Within the ever-evolving panorama of jewelry design, Ruben Roque stands as a trailblazer, pushing boundaries and redefining trendy masculine expression. With a dedication to sustainability and a particular strategy to design, Roque’s creations seize the essence of individuality whereas embracing technological innovation and historic influences.
You’ve been described as a game-changer within the jewelry design world. What do you imagine units your work aside from conventional jewelry design, and the way do you push boundaries in your creations?
My work stands out on the earth of males’s jewelry as a result of I concentrate on minimalist and trendy designs, incorporating daring colored stones and a variety of shine. I imagine trendy males are on the lookout for extra placing items to boost their fashion, so I goal to present them boldness and class.
Innovation appears to be on the core of your designs. Are you able to share a specific piece or assortment that exemplifies your strategy to mixing trendy methods with conventional craftsmanship?
The gathering that actually put me on the map and continues to face out is my sequence of scapulars representing the zodiac indicators. I took a standard piece, the scapular, and reimagined it utilizing zirconia on one facet and a plate with an engraved signal on the opposite. Every stone corresponds to a particular zodiac signal, giving it deeper which means. It’s a mix of contemporary design, custom, and daring innovation.
In a world the place sustainability is more and more vital, how do you incorporate eco-friendly practices or supplies into your jewelry, and what position do you suppose innovation performs in selling sustainability within the trade?
Sustainability is integral to my course of. In jewelry, the idea of reuse is vital — we are able to at all times soften down a used piece and remold it into one thing new. This makes the complete course of far more sustainable. The power to reuse treasured metals permits for minimal waste, which is a important consideration for me.
Your work is thought for its daring use of supplies and types. How do you supply your supplies, and what conjures up your selection of gem stones, metals, and textures?
I solely work with premium supplies, particularly 925 silver and 19.2K gold. All items are designed and crafted by me. My inspiration usually comes from classic designs, which I reinterpret to make them bolder, brisker, and extra trendy.
Expertise is altering how merchandise are designed and produced. How have you ever integrated digital instruments, 3D printing, or different progressive applied sciences into your jewellery-making course of?
After I first began, all of my items have been made by hand. At this time, nevertheless, I exploit a 3D resin printer. I design the piece on the pc, then ship it to the printer. This permits me to create a number of molds without delay, making the method sooner and extra environment friendly. Expertise has actually streamlined the work, however I nonetheless guarantee each bit retains its distinctive, handcrafted essence.
Do you suppose there’s a specific cultural or creative motion that has influenced your design philosophy, particularly contemplating your connection to Portuguese heritage and international influences?
Sure, lots of my designs are impressed by historic items from Portugal, which I then modernise. I take parts of conventional Portuguese artwork and craft, including my very own twist to make them distinctive and up to date. This fusion of heritage and modernity is on the core of my philosophy.
Jewelry is deeply private and emotional for many individuals. How do you strategy creating customized items that seize the individuality of your purchasers, whereas sustaining your distinctive design identification?
Creating personalised items is certainly one of my favourite facets of the work. I make sure that to have deep conversations with my purchasers to know their tastes and personalities. From there, I design one thing that resonates with them whereas staying true to my model’s identification. It’s at all times a problem to strike that steadiness, nevertheless it’s extremely rewarding.
As a pacesetter within the up to date jewelry scene, how do you see the way forward for jewelry design evolving within the subsequent 5 to 10 years, notably when it comes to craftsmanship, supplies, and client calls for?
I imagine males’s jewelry will proceed to evolve quickly. At this time, males are extra prepared to spend money on distinctive, high-quality items. Over the subsequent 10 years, I envision a rising variety of specialists targeted solely on creating luxurious jewellery for males, with an emphasis on each innovation and private fashion.
What challenges have you ever confronted as an innovator in a standard trade, and the way do you overcome the resistance to vary that always comes with pushing boundaries?
After I began my model 5 years in the past, it was troublesome to introduce such trendy, luxurious items into the lads’s market, as most males have been accustomed to extra conventional, simplistic designs. However I stayed targeted on my imaginative and prescient, remaining resilient regardless of the challenges. Over time, my designs have gained traction, and in the present day, males are embracing the daring, trendy items I supply.
Lastly, wanting again in your profession, is there one second or piece that you simply think about a turning level, or a design that basically outlined your signature fashion as an artist?
Completely. The gathering of zodiac scapulars was a turning level for me. 4 years on, it stays my best-seller and has really outlined my model. It’s a set I plan to maintain as a cornerstone of my work for a few years to come back.
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