JOURNAL
Nicki from Nicki Pilates
Nicki is one of the gorgeous souls in our RUUSK community who exudes warmth and positivity with every word she writes. Owning and starting a pilates studio, Nicki Pilates in Albion Park, she has created a welcoming, safe and very happy space. So it was with great pleasure when Nicki asked us to create a Mini Stellar, Shimmer Thin Organic, Hand Carved Cuff & Small Signet over the last year as she set up her new studio. And we are so excited to share Nicki's special pieces and new creative venture with you all. Name:Nicki Location:Illawarra NSW Profession/ Business / Passion / Creative Outlet:Pilates Instructor Nicki's Pilates Studio Star sign:Cancer & very much a Cancerian Quote/words to live by:Find beauty in everything Favourite places to visit:Kirra, QLD (my go to home away from home) Nicki's Hand Carved Cuff Describe your typical day:Getting woken up by some hungry monsters (my children), pilates classes in the AM, lunch and a walk or nap, pilates classes in the PM. I am fortunate enough to have my husband home during the day to be daddy daycare whilst I assist others in their feel good movement. How would you best describe your approach to health and fitness?I have found being intuitive to my bodies responses. Tired/rest, hungry/eat, anxious/breath. It’s so important to give ourselves a good balance and not to deprive ourselves of anything. Nicki's Mini Stellar Solitaire & Shimmer Thin Organic In establishing Nicki Pilates, what has been your greatest takeaway or realisation? And what have you been most grateful for in this process?Being a mum to four children, I'm quite often asked how I find the time to run a pilates studio and instruct classes? If you are passionate about something, it's not a question about finding the time. It just happens. I am most grateful for the community of people I have met in this process. It’s been a very humbling experience and I am so grateful for everyone in my life. Advice you would give to your younger self:Nicki, you will experience everything in life. The highs and lows are what will make you grow into the amazing woman you will become. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Be kind, gentle and try not to resist life’s lessons, they happen for a reason. If you are in Albion Park and looking for a Pilates Class, please pop into Nicki's studio and tell her we say hi! You can find all the details about her studio here Did you know? You can customise any of our pieces with your choice of stone, stone setting & stone placement! Contact us to discuss all the beautiful details of your unique, handmade heirloom.
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Tania's Tiny True North Necklace for her daughter Noa
We bring you a story close to our heart today, of our beautiful founder Tania who created a very special necklace to hold onto for her daughter Noa. We watched Tania's pregnant belly grow in the studio and are here now as she makes her way into the studio with sweet little baby Noa who is the happiest, sweetest soul.
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Bonnie's Crescent Moon Necklace
One of the joys at RUUSK is moving through the process with you to create your special heirloom pieces and seeing how our clients bring meaning to the pieces they receive. We are thrilled to share with you lovely Bonnie, and her Crescent Moon Necklace from our Celestial Necklace collection that was lovingly gifted to her and which she wore on her wedding day. We know that you were surprised with two RUUSK pieces on your special day, can you tell us a bit about them?I was very spoilt, my Mum gifted me a gold bracelet with a heart pendant, with a beautiful inscription on the inside. My sister, sister in law and cousin gifted me my beautiful Crescent Moon Necklace. What did it mean to you to have the Crescent Moon to wear close to your heart during such a meaningful life moment?The girls knew I adored RUUSK pieces, to have a custom piece made especially for my wedding day was one thing, but my beautiful cousin also used a portion of her inheritance money from our beloved nana who had recently passed. I felt like I was wearing a piece of her close to my heart. There are so many reasons why I cherish this piece so much. What did you love most about your wedding?I was always most excited for that moment our song began playing, and Brad saw me walking down the aisle for the first time. Reality didn’t disappoint, I will never forget the way he looked at me. A close second was the preparation with my girls and family, there was dancing, laughing and crying. So much love! We've had the pleasure of creating pieces for you, your sister and your Mum. What's a favourite memory you have of the three of you together?Yes! All three of us wear our Moon and Stars Ring every single day. We are so close, and now my sister and I have had our babies close together. We have spent many, many days at mums with all of our babies playing and they are really precious times. I think this would have to be my favourite chapter for the three of us! My mum is a beautiful ‘Mimi’ to her grand babies. What excites you most about this next chapter of life? Brad and I had our two beautiful boys before we were married, so I suspected life after the wedding wouldn’t change much, but there is something very special about becoming a wife. Somehow we feel closer and more complete, although our family isn’t quite whole yet and so I look forward to building our dream home together and filling it with more babies! Photographer: Pretty Flamingo Photography @prettyflamingophotography Wedding dress designer: Kyha Studios @kyhastudios @chosenbykyha Hair: Del and May Hair @delandmay_hairstudio Makeup: My Makeup Chair @mymakeupchair_Flowers: Refined Bloom Co @therefinedbloomcoCelebrant: Bonnie's Dad! Did you know? You can customise many of our pieces with your choice and number of stones. Shop and customise your necklaces here or contact us to talk about creating your unique, handmade heirloom.
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Craig's Hand Engraved Signet Ring
We are excited to share with you this special surprise piece that was thoughtfully personalised for Craig's 50th Birthday. A modern heirloom that will be treasured forever. How did you feel when you received your special Signet?I felt loved and appreciated as it was a surprise gift for a milestone birthday, symbolising a time in my life that I’ve been long waiting for. I felt like I’d received a gift that I will have for a lifetime. Craig's Classic Signet Ring with Hand Engraved Initial on the face Your ring has some special details, can you tell us about the significance of these?My ring has my last initial on the face, for everyone to see. On the inside of the band are two diamonds representing my children. The diamonds are both symbolic of their birthstone and the great joy they bring to my life. My Dream Girl, the giver of this gift, is hand engraved under the face of the Signet, touching my heart through my skin. Craig's ring has a personalised hand engraved message on the inside along with two flush-set diamonds How do you feel when you look down at your ring?I feel proud to be the custodian of such a unique piece of jewellery that has been personalised just for me. And I look forward to the compliments I receive when I wear it. What does this ring mean to you?It represents the people that I love and is a physical reminder of them every time I look at my hand. Did you know? You can customise many of our pieces with your choice and number of stones. Shop and customise your Signet ring here or contact us to talk about creating your unique, handmade heirloom.
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Charlotte's Mini Stellar & Diamond Supernova
Charlotte and Tim had a special set designed to honour the birth of their first son, Coen. When we met up to design her piece, Charlotte had full intentions of commissioning one ring, but left with two, to honour her story. We are truly thrilled to be sharing Charlotte's story with you. Tell us about your special pieces and how they relate to your family? Tim and I had our special pieces designed and crafted by Tania to honour and celebrate the arrival of our first son Coen. The road to Coen for us, was a long one. I shared with my Mother In law that we were designing a piece and she decided to gift us a special diamond from Coen's Pappa in heaven. In the meeting I had full intentions of commissioning one ring, but we left with two because they told the story and honoured each member of our story most accurately. "There is no best mum, but to your baby, you are the best." How did you feel when you saw your rings for the very first time? I was in shock to be honest, I had complete faith in Tania and her craft, but I don't think I prepared myself for just how above my hopes and expectations they were. The fact that I got to go home with these pieces made me smile from ear to ear. To me these rings tell a story, and Tania was able to hear the heart and emotion behind my desire for these pieces. There are elements of the design to the unknowing eye that would just look like pretty rings, but the way my Supernova ring sits above my Mini Stellar ring speaks to me in ways I find hard to articulate. That even through the darkest of nights, the quiet and loneliness and private nighttime battles the sun will always eventually rise. There is always a new day, with new hope and possibilities. So yeah.... I loved them! I often catch myself just staring at them still to this day! Charlotte's Mini Stellar Ring with her Supernova Diamond Ring What is a favourite memory you have of Coen? As a family we have a van and take it on lots of adventures, the first time we journeyed out together I will never forget. We slept in the back together, I remember hearing ocean waves crashing on the rocks, holding his hand, I could feel his quiet breathing gently close to my face, and the gentleness of this forming relationship. My husband Tim whispered to me, 'Is this even real'. One of those pinch me weekends, waking at sunrise, sipping coffee to coffee, our first family Hike; 11km through the Royal National Park and clinking glasses of wine together as Coen slept at sunset. What knowledge and life lessons would you like to pass down to your son? Smiling is underrated and that there is a lot to think about, but nothing to worry about. What words of wisdom do you think would be helpful for other new Mums? There is no best mum, but to your baby, you are the best; perfectly capable, loving, nurturing and a home. Never forget that you are that home to them, where they can dwell in safety. Look after yourself, your passions, the words you say, the meditations of your heart, the company you keep. And like a home, there are many rooms in need of care, love and attention. Also let others cook for you and prepare meals haha… if you can avoid having to cook or even choose what you eat for the first 2 weeks it is a game changer! Did you know? You can customise many of our pieces with your choice and number of stones. Shop and customise your special piece here or contact us to talk about creating your unique, handmade heirloom.
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Sommer's Tiny Set of Hearts Necklace
Sommer contacted us when she was pregnant with her second child with the idea to create a beautiful piece to celebrate her two precious children. When Valentine was born, we created Sommer's personalised set of hearts. A red ruby for Valentine and a diamond for her first son Nico. Both were laser engraved with her son's initials. Tiny heirlooms to keep her boys forever close to her heart. We are delighted to share Sommer’s gorgeous story with you. Tell us about your special piece and how it is linked to Nico and Valentine? Hearts have long been a significant symbol for me, anatomical or graphic, particularly when it comes to jewellery. When I saw your Tiny Hearts Necklace I knew immediately it was the piece to commemorate the birth of my second son. Being a set of two hearts meant there could be one for each of my boys, always together, always close to my heart. That made it extra perfect. I chose a diamond and ruby as both represent love, in different ways. Two boys, very different but equally loved. How did you feel when you saw your necklace for the first time? It doesn't always happen that you purchase something online and when it arrives it's even better than you expected! I put it straight on and have never taken it off. What is a favourite memory you have of you and your boys? When we brought Valentine home from hospital Nico was just bursting with happiness. He wanted to hold him straight away and tell him he loved him. When Val cried Nico looked at me and said 'Mumma, I think he wants some milk'. A total pro from the start! What knowledge and life lessons would you like to pass down to your sons? I would just like for my sons to be happy, it's that simple. I want them to go into adult life as stable, healthy and happy as possible. They'll achieve whatever they want if they have that. Did you know? You can customise many of our pieces with your choice and number of stones. Shop and customise your special piece here or contact us to talk about creating your unique, handmade heirloom.
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Jo's Mama & Baby Heart Necklace & New Moon Ring
Losing her beautiful mum, Jennifer, to cancer last year, Jo contacted RUUSK to create some very special pieces in her honour. Entering her first Christmas without her beloved Mum, Jo wanted a Mama & Baby Heart Necklace to keep close to her heart, always reminding and celebrating that she will forever be her Mum's baby. Pairing her necklace with a New Moon Ring, a modern heirloom eventually to be passed to her daughter Tully, each features an centred Emerald, Jennifers birthstone. We are absolutely honoured to be sharing Jo's heart-warming story to celebrate her hero, her very wonderful Mum. How are your very special pieces linked to your Mum? My beautiful mum passed away from cancer on 2.11.2020. It was the day my heart broke and my world stopped. Mum had left me a gorgeous ring of hers, but also generously and very thoughtfully left me some money to create my own pieces in memory of her and to hand down to my own children. I purchased two amazing pieces from the very talented RUUSK team. I chose the emerald as the main feature in both because it’s mums birthstone. The diamonds are my birthstone. How did you feel when you saw your necklace and ring for the first time? The first piece to arrive was my Mama and Baby Heart Pendant. I cried with joy as I admired my gorgeous piece that, once around my neck, gave me such a level of great comfort. It truly is gorgeous beyond words. At night when I’m drifting off to sleep I hold both hearts in one hand and think of beautiful memories of my mum and hope that I meet her in my dreams that night. Just when I thought I wouldn’t see anything more beautiful my New Moon Ring arrived. My daughter Tully (11) and I opened it together in mums special place so she could be there too. It was very emotional. My daughter and I cried together as we admired the truly stunning ring that would one day be passed down to her. Both these pieces give me great comfort on days I’m really struggling with the loss of my mum. What is a favourite memory you have of you and your mum? I have two great memories of mum and I. The first would be having her there for the birth of my children, her grandchildren, which were her pride and joy. She was so proud of them all. The second would be having mum walk me down the aisle with my Dad. My wedding day was one of the greatest days of my life with my most favourite people there to celebrate with. What is the most important lesson your mum has taught you? And what lessons from your mum would you like to pass down to your daughter? My mum has been the greatest teacher I’ve ever had. Forgiveness is a hard thing to do but my mum taught me how to do it. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life and my mum was always the first to forgive. She taught me to support those I love through good times, bad times, ups and downs. She taught me the importance of family and sharing family time. Christmas was always mums favourite time of year which made it ours as well. We just had our first Christmas without mum but I think she would have been proud of the day we put together under such sad circumstances. All of these values I hope to pass on to my own children and plenty more that mum has taught me along the way. Grief is traumatic and has no end date but Tania and the team at RUUSK gave me beautiful, cherished pieces that keep mum close to me every minute of every day. I’m forever grateful for the journey I travelled with my mum for 44 years. Forever loved and forever missed. Did you know? You can customise many of our pieces with your choice and number of stones. Shop and customise your special piece here or contact us to talk about creating your unique, handmade heirloom.
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Sam's Family Heirloom Signet
Sam contacted RUUSK wanting to create a modern family heirloom that not only celebrated her 30 laps around the sun, but also honoured her immediate family. As she prepared to marry Ben and change her surname late last year, each detail conveyed meaning and love for her parents and two sisters. Making sure that Sam's meaningful signet felt right with her everyday style, it was such an honour to celebrate some of the very beautiful and significant people in her world. Tell us about your special piece and how your ring is linked to your family I received my gorgeous ring for my 30th birthday :) My husband and I got married just before my birthday and I wanted a special piece that represented my first family and my maiden name. All of my jewellery is sentimental and it was important for me to create an heirloom piece for our future family. My signet ring has my maiden name engraved on the inside of the band and five diamonds on the band. Each diamond represents the members of my family, my parents, my two older sisters and myself. On one side of the band are the two diamonds that represent my parents. They sit side by side as equals. On the other side of the band are the three diamonds that represent my sisters and I, going downwards on the band from oldest to youngest. What prompted you to create your special piece? I have been lucky enough to inherit special pieces of jewellery from my grandmother and I wanted to create something special to pass on to our future generations. I think it's really special to have a piece of jewellery that represents my first family. We are all extremely close and every time I look down at it it makes me so proud. I know that the ring means just as much to them as it does to me. It's not just a piece of jewellery, this ring represents so much more than that. How did you feel when you saw your piece for the first time? The RUUSK team knew exactly what I wanted and executed it so beautifully. Opening that box for the first time made me feel so warm and fuzzy!What is a favourite memory you have of you and your family? My family and I are very very close and I have so many favourite memories that I couldn't possibly pick one! We have had family dinner every single Sunday for as long as I can remember. These dinners are so important to us! It's one night a week that we all get together and enjoy each other's company and catch up. I can't talk about my favourite memories without mentioning Christmas! I'm a suuuper festive person and love the joy that comes from Christmas and spending time with family. I feel very blessed to have such a beautiful family and even more blessed now to have my husband's family to call my own too! Did you know? You can customise many of our pieces with your choice and number of stones. Shop and customise your Signet ring here or contact us to talk about creating your unique, handmade heirloom.
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Dylan's Signet Ring
When Gypsie approached RUUSK with the intention of creating a very special signet ring for her partner Dylan, we were more than thrilled to learn that she was going to propose to him with this! Wanting a piece they could eventually pass on to their future children and symbolic of the name they would come to share, Gypsie had Dylan's surname engraved on the ring face with their birth stones on either side.
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Caitlin's Signet & Supernova ring
When creating her pieces with RUUSK, Caitlin reminisced on childhood memories of grandmother's rings and the stories that came with these - she was drawn to the idea of having timeless pieces that commemorated her family, including each of her children.
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Nat's Signet Ring and Family Pendants
Nat had a special and unbreakable bond with her grandparents. After their passing, she wanted to create a signet ring similar to her grandfathers to commemorate their lives. She also surprised her mother and sister with special necklaces including 5 diamonds to represent their tight-knit family.
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Tessa's Ruby True North Necklace
Kaitlyn wanted to gift her mum Tessa a piece of jewellery that was unique to her and everlasting. She chose the True North necklace and customised it with a Ruby, her mum's birthstone. The necklace is as a symbol of their bond and reminder that no matter the geographical distance, they'll always be close together in heart. Thank you Tessa and Kaitlyn for sharing your story with us. We loved being a part of this special surprise!
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