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About RRJ
Our Origins
My love for vintage jewelry began about fifteen years in 2008, when I was cleaning out the home of my beloved Aunt Beatrice. I began finding boxes of vintage and antique jewelry in her attic, closets, and garage, and from that day forward—as dramatic as it sounds-- my life was changed forever.
The day I began finding jewelry from the1940’s,50’s and 60’s in Aunt Bea’s closets, marked the beginning of the “rest of my life.” Because, from then on, I have been in love with rhinestones, vintage beads, pearls, brooches, and opera-length necklaces. I have lived for crystal chokers, sterling silver bracelets, and old, gold-filled rings. It was on that day that I discovered that there was a whole world out there—from Europe to Mexico to Asia and back to our own fifty states—that created, wore, and preserved magnificent, well-made costume and fine jewelry that sparkled like nothing I had ever seen before! I began to study the designers of these gorgeous pieces—from Miriam Haskell to Monet to Hobe. After that, I began searching for,collecting designer jewelry pieces—a hobby I have been passionate about for years now!
Many of my pieces are original designer vintage; some are pieces that I have made by combining or repurposing vintage elements to make something that is reminiscent of days gone by, but may be more comfortable, practical, and flattering than its elder predecessor.
About Ruby
I am a retired criminal investigator woman, who has been buying, selling, and making jewelry since that fateful day twenty years ago in Aunt Beatrice’s dusty (but fascinating) home! I love nothing better than sitting in front of a good Netflix series, making or reworking jewelry. I also enjoy (at least I did until Coronavirus aggressively and cruelly pushed its way into our lives) selling my wares at the San Diego Vintage Flea Market and other local events. I miss those days -- meeting new people, eating lunch in the sun, and helping people find what makes them sparkle! To be honest, I don’t much miss putting up the canopy, lugging boxes, and putting my wares away at the end of a long day. But no passion is perfect, and hopefully, we’ll be back to spending time at these events soon! In the meantime, I figured, I can share my love of vintage jewelry online, on the computer and on the phone by way of technology.
Of late, I have also been enjoying sewing at home, more specifically, making masks out of the prettiest fabrics I can find, so that as many as possible can have the masks they need.
Read more about Red Ruby’s Mask Project in that section of my website!
You might be asking yourself, “Why should I worry about wearing jewelry now, of all times, when the only place I go is to the grocery store and to take out the trash?”
There are a couple reasons I can think of.
For starters, let’s face it: we women want to look good, even if no one is looking. (That’s why I just ordered a palette of glitter eye shadow I can’t wait to tear into!). And if you have a partner, you probably still want to look your best. Am I right?
Wearing jewelry makes you feel good when you look in the mirror, so that-- in spite of everything that’s going on in the world—you’re literally sparkling! Wearing beautiful jewelry makes us feel optimistic, lighter, happier somehow. At least it does me.
Another reason, to wear jewelry, or at least to buy it now, is that you will want to start preparing—both mentally and actually-- for the gradual reopening of our County and State. Carefully and responsibly, we want to start the process of getting back to some semblance of normal! This summer will hopefully be dotted with small outdoor evening get-togethers (with social distancing the order of the day) and we will want to be dressed for the occasion!
By the way, prices at Red Ruby Jewelry are even more wonderful than usual now, so you will definitely want to take a look at our online catalog—and get, as they say, while the getting’ is good!