The story of Rara and our Rough collection is deeply intertwined with our family’s journey across the globe, searching for the extraordinary. Long before Rara took shape, our adventures with gemstones were rooted in a passion passed down through generations. Our father, Eugene, was the first to introduce us to the world of gemstones, sharing tales of far-off places where the earth hid its most beautiful secrets and the people whose lives were touched by these precious stones.
From a young age, we were captivated by his stories of travels to remote corners of the world—markets in Jaipur, mines in Nigeria, and workshops in Sri Lanka. Each trip was a treasure hunt, a quest to find stones with their own histories and characters, pieces that spoke to us through their raw beauty and unique qualities. Our father’s eyes would light up when he recounted the moment he first held a rough sapphire, feeling its weight and wondering at the journey it had taken to reach his hands. This connection to raw materials, understanding their origins and the hands that unearthed them, became one of our family’s core values—a belief we would carry forward when we created Rara.
As we traveled together, our family expeditions became so much more than just business trips. They were adventures, moments of discovery and learning, each journey an opportunity to deepen our knowledge and expand our network of trusted partners. Over time, we built relationships with miners and artisans who shared our respect for the earth and its gifts. These connections were not just business transactions but bonds founded on mutual respect and a shared reverence for the art of jewelry making. In our hands, each stone became not only a piece of nature’s wonder but a story passed from one family to another.
One of our most memorable journeys took us to the aquamarine mines of Madagascar. Surrounded by the sunlit red earth and the vast blue skies, we felt a profound connection to the land and the gemstones it concealed. The aquamarines we discovered that day shimmered with the color of the ocean, reflecting both the natural beauty of Madagascar and the power of nature to create wonders hidden just beneath the surface. It was in that moment that the spirit of the Rough collection truly came alive for us—a celebration of the raw, the untouched, and the beauty that lies in imperfection.
When we returned home with these treasures, our family would gather around, marveling at each find and sharing ideas on how best to honor the stone’s natural shape and color. We spent countless hours exploring the ways we could celebrate each stone’s uniqueness, laying the foundation for what Rara would ultimately become. Rough was our first collection, and it remains close to our hearts as a reminder of our journey. But as our travels continued, new collections emerged naturally from our experiences and the inspirations we found in every corner of the world.
The Celestra collection was inspired by timeless elegance and the serene beauty we found in classic gemstones. Working with stones like London Topaz, Kunzite, and Verdelite, we leaned into designs that evoke a graceful, enduring beauty. We crafted Celestra for those who appreciate the quiet sophistication that only nature and time can create, a collection that echoes the classics yet remains deeply personal.
In contrast, the Flowers collection captures the vibrant colors and liveliness of nature. Inspired by the exotic blooms we encountered on our travels, each piece in this collection brings to life the joy and energy of the natural world. Take the ‘fruit of joy’ ring, with its striking amethyst gemstone—it’s a reminder of life’s vibrancy, crafted for those who seek out color, boldness, and a touch of the exotic in their jewelry.
Liana was born from our desire to create refined, understated beauty—a collection that celebrates simplicity and versatility. Inspired by the elegant intertwining of vines and branches, Liana offers timeless pieces that can accompany wearers through both everyday moments and life’s grand occasions. It’s a collection for those who find beauty in the essentials, echoing the natural ease and harmony we encountered in the landscapes and cultures of our travels.
Finally, there is our Exclusive collection, a selection that feels destined for museum showcases or private collections. This collection was born from the rarest finds, stones so exceptional and breathtaking that they stand apart, unparalleled in their beauty. With Exclusive, we offer our most discerning clients a chance to own something truly unique—a piece of nature that could just as easily be a part of history.
Today, as we continue to build Rara together, these experiences are our guiding stars. They remind us of the importance of staying true to our roots, valuing the natural world, and cherishing the stories that each gemstone carries within it. Through this journal, we hope to bring you along on our adventures, sharing glimpses behind the scenes, the details of our travels, and the inspirations and craftsmanship that shape every piece we create. We invite you to explore Rara not only as a brand but as an ongoing story—a testament to our family’s journey, our shared passions, and our commitment to creating jewelry that carries the essence of nature, history, and the extraordinary.
