COURTESY ROBYN RHODES Hendrika wears a Lariat & Necklace combination called the Jamie ($248) that is scattered with garnet stones and antique brass leaf. CLICK FOR LARGE |
|
Stars' jewelry designer started small
ROBYN RHODES' SUMMER TRUNK SHOW
» Place: Cottage by the Sea, Ward Warehouse
» Time: noon to 7 p.m. tomorrow through Sunday
» Call: 591-9811
» On the Net RobynRhodes.com
|
Jessica Alba, Penelope Cruz, Paula Abdul and Eva Longoria may be sporting jewelry from the Robyn Rhodes collection, but Rhodes doesn't attribute her success to the superstars. She credits a small group of women from Riverside, Calif., where she first showed her pieces.
"It was almost like a Tupperware party. I showed my jewelry to strangers in someone's home. I made $500 in a few hours," she said. "Since then, I feel at home ... like this is what I'm supposed to be doing."
COURTESY ROBYN RHODES Lisette earrings ($160) are 14K gold-filled hoops with citrine drops and gold pearls on 14K gold-filled chains. CLICK FOR LARGE |
|
Rhodes started making jewelry after her six-year career in the movie and television industry came to a halt after 9/11. Her contacts in show business have helped make her jewelry the exclusive line on HBO's comedy series "Entourage."
"I dabbled with jewelry to keep me sane," she said. Inspired by a $20 piece of jewelry her aunt received for her birthday -- a necklace made with glass wrapped in heavy gauge wire -- Rhodes decided she give the jewelry business a try.
"I started giving glass pendant necklaces as gifts. I have friends in the movie industry and everything evolved through word of mouth," she said. "I haven't looked back. I've traveled all over the place, been on TV and in magazines. I knew in my heart that I was an artist."
Rhodes' collection includes earrings, lariats, necklaces, bracelets and rings. All pieces are made with 14-karat gold or sterling silver. Currently, she is working on a maternity line.
COURTESY ROBYN RHODES The Felice ($175) is 14K gold-filled handwired earring with coral strands. CLICK FOR LARGE |
|
"Woman retain water in their hands and can't wear rings," she said. "I'm working on customized rings and adjustable bracelets."
Rhodes will show her "2007 Heart Collection," among other pieces, at Cottage by the Sea at Ward Warehouse, from noon to 7 p.m. tomorrow through Sunday.
Her recent pieces are more vintage-inspired. Each piece has an adjustable chain and clasp that allow for customization.
COURTESY ROBYN RHODES The Stephanie earrings ($83), use antique brass leaf, a teal jade drop and 14K gold-filled chains. CLICK FOR LARGE |
|
"I'm trying to create wearable, everyday pieces," she said. "Everything is so bling bling today. I wanted to create something that was different, but not flashy. I don't want it sitting in someone's jewelry box."
Rhodes often incorporates neutral colored stones, including turquoise, aquamarine, coral, garnet, amethyst, citrine and a variety of quartz into her designs.
Having settled into this second career, Rhodes doesn't plan to switch again anytime soon.
"It's been an absolute roller-coaster ride, and passion has kept me going," she said. "I'm always asked to do the craziest things. My top two requests are to establish a men's line and doggie jewelry."
COURTESY ROBYN RHODES The Jillian ($75) incorporates a cream pearl and chains dangling from its hoops. CLICK FOR LARGE |
|