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Shop Small Businesses: Gai Russo Jewelry

November 17, 2020 • 6 Comments

layering-necklaces

I purchased my first Gai Russo necklace a number of years ago. I loved it so much I bought a few pieces after-another necklace or two, earrings, you get the idea. The best part about what I bought is that I still wear them on repeat today. To me that’s a testament to the designer. Gai truly creates quality pieces that stand the test of time. She says she want to create jewelry people will want to wear every day, and I do!

Gai-Russo-earrings
Vintage lucite pink peony earrings with labradorite vintage crystal

How long have you been creating jewelry?

Since I first drew a peace ☮️ sign necklace on my pink rabbit stuffed animal, 1972? maybe?

What first led you in the direction of jewelry making?

How did you learn the craft?

I was originally enrolled as a fashion student at Kent (State University) but I didn’t want to learn to sew, so my friend, that had taken a jewelry class said “Try it”, so I did. I loved it but I refused to live in a dorm which is what Kent required so I moved and graduated in jewelry metals at University of Oregon in Eugene. I was the last graduate under the tutelage of Max Nixon, he made divine work out of scrap pieces of copper brass glass. He taught me the practice of making the most use out of a piece of metal, be it wire or sheet.

Gai-Russo-jewelry
Circle necklace with rock crystal gold fill and sterling

What are your favorite materials to work with?

Love sterling, copper, brass, gold, as my main stay, sourced sustainably. It’s exciting to use sustainably sourced stones that bring messages from the earth to the wearer but I also have a great affinity for old stock lucite and it’s polar opposite sustainably sourced wood.

Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve created and why is it your favorite?

I’d have to say my aromatic jewelry as my husband and I designed and created these together, he patented the idea and we have made 20,000 pieces by hand since 1999.

lariat-necklace
Aromatic lariat with rose quartz gold fill and sterling
aromatic-jewelry
Relax oil aromatic refill

How do you use the aromatic lariat?

The lariat works like this: Open the vial of Relax oil, apply a drop or two to each side of the orb, in each of the ventilation holes. Drape the chain around the neck, drop the orb through the gold fill circle, adjust the length as needed.

I wear my lariat like a choker with the gold fill circle high around my neck and the orb hangs long, but you can change this depending on how you prefer the length.

Bring the orb up to the nose and take a deep inhalation filling up the front and back of the lungs, exhale deeply. Repeat as needed.

Your pieces are so unique, what inspires your creativity when designing a new piece of jewelry?

I’d say my clients and my nieces. I’m trying to keep up with their poetic energies and make jewelry they want to wear everyday.

Everyday I look out onto the trees and nature who presents textures, colors, and silhouettes that are deeply inspiring. Actually they are gifts!

What has been the most important jewelry making skill you’ve learned and why?

Be your authentic self, it takes time to find that out so keep at it daily, even if it’s just a quick outline of what you want to do…a few lines in a notebook or a solid 10 hour day…they all matter and come together to create your work.

necklace-by-Gai-Russo
V necklace sterling rose gold fill and black spinel

What does a typical day look like for you as a jewelry designer?

Wake up, say a few affirmations, dry brush, foam roll with the Lauren Roxburgh Aligned Life Studio then off for water, coffee, smoothie…fuel your mind and body first!

Then sit down, draw a few ideas, write down a few notes and get to work.

Where do you sell your jewelry?

Here’s a few:

  • Online
  • Cleveland Museum of Art
  • Contemporary Art Center Cincinnati
  • SHED Boutique and Wellness
  • Finestra Gallery
  • Kilgore Trout
  • Still Point Gallery
swarovski-crystal
Vintage lucite violet flower earrings with chalcedony Swarovski pearl and vintage crystal

Gai’s designs are fun and timeless. I’m sure you have someone on your holiday list who would love her handmade jewelry, or maybe a gift for yourself!

v-necklace-by-Gai-Russo

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Comments

  1. Susie Zimmer says

    November 17, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    I don’t go a day without Gai! I wear a piece of jewelry everyday that was created and made by my dear friend Gai. I have represented her spirit and talent for years by hosting small craft and jewelry shows out of my home. Don’t miss out for not wearing Gai!

    Reply
    • michele says

      November 18, 2020 at 4:49 am

      Hi Susie, Gai is a true talent and such a special human! Her kindness and love come through in her designs and in her being. How lucky you are to have her as your dear friend! And she you! Thanks for sharing and reading. xo, Michele

      Reply
  2. Becca says

    November 18, 2020 at 9:00 am

    Thanks for sharing about Gai! Her jewelry is exactly what I’ve been looking for!

    Reply
    • michele says

      November 18, 2020 at 3:17 pm

      Yay! Her work is beautiful-you’ll love everything! Thanks for reading Becca. xo, Michele

      Reply
  3. Hilda Smith says

    November 19, 2020 at 8:01 am

    Wow Gai’s designs are certainly unique and beautiful. I also love how you have displayed them. That aromatic lariat is so unusual.

    Reply
    • michele says

      November 19, 2020 at 7:41 pm

      Thanks Hilda. Gai is so talented! It was fun figuring out fun ways to display them. The aromatic lariat is really a cool piece and something Gai is known for. Thanks for reading xo, Michele

      Reply

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About Diary of a Bored Housewife

Hi! I’m Michele, a 60 year old (wow that sounds old!! 😂) who, up until a few years ago, lived with my husband, four kids and two yellow labs. Now it’s just me, my husband and the dogs. Read More

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