"Fascinated by the textures I encounter on a daily basis, I draw much of my inspiration from objects that are commonly overlooked, such as the patterns I see in pits in the sidewalk, the wood grain on a coffee table, the lines in my hands or fallen leaves. Largely inspired by the combination of nature in urban settings, my work explores the play between delicate objects and industrial backdrop. I have found that jewelry is the perfect medium through which to capture the beauty of the unexpected."
Gina Rios's love of painting and drawing has a strong presence in her jewelry designs. Original ink drawings are used to etch different textures into the metal used in her current collection. This process ensures that no two pieces are exactly alike, so every wearer can take pride in owning something truly original. Each piece is crafted from sterling silver, copper, brass, or a combination of the three, with close attention to how the metal will change over time. Many of the pieces darken naturally with wear, creating a rich patina that compliments the aesthetic of the design.
Gina Rios is an artist based out of Oakland California. Her love of jewelry making started at a very early age. At six she made her first necklace with big wooden beads, and much of her childhood was spent, painting, drawing and crafting. Gina studied psychology and art at Lewis and Clark College in Portland Oregon, where she was inspired by the blossoming community of local artists and crafters. After moving back to the Bay Area Gina began taking classes at Scintillant Studio in San Francisco’s Mission district where she fell in love with metal, which has been her preferred medium ever since. Gina now designs and creates in her small home studio.