Founder Jennifer Rush draws on vintage styles, famous artists, and her own New York background for her eye-catching creations.
Jennifer Rush designs for “the woman who strives to do her own thing while maintaining her own sense of style, regardless of trends.” Taking inspiration from her travels, art collection and the style of the 1960s and ’70s, the New York-based founder of Rush Jewelry Design creates elegant gem-set jewels that are a nod to vintage fashion, but with a decidedly modern look and feel.
How do you define your style?
My personal style is clean, edgy and cool. I love elements of anything ’60s and ’70s, just a hint, a wink, to my favorite design era. I don’t like anything that is fussy or super ornate, and I like things to have a purpose or function to them. I place enormous value on quality materials and craftsmanship. I think style is a form of self-expression — a means of telling your own story.
How did you start your career in jewelry design?
In 2012, my daughter had just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at eight years old, and I needed a break — I needed something in my life that had nothing to do with medical care. That summer, I signed up for a one-week jewelry-making boot camp. It was something I had always wanted to do, but never seemed to have the time. I started by making pieces for myself. I enjoyed it so much, I continued to take classes and work at the bench. Eventually, as I would wear my own creations, people would stop me and ask where I bought them, and I literally began to sell jewelry off my own body! It was then I knew I had something to say and offer as a designer that people wanted. I launched my brand in 2014.
Whom do you have in mind when you design your creations?
I have generally found that my most successful pieces are the ones I want to wear myself, so as funny as it sounds, I design for me and the women like me. I learned very early on that you can’t be all things to all people, so do what you do, and do it really well. I realize I have a somewhat niche clientele, but they have an appreciation for the brand, its style, and tend to be repeat customers. I think of my clients as collectors. I’m trying to design the pieces that my clients reach for over and over again, [which are] more of a reflection of self rather than trend.
How does the distinct New York vibe influence your designs?
New York is, simply put, the best. When I think of adjectives that describe my city, I would say edgy, cool, and most of all, original. One of a kind. [As I was] born and raised in New York City, these attributes have become a part of me. I am always striving for quality and uniqueness. For this reason, my designs are typically not more than two or three of a kind (with the exception of the Signature collection). Even my most simple and clean pieces should be spectacular. If it’s not, why bother?
Which creations are you most proud of?
I would probably say some of the artist-inspired pieces, because they involved a lot of trial and error. I love a challenge! These pieces are some of my favorites because I get to play around with different materials and techniques. It also allows me to explore oppositional ideas within each piece. For example, in the Kinetic earrings, inspired by [sculptor] Alexander Calder, I combine beauty and mechanics. In the Maman and Totem pieces, inspired by [French-American artist] Louise Bourgeois, I combine bronze and 22-karat gold. Antithetical concepts and materials can make for beautiful jewelry.
Where and how are your jewels manufactured?
Everything is conceived, curated and produced in New York City. My design process generally begins with the stone first. I have several sources of stones, all of whom I trust. My stones are typically ethically sourced and, whenever possible, have not been treated (with the exception of heat for melee, which is difficult to avoid). I never use material that is dyed. I don’t try to find stones for pieces I have already designed — that always feels unnatural to me.
Some pieces I personally work on at the bench, and others are produced by talented craftsmen. Whether at my own bench or someone else’s, I supervise the work from top to bottom, making sure each piece is perfect, as if I were making it for myself.
What’s your most cherished piece of jewelry?
For sure it would be the Harriet pendant. My mom, Harriet, died when I was very young. I was left with very few of her belongings, but among them was a necklace she had in silver sterling with many odd faces, which I never wore because it was not my personal style. One of the first things I decided to tackle at the bench was playing around with this necklace. I took one of the faces and carved my own softer, cleaner interpretation of it. I love it because I feel like she is always with me. I wear it every day and feel like it’s very her, but also very me.
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