Field Interview:
Rose Koerner, Jusy Rosy
Today's interview is with Rose of Just Rosy. Rose creates high quality minimalist jewelry inspired by natural shape, organic textures and ancient symbolism. She works out of her small metals studio in central MA using a torch, hand saw and tons of other tools.
1. Do people assume you go by Rosy because of your business name? What made you choose it?
Yes, this happens all the time, and the story of my business name is actually kind of funny because the inspiration was my first AOL screen name, JustRosie319 (haha!). Growing up I was a very artistically motivated person but I was discouraged from pursuing a creative career; so when I started my business in 2019 I was actively choosing to believe in my own creativity, skills, and strengths. I wanted a name that was fitting for this new life direction and I have always loved the meaning behind the word Rosy (blooming, bright, promising, hopeful). So, I dusted off my old screen name and launched Just Rosy.
2. Just Rosy consists of silver and gold minimalist jewelry hand built by you. Do you have core pieces or collections that you are always creating and have readily available?
Yes, the Everyday Essentials collection has all of my best-selling minimalist designs that are perfect for everyday wear. These silver and gold pieces are hypoallergenic, waterproof and lifeproof and are always available on my site.
3. While your jewelry is minimalist, it also has a bend towards the adventurist. How do you achieve this aesthetic which is a perfect balance of delicate and strong?
I design pieces that are inspired by my own experiences as an explorer of all the natural corners in New England. So, even though the designs may be simple, they are infused with natural shapes and organic textures reminiscent of long hikes, epic sunsets and salty coastlines. I love being able to represent the balance of strength and tenderness that is in nature all around us.
4. You create pieces that can be layered. Are you in support of mixing metals?
Yes, I love mixing metals! I like to design with mixed metals whenever I can; and people are usually pleasantly surprised to find jewelry that combines silver and gold! One of my best selling items is a mixed metal twisted ring — I twist silver and gold wire together using a drill and a vice, then I shape, solder, and polish each ring.
5. You source and mine for some of the stones yourself. Can you give us a little insight into your favorite stone sourcing experience?
I was just introduced to the world of rockhounding and mining by my friends Allie and Paige, a jeweler team based in Boston. Last summer we traveled to Herkimer, NY, with some friends to go camping and mining for Herkimer diamonds, which was an amazing experience! Herkimer diamonds are a version of clear quartz that develop with double-termination, which is a fancy way of saying that these crystals have two pointed ends. Herkimers are wonderful for jewelry making, and I have already created some timeless pieces with the Herks I mined last summer. I highly recommend that gemstone-curious folks research Herkimer mines and plan a trip, it is a really wonderful adventure!
6. What piece do you wear most?
I tend to wear rings most often; so I always have a ton of stacking rings on hand [pun intended ;) ].
7. Do you find that most shoppers know their ring size? Do you have any advice for people who want to order rings online but aren't confident they know their size?
It can be tricky to stay on top of your ring sizes, especially when our finger sizes can change with the weather!
I do have a few good tips:
-If you have a ring that fits your finger you can use the JW Ring Sizer app — just place your real ring on your phone screen and line up the digital ring with the inside of your real ring, then it gives your size!
-You can stop by a Michaels store and use one of their multi-sizers to find your ring size
-Order a ring sizer offline (many big-box wedding ring sites will mail you a free sizer, or you can find one on Amazon)
I usually tell folks that a “good fit” ring is about how it feels on your finger; you want the ring to sit in place at the base of your finger without sliding over the knuckle, but there should be a little room for movement.
8. Speaking of rings, tell us a little bit about your stacking sets, especially the moon cycle set!
Stacking ring sets are special because you can get a whole handful of rings at once! I have a few different sets online right now; the Moon Cycles, Abalone Shell sets, and a few minimalist metal styles.
Moon Cycle ring sets are a way to track the cycle of the moon - you simply change your ring based on the phase of the moon. I know so many people are affected by moon phases and I wanted to create a stylish way to be aware of the cycles.
9. Your Instagram, body of work and your presence at markets exudes a grounding, balanced and mindful aura. What would you recommend to fellow small business owners who feel caught up in the hustle and bustle of self-employment?
Wow, thank you so much! I really appreciate hearing that my work and my presence comes across as grounded and balanced. As I’ve been growing my business I have shifted myself towards the idea that I define my own success; nobody else can do that for me. I aim to embody my core values of honesty, kindness, and growth in my business; and this keeps me from feeling too “caught up” in other people’s expectations for what my work-life should look like.
10. Dream collaboration? Can be a specific person, general person, company, etc. What would you create together?!
I would love to be a traveling merch jeweler for a musical artist. Whenever I get a chance to vend at a music festival it’s always special, so traveling with an artist would be next level! I’d like to get on tour with Trevor Hall, Khruangbin, Maggie Rogers or Anderson Paak.