Ever see a necklace paired with an outfit and just have to have it? Or wondered where someone got that pretty pair of earrings they’re wearing? I went through that very adventure of finding the mystery piece I’d seen worn so beautifully when Anthropologie’s Valma Tiered Tank (now $40, above) first appeared. Because oh that lovely necklace! It captivated me for its v-neck pairing perfection.
There was a similar necklace that I thought could be it, but no it was close but not quite. Then, like a breeze, the necklace finally made its debut on Anthro’s site a couple of weeks ago, only to sell out nearly immediately! In fact most of her items have already sold through on Anthro’s site right out from under my nose.
That will never do for this community. I reached out to the talented artist behind the necklace, Rachael Ryen. As her newest fan I wanted to know all about her jewelry line and designs!
Inside, discover what inspires Ms. Ryen’s jewelry line, plus a fabulous special offer just for this community!!
In a way that felt very familiar to me, Ms. Ryen grew up in an artistic family and was playing around with her grandmother’s beads and gemstones at an early age. As a child she created everything from outfits to beaded Christmas ornaments to jewelry. Growing up she dreamed of being a fashion designer or CEO, and who among us doesn’t? After studying business with concentrations in marketing and finance in college, Ms. Ryen worked as an assistant buyer at a Seattle store after school.
About 6 years ago though the jewelry creating bug struck her. She decided to take a beginning jewelry design course and that’s where the Rachael Ryen jewelry line (which lives on her website) was born.
Find out more about the Rachael Ryen line and the designer herself below in our chat!
Q: Where does your jewelry design inspiration come from?
I’m inspired by our customers. The way they wear our jewelry, the looks they create and how they mix and match. I have a very classic take on trends which is where my collections begin.
Q: Are there materials or techniques that you favor?
We only use sterling silver and real gemstones with the same techniques that are used to make fine jewelry. The purpose of my line when I started was to give women quality jewelry at an affordable price. I’m very picky about the materials and manufacturing processes we use to ensure that whatever my customer’s purchase stands up to normal wear and use.
Q: Do you have a favorite current item in your collection?
Our petal ear jackets haven’t left my ears for days. I’m also in love with our new mini wings necklace.
Q: Have you ever passed someone on the street wearing one of your pieces? If so do you say anything to them?
I have! My line has become known in Boston and I’ve seen several women around town wearing my pieces. It definitely makes my day to see someone enjoying something I created. That feeling never gets old.
Q: What is your favorite piece that you’ve ever created, and what made it so special to you?
That would be my engagement ring. It’s a vintage rose cut diamond set in a double pave halo and rose gold. It’s my version of the ever-so-popular halo rings. My now husband new I’d want to design my ring, so he proposed with a beautiful rose gold pave band. It’s very near and dear to my heart. Although engagement rings aren’t a part of my core line, I get so many compliments that it eventually lead to my starting a sub brand focused on custom and bespoke engagement rings.
Q: How did your collaboration with Anthropologie come about?
I met the buyer at a show in LA and she really liked the collection. I’ve really enjoyed working with Anthropologie not only because the line has been successful with their customers, but also because the entire buying team is so wonderful to work with.
Q: What is your career highlight thus far?
Definitely working with Anthropologie. 
Q: Beyond your business, what is a hobby or passion of yours?
My husband and I love to travel. I absolutely love discovering new cultures, food, architecture and people. I’m incredibly lucky that his job affords us the opportunity to see at least 2 new places a year (he travels to conferences and I join him on a few). South Africa is on the list this year which I’ve been dreaming of since I was 15.
Q. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?
This industry is incredibly difficult, but if you have a strong passion for what you do, things have a way of working out.
Q: Who is someone you admire?
I admire anyone I meet in this industry who has the courage to do what they love while being kind to people they meet on their journey.
Q. What do you think makes your collections unique in the industry?
I’d have to say the quality of my pieces.
What I love about Rachael Ryen’s jewelry is that her line hits in a sweet spot for me — much less disposable then much costume jewelry is, yet not nearly as expensive as most fine jewelry is, her pieces instead are beautiful and bright like fine jewelry with a reasonable price point that allow me to invest in multiple pieces.
From her current collection, I’m loving so much! In necklaces, the Teardrop Pave Lariat Necklace in Moonstone, the Hexagon Pave Necklace in Abalone and the Diamond Bar Necklace all have my name written on them! You’ll see me style the Three Stone Bar Necklace in an upcoming OOTD, and for those that missed the Porthole Swing Necklace at Anthropologie, it’s available as the Pave Circle Lariat Necklace on the Rachael Ryen site now!
Other items I love include the Petal Ear Climbers and the Open Triangle Studs, but I could easily list out 10-15 more things I want! Such is the way when a collection really captures my spirit like this one does.
As a warm hello to the community, Rachael Ryen is offering 20% off your RachaelRyen.com purchase! Use the code EA20 at checkout.
This offer is valid for a limited time and may not be combined with other offers. I’m delighted to pass along this offer here, and so happy to share this interview with you. I’ll be using this code on at least a few things I mentioned above…I can see these items as birthday gifts for family members, friends and for some kids I know too! How about you?
