The Power of Gems and Design
Welcome! I’m Joanne Rueckerl, founder and maker of Dancing Birch Studio. I’m
based in Brooklyn, inspired by nature, and opened my shop in 2018 after almost
twenty years of jewelry making.
My journey in jewelry began when I left my financial analyst position on “Wall
Street” to become a massage therapist. I was always attracted to crystals and stones but started wearing them to ground and protect myself when I worked with clients. One day I saw a fluorite bracelet at Bendels in New York City. It was too expensive for a massage therapist’s budget so I looked for stores that sold semi-precious beads and made one for myself. I started making gifts for family and friends, selecting stones that suited them perfectly.
Five years later I returned to the financial world and wore my gemstone creations to compliment my corporate attire. Whatever they tell you about the stress of working in the financial industry is true. I wanted my jewelry to add a special touch to my outfits and make me feel more powerful in a male dominated industry. My work got attention and I started selling custom pieces to coworkers, managers, and then to the public at the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange.
Power, Style, and Sparkle
I believe no outfit is complete without jewelry. Accessories should elevate/polish your look and add to your energy.
I hand select all of my stones from bead, gem, and mineral shows. If I have an idea
that can’t wait, I go to reputable vendors on Ebay and Etsy. I have also repurposed vintage jewelry from flea markets to make something new. In fact, I have worked with some clients to create new pieces using their mother and grandmother’s vintage pearls and beads.
I think about a piece for days (sometimes weeks) before I make it. First comes a specific color or stone and the mood it creates. Then I lay out the foundation and map the design until I have the desired look and color combination. If someone wants a custom piece, I choose stones based on birth sign, complexion, and personality.
If you are interested in something custom, redesigning a vintage piece, or love a
piece in my shop but want it a different length or made with a different stone, send
me a message! There is nothing I love more than designing jewelry that speaks to customers and makes them feel good.
Why Dancing Birch?
The birch tree symbolizes new beginnings, growth, adaptability, regeneration, and
hope. Those elements perfectly describe my journey since launching the studio in
2017.
The birch tree asks us to take root in new soils. So here I am. I also learned it’s the tree of my birth month. Coincidence? Maybe not...
A portion of each sale goes to charity.
