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Ruben Manuel
I started my jewelry design business in 2005. Working full time in the high tech industry and doing jewelry shows and fund raisers on the weekends. I've grown it steadily focusing primarily on custom designs for local clientele. I've shown my jewelry in both Vail and Santa Fe.
Currently, I am represented by local galleries in Colorado. My esthetic is colorfully bold, with simple, straight forward lines. I work primarily in gold and sterling silver, but my designs can be articulated in any metal my customer desires. I design for both men and woman. My client is discriminating, knowledgeable, youthful or maybe just young at heart. They don't mind being the center of attention and in some circumstances crave it. They are responsible and generous. They respond to the fact that certain purchases result in donations to AIDS Research, Breast Cancer Awareness or to Support Our Troops. They want jewelry that is colorful, distinctive, and cleverly designed. Pendants worn as pins or rings that can be worn four different ways with a simple twist.
Testimonials
"Ruben has taken out-of-date pieces inherited from family members and turned them into my favorite pieces! They are updated and inspired through his artistic design and he honors the stone before him. Whenever I wear a “Ruben” I receive so many compliments because they do not look like anyone else’s work. Ruben has the gift of seeing the inspired possible out of the impossible and made the entire process from conception to delivery such a creative and positive experience. I love his work and if I could, l would own only Ruben’s designs."
- Susan S.
"Quality and uniqueness with aplomb.” “Like no other!” “A ring that becomes a necklace Yes!”
- Dennis F.
"A lot of his pieces are so unique that they are a statement piece. They’re not something you’d see at any other jewelry store, and not like hundreds made on the assembly line.”
- Mari S.
Design Process
For custom work I am always inspired by my client. I ask them to bring a favorite piece of jewelry to our initial consultation. This gives me an idea of their esthetic. Then I want to know how they intend to wear the new piece...everyday or special occasion, is it for fun or will it become a future heirloom? Then I want to know about them personally. Likes/dislikes. “Where do you vacation?” This all provides me with the details that allow me to go off and sketch several ideas based on this initial meeting.
If I’m designing a collection for a store or gallery then I rely on my own instinct. Is it an eclectic gallery where more colorful and perhaps avant-garde designs would sell, or is it a salon-type environment where bridal or VVS diamond jewelry would be more appropriate. In any case my designs are bold, unique, and sellable.