Heidi Ripka
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Get to Know Heidi
How did your career as a designer begin?
My jewelry career and design experience is a Judith Ripka journey. When I joined the company as an Assistant in 1995, there were only 6 employees, so I had the true privilege of "learning by doing." In 1999, I transitioned from an Assistant role to the Product Development team, which really wasn’t a team at the time, and it aligned with the company moving 95% the production from New York to overseas. My primary role and responsibility at the time became cultivating these new factories, teaching and training, so they could authentically adopt the aesthetic of Judith Ripka Jewelry. In addition to becoming masters of our design, our overseas factories became our family, our home away from home and I was making at least two major trips per year.
As the company grew, Judith Ripka continued to design every collection, with support from my Product Development team to create certain line extensions. I feel lucky to have had the privilege to learn from Judith herself. Judith shaped my sense of style and design. Judith would often share stories about her own mother, a couturier, who she said always saw beauty in the most common details. As I design today, in Judith’s name, I carry these stories and share the belief – to experience the beauty in everything, no matter how big or small, simple or ornate.
What are your go-to gifts from JTV?
Jewelry gifts are SO personal and since I like to select gifts that fit the personality of the recipient, I don’t have one go to item, but with the vast assortment of jewelry available on JTV I always find the perfect gift for everyone.
Three jewelry items to bring on a trip?
I can never bring just three! But, if I had to choose, I would bring:
My engagement and wedding ring (counted as one), which are both custom Judith Ripka designs and my most special pieces. To symbolically bring our families together, my husband, David (Ripka), used my Grandmother’s stone, from her engagement ring that I always loved, to design a custom setting. So, today my ring represents our family’s past and present, and hopefully one day in the future, I will pass it on to one of our daughters to enjoy.
A Judith Ripka ‘PN’ system, with both pearls and beads, so that I could create a few different looks. I love the versatility of the design going from a bracelet to a necklace.
A Judith Ripka Pia Cuff, because I have worn one at least one every day for the last 20-years, usually layered, so I feel like I cannot leave home without one!
What gives you the inspiration to design such unique pieces?
I believe in the importance of honoring the history of the brand and evolving those designs to keep them relevant for today. Judith started her collection in the 1970’s. She is incredibly prolific and has designed thousands of pieces for me to always draw upon to create something new. She has always taught me that inspiration is all around us, from art, architecture and nature. So, I always keep those pillars in mind when designing something new.
What is your favorite gemstone to work with?
That is too hard to answer. It is like asking my favorite piece of jewelry or favorite child. There are so many gorgeous gemstones.
What is your process for designing jewelry?
Everything around me inspires. I draw inspiration throughout my day, often ordinary or small details will serve as a catalyst for some of my most creative designs. Also, Judith would often tell me that the women who wear her jewelry serve as a great inspiration to her, and I most definitely share that sentiment! When I see a woman wearing a piece of Judith Ripka jewelry, it will spark an idea for me, and I will immediately start imagining a piece to complement the one she is wearing! I have actually started carrying a tiny notepad of paper with me to write down ideas throughout the day. I love reflecting on my notes to spark my design process when I sit down at my desk to sketch.
Browse beautiful jewelry from the Judith Ripka collection.
Discover the timeless elegance of Judith Ripka Jewelry on JTV! With over 45 years of luxury design, Judith's award-winning pieces are adored by celebrities and women worldwide. Experience her extraordinary style and meticulous craftsmanship that elevate any outfit. Shop now and adorn yourself with jewelry that tells a story of sophistication and grace!
