Friends of Provider
In The Studio With Tania Gnecchi From RUUSK
6 December, 2024
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Tania.Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Tania, the founder of RUUSK, a fine jewellery label based in Sydney. I’m a designer, storyteller, and eternal dreamer who finds joy in creating meaningful heirlooms for people to cherish for a lifetime. I grew up in a multicultural home that celebrated beauty, craftsmanship, and storytelling, which has deeply influenced the way I create and connect with others. When I’m not at the studio, I love spending time by the ocean, exploring creative pursuits, and sharing sound healing sessions as part of my growing passion for holistic wellness.
Can you tell us the story of RUUSK—why you started, how you started?
RUUSK was born from a deep desire to create jewellery that celebrates personal stories and connection. After years of exploring different creative paths, I realised I wanted to build a brand that honoured slow craftsmanship, mindful design, and timeless beauty. Growing up, I was surrounded by cherished objects that held meaning, especially jewellery passed down through generations. I wanted to capture that same spirit with RUUSK: pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and made with intention.
Starting RUUSK was a journey of trial and experimentation. I began carving rings in my shared-house corridor, dreaming up designs and learning as I went. I built the RUUSK website myself and shared my pieces on Instagram. The brand has grown organically through word of mouth, and it’s been incredible to connect with so many people and their stories along the way.
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RUUSK Jewellery.Where did you learn jewellery making? Was it always something you wanted to do?
Jewellery making became a passion during my final year at university, where I studied design with a focus on ceramics and graphics. I fell in love with the intricate, intimate nature of creating jewellery—it’s like creating tiny sculptures with so much emotional weight. After years of working as a freelance designer and travelling, I decided to take the leap into jewellery making. I’ve learned a lot through self-teaching, traditional wax carving, and collaborating with skilled jewellers. It’s been a journey of love and persistence, and I feel so lucky to do what I do.
RUUSK aims to create modern heirlooms and timeless pieces. What does an heirloom mean to you?
To me, an heirloom is so much more than an object—it’s a vessel for love, memories, and connection. It’s a piece that tells a story, holds emotion, and links one generation to the next. Heirlooms are timeless because they transcend trends; they carry the essence of the wearer and their unique journey. At RUUSK, I feel so honoured to create pieces that will be worn, cherished, and passed down.
Who or what has been your biggest inspiration—both in your designs and in life?
My biggest inspirations come from the people I love and the natural world around me. My mum and grandmother have always been guiding lights for me—their jewellery and stories sparked my fascination with the power of objects to hold memory. Design-wise, I’m drawn to celestial shapes, vintage treasures, and the beauty of organic forms.
You create a lot of stunning personalised pieces and must hear so many beautiful stories. Is there one or any that have stayed with you?
There are so many heartfelt stories, and it’s hard to choose just one. One that stays with me is a piece we created to celebrate the memory of a client’s late mother. The ring featured their birthstones and a secret engraving of her favourite saying. Knowing that this piece became a source of comfort and a tangible connection to her mother was incredibly moving. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do.
You have a bit of a side passion doing sound healing. Can you explain what sound healing is and how you got into it?
Sound healing is the practice of using sound frequencies to support relaxation and wellbeing. It works by creating vibrations that help soothe the nervous system and bring balance to the body and mind. I first experienced sound healing years ago and was struck by how deeply it resonated with me. It felt like a natural extension of my creative work—both involve connection, presence, and creating something meaningful for others. Now, I incorporate it into my life and love sharing this calming, grounding practice with others.
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Collaboration candle.04
Tania and Tara.What are your daily rituals?
My daily ritual begins with the gentle chaos of family life. Nick makes me coffee in bed while Noa laughs under the covers, and our Border Collie, Cosmo, bounds in to join the fun. It’s a whirlwind of joy and connection. Amid the busyness of the day, I always find a few minutes to step outside for a moment of mindfulness—taking a few deep breaths and listening to the sounds around me, whether it’s birdsong, the rustle of trees, or the distant hum of the ocean. When I can, I love diving into the sea—it’s my reset, my moment of stillness.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
One piece of advice I’ve come to value deeply is to invest in your relationship with yourself. Create grounding rituals and practices—it’s a continual process of learning and relearning, but when your connection to self is strong, it ripples into every aspect of life. Equally important is trusting your own pace. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but staying true to your path and values allows you to build something meaningful, step by step.