Jennifer Rutheny
Raised in Connecticut, Rutheny began honing her jewelry-making skills at sixteen, during an apprenticeship with a well-known, local jeweler. She went on to study art at Scuola Lorenzo De' Medici in Florence, Italy, and continued to gravitate towards her passion: creating works of art inspired by nature. This love of nature and adventure brought her to the Galapagos Islands as a teacher for National Geographic. Throughout her career, Rutheny also worked as a jeweler/designer for Estée Lauder, Anne Klein, and David Yurman and was commissioned to carve wildlife for National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. In 2005, Jennifer opened her first retail store named Rutheny Jewelry in beautiful Croton-on-Hudson, NY, and has opened two other New York retail spaces in Tarrytown (2017) and on the Upper West Side of New York City (2021).
The Natural Process
Inspiration from Nature
Jennifer finds her inspiration during her walks along the Hudson river and her rambles through the deep woods. In these moments, her soul finds ease, allowing her to fully connect with nature. She notices intricate details, shapes and forms that seem destined to adorn the human body. She observes how curves and contours in nature mirror those of the body, and she is drawn to the rich textures she encounters. Eager to carve them and share their beauty with the world.
From Teacher to Sculptor
Jennifer always knew she would be an artist, but like many, she chose a practical path. She studied art education, and became an art teacher. She found joy in guiding her students, but one summer, she discovered wax carving. The moment she pressed a tool into wax she felt an electric connection. The process was unlike anything she had ever experienced- a delicate balance between control and surrender.
She quickly became obsessed. She would spend hours studying nature, collecting leaves, flowers, textures and then painstakingly carving them into wax. Her goal wasn't simply to mimic nature it was to re-create it with reverence, as if she were playing God. Every curve and texture had to be perfect, just as nature designed it. The more she carved the more she felt as though she was participating in something far greater than herself.
As the years passed, wax carving consumed her thoughts filled her sketchbooks and eventually it demanded her full attention. She stepped away from the classroom and embraced her new life as a sculptor. Today Jennifer's work is a testament to her devotion to nature and the art of creation. Each piece carries a story of the natural world. She no longer teaches art, she lives it.
Lost Wax Process
Once Jennifer is fully satisfied with her wax carving, it undergoes the intricate process of casting it into metal. This begins with the creation of a sprue, which connects the wax model to a base. The piece is then placed into a crucible where it is encased in a specialized investment material similar to plaster. Once the investment hardens, the entire mold is placed in a kiln where the wax is melted away, leaving behind a perfect negative space- this technique is known as the lost wax process. Finally, molten metal is forced into the cavity using centrifugal or vacuum pressure capturing every delicate detail of Jennifer's original carving and bringing her vision to life in metal.
From Sculpture to Precious Piece
Jennifer's jewelry making process begins with sculpture, not just in any sculpture but intricate three-dimensional forms. Crafted in the round, unlike flat relief sculptures, her initial creations are fully dimensional capturing depth and complexity from every angle. These original sculptures serve at as the foundational blueprint for her exquisite jewelry. Once the initial sculpture is complete it is carefully cast in either sterling silver or 18 karat gold, transforming the original form into a precious metal canvas. This is where the magic of Jennifer's craft begins. Working alongside her small dedicated team of Jewelers in the Hudson Valley, she embarks on a meticulous finishing process that elevates each piece into a work of art. The studio comes alive with the sound of Dremels and the precise movement of files. Hundreds of specialized tools-many no larger than a pin-are deployed with surgical precision. No surface is left untouched. Textures are etched, engravings are carved and gemstones are carefully set, creating layers of intricate detail that tell a story of craftsmanship and creativity. Each tool is an extension of the artist's vision, each movement a deliberate stroke that transforms raw metal into a piece of wearable sculpture.
Growing Connections
As Jennifer's collection of nature inspired designs grew, people began to take notice. Drawn to the natural elegance of her work, they sought her out to create custom pieces that spoke to their own connection with nature. Overtime, Jennifer became known as a premier custom jewelry designer, carving exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrated the beauty of the natural world. For her, these collaborations are more than just commissions; they are meaningful connections, some of the most treasured moments of her career.