How long have you been in business?
I’ve been making jewellery for 4 years now but just launched RUUSK rings in June 2017
How did you come up with the name of your company?
Having a double barrel surname, the name RUUSK was inspired by the second part of my last name, Ruscone, which is often left out. It’s an homage to my name, my family and a symbol of a brand which is really an extension of myself, my passion and my design philosophy.
What does “sustainable fashion” mean to you?
Sustainable fashion encompasses so many different elements of design and philosophy but to me personally, it means knowing the where, who and how of your products. Where have they been made? Who made them? and how did they make them. Knowing the answers to these questions and being able to reply to them confidently and proudly is vital to me. RUUSK pieces are all made in Australia, by me and my team of expert stone setters, using traditional handmade jewellery techniques and Australian Gold.
What inspired you to start a sustainable fashion brand?
Sustainable and ethical production has always been important to me. As a young designer, I also believe I have a duty to ensure that the pieces I create have purpose, meaning and a positive impact on the world.
What is your company’s mission?
RUUSK is all about creating honest, authentic and ethical pieces for you to treasure for a lifetime. It’s about creating pieces that you choose to own and I love working with customers to create something completely unique for them. Our website also allows you to customise your own ring online and, with over 8,000 combinations, RUUSK makes it possible to offer unique custom rings without a bespoke price tag. My mission is to encourage people to have an intimate and personal relationship with their jewellery.
Do you have a 5 or 10-year vision for your company that you could share with us?
I would love to grow RUUSK and have a team of jewellers and passionate designers all working under one roof. Being able to grow the RUUSK team is one of my biggest goals as I love working with others and know that we can achieve much more together.
Who is your customer?
My customers are men and women looking for something special and meaningful. They value the authenticity of a handcrafted item and celebrate the little maker’s marks that make each piece unique. They are interested in independent designers and want to support brands that they believe and connect with. They are looking for timeless pieces that they can treasure and wholeheartedly be proud of.
What is something you wish people knew about sustainable fashion?
Many brands to not disclose where their items are being made. It is up to us to ask questions, become knowledgeable and think before we buy. Only we are responsible for the purchases we choose to make.
What’s the most challenging thing about running a sustainable business?
It’s wonderful to see sustainable fashion and design become increasingly present in today’s discussions however we still have a way to go. I think that education is still one of the biggest challenges facing the sustainable industry. It’s easy to make a purchase without thinking of the story behind the product we are buying. It’s our job as designers to help educate and encourage the public to seek and value products that are made with authenticity, transparency and honesty.
Is there someone who inspires you and why?
My mum! She is my biggest inspiration and always has and will be. Not only is she an incredible mother, woman and friend, she is also a talented designer and entrepreneur who, alongside her business partner Sophie, owns an ethical Australian clothing label called Good Day Girl. She is an inspiration in so many ways, having taught me what is truly valuable and important in life. We are both lovers of good food, good family, good friends, good travel and gorgeous objects.
Other than your own, which sustainable fashion brands do you like?
Oh, there are more and more that I am finding and falling in love with each day! Some Australian labels I love include Good Day Girl, Mirador, Vege Threads, Nico and Her Swimwear.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you or your company?
Inspired by handmade heirloom jewellery, all RUUSK pieces are made using traditional ring carving methods to create new contemporary shapes for you to customise. Each piece is hand carved, cast in Australian Gold and hand finished in Sydney, Australia just for you.
“Designing for life is my motto. It’s about striving to create simple pieces that withstand trends and time, pieces to be worn every day and which, in a way, become a part of you. This is what inspires me.”
Just For Fun
What’s your spirit animal?
Deer
What’s your favorite lunch?
Avocado on toast with a home-grown rocket salad
What’s your favorite color?
A pale green/blue/grey
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