RUBY RULES
Designers Yuvi Alpert and Danna Kobo bring a new philosophy to the way we wear jewelry.
Beauty and nature — two things that go hand in hand? This is something we have all debated, especially after a long winter. Luckily, we have designers like Yuvi Alpert and Danna Kobo, the duo behind the Ruby Kobo jewelry line, to remind us just how fabulous natural beauty really is. After a chance meeting at a bar in Miami, these young masterminds got together and created a line of jewelry. Named after their mutual love for rubies and Danna’s maiden name, their moniker is as elegant as the Upper East Side but as chill as Southern California. “We wanted to make something that was glamorous, but still wearable both during the day and out at night,” says the much-laid-back Alpert.Before the two met, in 2007, Kobo was working for Jacob the Jeweler while Alpert was backpacking throughout the Far East — both factors that shine through in the highly esteemed collection. During Alpert’s travels, particularly in Nepal and India, he became familiar with some of the natural resources that now define Ruby Kobo. The amazing thing about the way these materials — mainly organic silk, soft linen cords and precious stones — are put together, is that men and women both can rock them. None of the necklaces or bracelets is overly masculine or exceptionally dainty. Alpert explains, “Sometimes you can see a sense of gender differences around the neckline,” but other than that… this line masters a unisex style all its own.
Transcending gender restrictions isn’t the only thing Ruby Kobo does flawlessly. Their attention to detail is so intense, each creation evokes a personal appeal unique to itself. The Hamsa Hand, a signature item based on the ancient symbol which represents “defense against the evil eye,” is unlike any other of its kind. The palm-shaped necklace, hung from a string of rubies or other precious stones, is specifically molded to replicate the texture of a cupped human hand, and then finished off with a subtle, yet top-of-the-line, diamond. “All of the pieces are finished with the best diamonds,” explains Alpert, whose father is in the diamond business. Diamonds are Ruby Kobo’s best friend — they are little hints of magic. The Wrap Bracelet, made of natural wax linen cord with a “diamond stick” is a mixing and matching favorite. In fact, although all of the pieces are unique to themselves, some even hand-painted one-of-a-kinds, each necklace and bracelet can also be layered to create multiple looks that add high style during the day and into the night.
The debut Ruby Kobo collection, entirely made in NYC, is sold in select L.A. and New York stores. Although still an emerging name, Ruby Kobo has already attracted celebrity wearers — Lindsay Lohan and Rihanna, to name a few. One of the pieces, an edgy Horn Necklace, made of antler tips from deceased elk or deer, will be released this spring. These horns, originally designed for Rihanna to wear to the Grammys, are individually molded and then dazzled with diamond tips or lavish diamond strands. It is exclusive pieces like the Horn or Hamsa Hand that best demonstrate Ruby Kobo’s ability to mix natural beauty with full-on glam. The next step for this couple is Europe, taking on Paris and then hopefully moving the line into Japan. The possibilities for this always appropriate, boy-meets-girl line are endless. RubyKobo.com RACHEL SUTTON
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