The designer
Award-winning designer Judith Ripka breathes new life into current trends, inspiring those who appreciate style, design and uncompromising quality. “When a woman is wearing my jewelry, I want her to feel as if she is wrapped in one of life’s luxuries,” states Judith.
Taught to see the beauty in all the little things around us by her mother, each piece of jewelry Judith designs is an _expression of the beauty in the world as shared through the eyes of her mother. Harnessing her enthusiasm into a collection of 18k gold jewelry, Judith launched her career in 1977, embarking on a professional and personal journey she could have only dreamed!
Judith’s extraordinary eye for design has helped her clients understand that fashion is about style & creating a total look – including accessories. Beyond the clothes, jewelry is integral to a woman’s wardrobing and provides the finishing-touch to any outfit. Each piece of jewelry is designed to complement each other, to present an entire ensemble based upon certain constant design features, so that pieces designed 20 years ago are relevant to and can be worn with the designs of today.
Taking cue from her busy life of wife, mother and grandmother, Judith creates versatile, classic jewelry with a special, modern twist. Women of all generations are repeatedly captivated by Judith Ripka’s elaborate flair for detail. Judith’s strong connection with her clients is as impressive as her jewelry; often working side-by-side with clients, Judith finds joy in sharing her unique interpretation of color, gemstones, metals and overall design.
the company
From modest beginnings as a one-woman show, The Judith Ripka Companies, Inc. has evolved into a multi-million dollar business. With headquarters in New York City, and eleven Judith Ripka store locations in key luxury markets across the country, The Judith Ripka Companies, Inc. continues to grow, wholesaling to over 200 stores, with increased global expansion on the horizon.
the vision
To create a Judith Ripka lifestyle brand, recognizable worldwide, combining luxury and casual elegance.
the mission
To create jewelry of understated elegance for women of impeccable taste worldwide that is appropriate for all the roles that a woman plays in her life. Founded on Judith’s desire to share her passion for fine jewelry, The Judith Ripka Companies, Inc. prides itself on using only the finest diamonds, colored precious gemstones, pearls and unique one-of-a-kind stones, sourced throughout the world by Judith herself.
To continue to design and craft jewelry of the utmost quality, Judith Ripka is committed to nurturing relationships with our European artisans, who have been exclusively dedicated to the manufacturing needs of The Judith Ripka Companies, Inc. for over 15 years. Looking forward to domestic and international growth, Judith Ripka reflects on the passion and pride, which has enabled the company to transcend its humble beginnings. With these beliefs, The Judith Ripka Companies, Inc. lays the foundation to envision new goals, meet potential challenges and realize the rewards in future global expansion.
the collection
Classic. Elegant. Modern. Distinct and Versatile (always signature characteristics), Judith Ripka harmonizes her enthusiasm for individualism with her commitment to timeless styling, creating classic designs relevant for each new generation.
Focusing on designing and crafting 18k gold jewelry for over 25 years, Judith traces her real breakthrough to 1986 when a friend asked her to modernize an old pearl necklace. The result, Judith’s signature “PN 1” style – a strand of pearls with a detachable 18k gold loop and toggle closure. This one pivotal piece laid the foundation for Judith’s extraordinary collection, based on fluidity and a system of interchangeable components, encouraging clients to embrace their own creativity and wear her designs in countless ways.
Internationally recognized for her 18k gold collection, 2001 marked the debut of the Judith Ripka TWO collection. Enjoying overnight success, this collection in sterling silver and 18k gold, offers Judith Ripka enthusiasts a fresh approach to Judith’s classic jewelry with a modern twist.
Introducing two new collections annually for both the 18k Gold and TWO collections, Judith Ripka’s collections are favorites amongst fashion mavens and style-savvy A-list celebrities. With prestigious trade recognition from DeBeer’s to high-profile publicity, such as being chosen as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things and being selected to participate in the Official Gift Basket for the 76th Annual Academy Awards®, everything Judith Ripka touches turns to gold!
the evolution
* 1973 New York City Headquarters & Manufacturing Facilities opens
* 1982 First leased department in Boutique Tango opens/Roslyn, NY
Honored with the DeBeer’s Award for Outstanding Jewelry Design
* 1986 Judith designs the revolutionary PN I Pearl Necklace
* 1993 First free-standing store opens in Manhasset, NY
* 1995 New York City Store debuts on Madison Avenue
Judith Ripka establishes the Wholesale Division
Aspen, Colorado Store premieres
* 1996 Short Hills, New Jersey Store opens at The Mall at Short Hills
* 1997 Judith Ripka creates First Lady Hillary Clinton’s Inauguration Pin
Chicago Store debuts on East Oak Street
* 1998 Atlanta, Georgia Store premieres
* 1999 Boca Raton, Florida Store opens
* 2000 Beverly Hills Store premieres on Rodeo Drive
San Francisco Store opens on Geary Street
Named one of “The Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World”
* 2001 Judith Ripka TWO, sterling silver & 18k gold collection is launched
* 2003 Named Official Jewelry Designer /Smashbox Fashion Week in LA
Styled 9th Annual Victoria’s Secret Runway Show
Chosen as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for Holiday gifts
* 2004 Chosen for Official Gift Basket /Screen Actor’s Guild Awards®
Chosen for Official Gift Basket /76th Annual Academy Awards®
Named Official Jewelry Designer/Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week LA
* 2004 Inducted as member of Council of Fashion Designers of America
* 2005 New flagship store opens at 777 Madison Avenue in New York City
* 2005 Honored with the prestigious Albert Einstein Spirit of Achievement Award
* 2005 Bal Harbour Store opens marking the 11th free-standing Judith Ripka store
the philanthropist
Whether passion for her jewelry or passion for her family, Judith Ripka’s verve for life sparkles with unmatched brilliance. Always carving out time to partake in charity endeavors and support the arts, Judith and her husband, Ronald J. Berk, are committed to making a difference.
Recognizing Judith’s strengths, the Woman’s Council for the North Shore Community Hospital selected her to design their charity pin, fusing Judith Ripka’s jewelry design expertise with her desire “give back” to her community. Raising awareness for women’s health became the first of many medical causes for Judith to affiliate herself with.
Playing an active role in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Ronald McDonald House, Juvenile Diabetes and The Children’s Medical Fund, Judith gravitates towards assisting youth with acute medical needs. Nationally recognized for her extraordinary dedication, Judith was invited to Washington by the then incumbent First Lady for a Women’s Leadership Council forum focusing on children’s healthcare.
Commissioned by the United States Holocaust Museum, the Mother’s Voices AIDS Organization and the Long Island Philharmonic to design commemorative pieces of jewelry; Judith Ripka is devoted to inspiring others through her craft.
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