Meet the Designer: Sandy Rubin

Sandy Rubin's jewelry is both inspired by the Art Deco style of the 20th century and retro futurism. We sat down with Sandy to discuss leaving the corporate world behind, learning by saying yes to every challenge that presents itself, and finally focusing in on a refined, balanced process.

Shop the Sandy Rubin Trunk Show here.

How did you get started making jewelry?

I had picked up some basic jewelry crafting over the years and when I moved to NYC, I was trying to figure out my career path. Jewelry was a thing I did on the side to help keep me balanced while I got my footing in the corporate world.

Did you always know you wanted to be a designer?

I had no clue what I wanted. I'm not sure when it happened but jewelry quietly became my driving force, you know, the thing that was right under my nose the whole time but I was too focused on proving myself in the corporate world to see it.

How long have you been in the trade?

I made my very first engagement ring when I was approached by my best friend's now husband (which I fully take credit for) back in 2011. It was terrifying committing to something so important without having had the experience of actually doing it. That was it for me.

What does your business look like now, versus when you started?

When I started, I would take any commission I could and trust that I would figure it out. I was hooked on the thrill of the challenge. My business model was say "yes" to anything that came my way. Which is how I ended up working all across the industry in NYC and found myself in too many anecdotal situations to count. Now, we have a really solid foundation and structure which has taken over a decade to hone in on and refine. Every aspect of our business flows like water and it feels incredible, which definitely helps me sleep at night.

What’s the most challenging part about being a jewelry designer?

I think it would be when working with a custom/bespoke client and convincing someone who doesn't identify with being creative, that they can still create and most probably from an analytical approach.

That being said, it's so fun when a customer sees the end result of a piece they co-designed and is floored that they helped to make that happen.

What’s your favorite part about being a jewelry designer?

Oh gosh, so many things. I love creating jewelry that holds so much meaning for and takes on a life of its own. I love the challenges and engineering that goes into design and how it actually bends my brain sometimes.

I've got to say, the absolute best part would be when someone really connects with one of our treasures. As an artist, there is so much meaning embedded in each piece that it is so humbling.

Who is another jewelry designer that you admire/do you have a mentor in the jewelry industry?

I've been lucky to have several over the years, all of which I am still very close with. Namely, Claire Kinder, Melanie from ManiaMania, Nancy Kraskin, and the list goes on.

Do trends in the industry affect the way you design a new collection?

I think it's always great to be aware of trends as the ebb and flow of fashion is really interesting. However, when designing, I aim to create jewelry that feels timeless, as timeless transcends all trends.