Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to an exciting new designer and artist, the fabulous Ms. Sophie Ratner.
I discovered Sophie Ratner in what is one of my favorite ways: I opened an email from a stranger and I saw something fantastic.
Sophie Ratner’s jewelry is characterized by a beautifully lumpy, always elegant aesthetic that reminds me of industrial lace. The light, airy designs feel edgy rather than delicate or sweet, creating a barely-there powerhouse of a look in every piece.
A recent graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Sophie designs and creates every piece of the line herself in her studio. She does incredible things with texture and negative space.
Let’s hear from Sophie herself:
As a young jewelry maker, I find that my design aesthetic is constantly evolving. To a large degree, my work is based on patterns and textures inspired by the textiles and architecture I’ve encountered through my travels in India, Turkey, Egypt, and Ghana. My pieces are often inspired by ancient sources, but they are always executed with a modern sensibility. Because I am striving for a balance between delicacy and structural integrity, my jewelry often resembles lace. I am always conscious of the negative spaces within a piece and the possibilities they provide for delicate interactions with the body.”
I especially love Sophie Ratner’s rings, and it turns out that she does too:
My favorite pieces to make are rings, since they afford a great amount of detail in such a small area. I also love the feeling of putting on a ring, an act that imparts symbolic power and inspires real confidence.”
These are the Sophie Ratner Lune earrings. They are the best, and I should know, because I’m lucky enough to own a pair.
A beautifully textured take on the classic hoop made in 18k and 14k gold, they’re my current favorite throw-them-on-and-go outfit making accessory. If you’ve see me around town in a sundress, I was probably wearing my Sophie Ratner Lune earrings too.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see what’s next from this new talent.
What do you think of these designs, dears? Are you as intrigued as I am? Which piece speaks to you the most?
Please note: I received a pair of Sophie Ratner earrings as a gift. While this did delight me, it did not affect my opinion of the product. All images c/o Sophie Ratner.
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I saw her things at the RISD Alumni Sale yesterday — they are even more beautiful in person! The ones she had yesterday were light and delicate — like drops of water or (in the case of a diamond earring with 3 small diamonds arranged almost in an arrow shape) an icicle.
The ring — five tiny round white diamonds on a narrow gold band — is sparkling on my finger as I type. Thank you Sophie!
Oh, yay!! Your ring sounds beautiful!!
Really very fabulous diamond jewelry with attractive color and unique design. These all are looking of best quality.
What are the price points on her work??
They’re lovely designs, aren’t they?
The price points start at a very accessible level. You can see price info on Sophie’s website: http://www.sophieratnerjewelry.com/collections/all
Thanks for showing us Sophie Ratner’s work, Becky! I hadn’t seen it before. There is something about it – light, but not dainty, not sweet. The metalwork reminds me of giant granulation, lol! It does resemble lace, as Sophie herself says.
I’m with you on the rings! I like that they can be stacked, too, and make a substantial statement, even though the pieces themselves aren’t heavy at all. This is especially attractive to me with the summer heat coming. I hate the heat, and somedays just can’t even bear to put jewelry on, besides light, swingy earrings. But Sophie Ratner’s jewelry would be perfect for summer, even the wide Andromeda bracelet – so beautiful!
Such a spot on description – I think that unique quality of lightness but not sweetness is what I love the most, too. It’s such an interesting aesthetic.
And I’m totally with you on heat making it harder to wear jewelry. Especially necklaces, when you know you’re just going to get all sweaty. Ick.