Usually when I meet a designer, it’s because I’ve seen their jewelry and then sought them out: I see the designs first, and then the person. With Ruta Reifen, everything happened at once.
I was walking a trade show when a woman in a super cute white sundress stopped me because she recognized me from Instagram. She introduced herself as Ruta, and we immediately hit it off: I didn’t know who she was or why she was there, but her bright energy and warm, open friendliness drew me in right away. It wasn’t until we’d been chatting happily for a several minutes that I even realized she was there as a designer.
And then: holy moly, her designs.
Don’t these necklaces look like something that mermaid would gift you in exchange for a favor, probably through swirls of a silver mist near a secret lagoon?
I love the delicacy of the color contrast – it range from gentle to drastic, sometimes with a close enough gradient to feel almost ombre, but never going with what’s expected.
Perhaps the most distinctive element of Ruta Reifen’s design aesthetic is the texture of her gold work.
There’s something organic about the barnacle-esque texture of the gold settings; and you know I love a bit of well-executed texture. Ruta blends the “maybe it just grew this way” feeling with glamour and finesse in a way I find totally irresistible.

Growing up by the Mediterranean gazing into the sea with wonder, I’ve always been fascinated with underwater forms, they have punctuated my life with slivers of happiness. Their flowing lines, endless shapes and colors, are the source of my creative work.
A synergy of classic silhouettes, coral-like texture and evolving color story create the romantic feel I wish to extend to the wearer.”

First of all, I adore Greek mythology and I love when a designer has a such a specific, unusual influence informing their designs. And second of all: isn’t that fantastic? Don’t you want to cover yourself in Ruta Reifen jewels and be an Amphitrite?

Ruta’s passion of jewelry design was born when she, as a 17 year old living in London, took an evening class at Central Saint Martins College of Art in Goldsmithing. It was, to use Ruta’s words, “love at first solder.”
That love stayed with Ruta through her time in London, during her years in Israel, where she served in the Air Force, and grew as she studied jewelry design at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Israel and then with a Masters of Fine Arts from Masters of Fine Art degree at Rhode Island School of Design.

Finally, in the summer of 2015 – shortly before we first met – Ruta launched her own fine jewelry line.
So you see, Ruta Reifen truly is a maker, as well as a designer: she doesn’t just come up with the ideas for this jewelry, she makes it herself with her own two hands, using precious materials and years of experience.

Even though I don’t wear jewelry myself, I am very connected to my Amphitrites, it’s an intimate exchange between us. My goal is to gift the wearer a moment of happiness and bliss in the form of jewelry.”
Such a good example of the million and one reasons it’s better to buy jewelry made by individual artists: don’t you want to wear a piece made by someone who cares about you that much?
What do you think, my darlings? Are you ready to embrace your inner Amphitrite with Ruta Reifen’s jewels?
Stunning pieces, just beautiful!
Aren’t they just so pretty?? I’m glad you love them too.
Gorgeous, colorful & fun pieces! Like wearing a rainbow. I especially like the bangle bracelet!
Totally!! Love them.
LOVE her and her work! I was lucky to have lunch with her last week and got to see some of her fabulous pieces in person. Thanks for sharing this article with us!
Oh yay!! I adore Ruta as well as her jewels. I’m so glad you two got to meet!