Friday, May 27, 2011

Focus on Men's Jewelry


Something that we at R&C have been noticing lately is the new demand for men's jewelry. Previously a very small and limited market design-wise, we’ve now been getting direct phone calls and requests from customers, friends and even the press who are all wondering when we’ll be adding more pieces for the less targeted gender in the jewelry industry.

We already have the very popular Skulls Collection which carries gender-neutral pieces like in the images below. But, what if you’re not into skulls? What if you’re a bit more conservative, but still like to look good and add your own touch to that suit you wear to the office, or the shirt and pants you wear out after work with your buddies?






Rough black diamonds
Well, R&C is listening and has heeded your call. We are currently working on new designs using rough black diamonds that will be gender-neutral, and also some designs that will be just for men. We also create custom pieces all the time, and are just a phone call or email away, reached at either 866-920-7898 or info@ruffandcut.com.

More and more, we’re hearing about the new generation of young men who like to rock a chain or bracelet that is trendy, yet discreet. If you haven’t seen our Skulls Collection, then these designs are perfect if you’re a part of that crowd. Not only are they cool yet sophisticated, but they’re all made from recycled metals and some with ethically-sourced diamonds and gemstones. You really can’t go wrong.

J.W. Cooper, a renowned carrier of unique items such as silver jewelry, art and cowboy boots, carries select Skulls designs and the Opera-Length Subtle Skulls Necklace was even purchased by Axl Rose last year! Guns ‘n Roses may not be in the limelight they once were in, but few rock as hard as Axel.

So, if you’re in search of that perfect gift for Father’s Day which is just less than 4 weeks away, look no further than Ruff&Cut for the best and brightest designs for men that are as sustainable as they are stylish.

Also, stay tuned for details surrounding our upcoming Father’s Day sale!!!!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A little jewelry industry insider information...


What makes Ruff&Cut ethical, you ask?

In the jewelry industry, it is a very daunting task to be ethical. Most diamonds lack any type of transparency, miners are paid the smallest salary, and with the high prices you may be asking yourself just where does the money all go. How could something so tiny cost so much? After all, it comes right out of the Earth.

I used to ask myself the same question. Never one for fine jewelry unless it was given to me as a gift, I usually stuck to the cheaper costume style jewelry that you’d find at h&m. My idea of sustainable was buying second-hand at the flea market. Paying $500+ for a little bracelet? Forget about it! Beyond outrageous, right?

Jewelry casting image courtesy goodlifer.com via google via creativecommons.org
But, then I scored a little gig working in the office of a fresh new jewelry company called Ruff&Cut and I got to learn a little bit more about how the whole operation works. I got to meet the designers and see just how much work goes in to not only coming up with the concept of each design, but of the sketching and model making and working with the metalsmiths. Then the laborous jobs of the jewelry casters who work with all kinds of crazy-looking tools and flames and magnifiers so that they can see the tiny cuttings they have to make to get the detailing on a design just right, like the veins on a leaf pendant or the filagree on a bezel. 

All these things add up, and we haven’t even touched the cost of diamonds and metals surface. Although silver and gold prices were down not too long ago, they’ve recently gone up and will likely continue to rise due to the decreasing value of the dollar. The mining and shipping of diamonds and gems, as we all infamously know, doesn’t come cheap either, and with all the issues surrounding finding a trustworthy source for those precious rocks (think Blood Diamond), you have to pay top dollar most of the time to be sure you’re getting a conflict-free stone.

After all is said and done, then we have to be able to pay a ton of overhead and if the jewelry is selling in a store rather than online, the retailer gets half the profits from whatever they sell. A lot more goes into making and selling jewelry than I ever imagined, and now I’m just left amazed that women mainly only like jewelry because it’s sparkly. After reading this, I hope they get a deeper love and respect.

With the economy as it is, it’s no surprise the industry is suffering, although not as much as you might think. The smaller sustainable jewelry industry- despite getting a lot of media attention –struggles in particularly since there are still a lot of people out there who could care less whether their diamond is conflict-free or not. But, we’re gaining more and more “conscious” minds everyday and the amount of rough diamond engagement rings we’ve sold to young women goes to show this new generation holds a lot of promise.

The point I’m trying to make is that even though that little ring on your finger may not look like much in girth even if it is a lot in appearance, a lot goes into making it, and when you buy an Earth-friendly and socially responsible piece of jewelry, it glitters all the more brightly.

Jessica Pherson has been an integral part of the Ruff&Cut team for nearly three years now, mainly in administration, web maintenance, communications and public relations. She writes all of the posts for this blog and would love to hear from you in the comments!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A look inside Glittering Conscience

The Glittering Conscience store is changing all of the time. We recently took some new pictures of the interior and exterior and would love to share. Enjoy!

GC offers a wide selection of Arm Candy by Nahui Ollin bags, wallets and clutches

The main floor, featuring the jewelry showcase which includes jewelry by Ruff&Cut and Meghan Connolly Haupt

The door where people share their dreams, wishes and support of being green

Store front with sustainably grown bamboo

96 West Houston Street

Window 1

Window 2

Close-up of store front

Interior from back of store

We hope you'll stop by sometime when in search of some eco-friendly shopping for a gift or for yourself, or just to say "hi!". You could even come in to "write your conscience" on the door :)

Some of the brands Glittering Conscience carries:

Featuring products from:

Ruff&Cut
Arm Candy by Nahui Ollin
NatureVsFuture
Iceing on Top
Meghan Connolly Haupt
Klido Jewels
Holstee
C5 company
Kopali Organics
Unearth Malee
Gotham Gear
Surf Monk
Pumpkin Patch Farm
Pamela's Parasols
Africa Moringa
Peconic Bay
Platinum Dirt
The Orr Collection
Marie-Lise Lachapelle Jewelry

We are always acquiring new brands and products, so check back for updates or follow Glittering Conscience on Facebook! You'll find Ruff&Cut there too!





Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Mother's Day Sale and Event Tonight!

It’s that time of the year again…the weather is getting nicer and nicer, the flowers are blooming, and Mother’s Day is almost here!

In honor of one of the most important gift-giving days if the year, R&C is having it’s annual Mother’s Day Sale, this year with 20% off all jewelry!!!

The Petals Pendant in 18k gold with a single, small rough diamond has been popular ever since we first released it in 2008

The Star Earrings in 18k gold accented with rough half-octo diamonds are great for everyday wear, but also perfect for an evening out as well

The Autumn Bracelet features citrine and rutilated quart, centered by a brilliant oro verde quartz in sterling silver

Another new style which has been very popular is the Rachel Ring featuring a collection of pretty pink morganites available in sterling silver and rose gold

In addition to the sale on the website, all R&C jewelry in the Glittering Conscience location is also on sale for the same percentage off, so if you are in the New York or tri-state area, stop on by and see these gorgeous creations in person. 


ENTER CODE MDAY2011 TO RECEIVE THE 20% OFF DISCOUNT!!!

As described in the previous post, tonight Glittering Conscience in conjunction with GothamGear is hosting the Food, Wine and Charity event to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Furthermore, now the non-profit Right-to-Write, which supports supplying education in developing countries, has joined the charitable spirit and hosts will be taking donations of pens and pencils to give to the organization.

We hope you will join us tonight for a charitable shopping event that is sure to be a success! Event starts at 6pm at 96 West Houston St between Thompson and Laguardia in SoHo.