Jewelry PR Division

Judith Ripka is a Award winning designer Judith Ripka creates jewelry of understated elegance that is meant to be worn everyday, from day into evening, from black tie to blue jeans and everything in between. Taught by her mother, a European couturier, to see the beauty in all the little things around us, each piece of jewelry Judith designs is an expression of that beauty as shared through the eyes of her mother.

Taking cue from her busy life as wife, mother, grandmother and business woman, Judith designs versatile jewelry with a special twist, ancient inspired, classically informed, timeless, yet modernized to complement today's wardrobe.

Amongst her many achievements and awards, Judith won the prestigious DeBeers' Award for Diamond Design and was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Please read the full interview on National Jeweler Network

Being persistent and surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging friends and associates can catapult your business into the big time, jewelry-design powerhouse Judith Ripka told attendees of the Women's Jewelry Association's Women in the Know Conference at the Fashion Institute of Technology on Friday.

Passion for creating jewelry can also take your business a long way, she added.

"Even if it had not become my business, I would still design jewelry," Ripka said. "Persistence is one of the keys to my success. I've sketched two days a week religiously for 34 years."

Ripka told the story of her business, the Judith Ripka Companies Inc., a multimillion-dollar wholesale and retail jewelry company that now employs 150 people (90 percent of whom are women) and is opening its 13th retail store in Las Vegas this year. [...]

But when Ripka started out, she was a struggling mother of three running her business out of the living room of her house in Long Island, where she was one of the few working mothers in her neighborhood at the time.

She balanced caring for the children with sketching during all of her free moments, initially selling jewelry out of her own living room from a $12 case she bought in the Bowery section of Manhattan.

Her business got off the ground with a $1,000 loan from a dear friend who was among those who encouraged her as she began making jewelry at a manufacturing facility in 1973, Ripka said. Other friends lent her cars to get around since she didn't own a vehicle.

"Don't have anyone around you who doesn't wish you well," Ripka said. "There were countless people along the way who told me to give up, that the chances were slim. But I am telling you, the chances are not slim."

Balanced style, balanced life. David Lundahl & Company Jewelers, purveyors of fine, custom designed jewelry, proves elegant pieces are more than accessories – they are personal reflections of style and character. With the introduction of the Feng Shui inspired Elements Collection, the signature pieces, representing the Fire, Water, Wind, Wood and Metal elements, offer a “balanced” sense of style

“The Elements Collection combines the basic tenets of Feng Shui with exquisite design,” said David Lundahl, designer, David Lundahl & Company. “In the practice of Feng Shui, harmony and balance are key to maintaining positive Chi energy. The Elements Collection is a fun, inspiring reminder of personal balance – and style. I believe that fashion and an individual sense of style are quite personal – it transcends trends. With that in mind, The Elements Collection matches the Feng Shui element that best connects with a client’s traits to offer a truly unique and memorable experience.”

The three-piece collection includes two pendants and a ring richly crafted in 18-karat yellow gold or glossy black lacquer detail, and feature bold interpretations of the Feng Shui symbols, including Fire, Water, Wind, Wood and Metal. Combining elegant sophistication with contemporary appeal, pave diamond accents offset the black lacquer detail to create a glittering, intense effect. The collection retails for $400 to $1700. A suite for men is also available which includes cuff links and oversized medallions for slightly higher price points.

Further accentuating a sense of individual style, David Lundahl & Company launched a section of its web site, www.DavidLundahl.com, to help clients determine the symbol that perfectly matches their personality. Whether it’s the intense energy of the Fire symbol or the wisdom associated with the Water element, the interactive questionnaire will determine the element that best corresponds with your character. Wear each piece individually, or combine elements to celebrate a multi-faceted mood. The Elements Collection is available on the David Lundahl & Co. online boutique.

Gina Nigrelli draws from a myriad of life experiences, ranging from living in southern Africa, to launching her career in fashion in Las Vegas, to receiving a graduate degree in Fashion Design while acting as Director of Marketing and Events for a national, online shopping destination. After relocating to the Virgin Islands in 2005, Nigrelli followed her lifelong dream of pursuing a creative venture. Her husband, Brian Smith, a perpetual entrepreneur, works behind the scenes aiding in bringing the project to life.

Nigrelli and Smith reside in St Thomas, USVI. Driven by a firm belief in appreciating everyday beauty and life’s simple pleasures, Jules Smith Designs is a reflection of life in the Virgin Islands. The azure waters and lush landscapes offer a compelling setting for unburdened creativity. The laid-back lifestyle and vibrancy of the Caribbean allows Jules Smith Designs to maintain a genuine and realistic approach to fashion. Jules Smith Designs takes pride in accessibility and honesty, using only precious metals, semi-precious and precious gemstones while keeping price and wear-ability a priority. Expressed through a mutual adoration for the beauty that surrounds them and a love for everything fashionable, Jules Smith Designs creates Luxe Resort Jewelry.

Shannon: You have your graduate degree in Fashion Design; what lead you to choose jewelry as your main focus over fabric?
Gina Nigrelli: After I graduated design school we relocated to the Caribbean. The jewelry industry is dominant in that part of the world and it just seemed to make sense.

Shannon: What are the basic elements of design and how are they used when making your jewelry?
Gina Nigrelli: Color, texture and efficiency. Every design must have a unique blend of the aforementioned.

Shannon: How does living in the Virgin Islands play into your jewelry designs?
Gina Nigrelli: It makes it extremely difficult to get things done, yet being stranded on a desert island sparks the creative juices for sure.

Shannon: How do you stay inspired and motivated to create different design styles?
Gina Nigrelli: Designing is an escape for me and I never would have imagined that I would enjoy my job this much.

Shannon: What vision do you have for your brand and your jewelry?
Gina Nigrelli: Luxe Resort. Approachable luxury. I aspire to grow organically, but of course want to become an internationally recognized brand, a household name would be nice.

  

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