make pieces that can stand alone or be worn layered with other jewelry. Here are some of my favorite new items: baby pearl pendant, large olive jade pendant, large smoky quartz pendant, mixed stone necklace, leopard jasper bracelet, raw quartz cluster pendant, large serpent choker, leopard mother-of-pearl bracelet. All of them are available in my Etsy shop.