The Scout Guide Austin Rach B Jewelry Studio Tour
Thank you to Leigh Ann Kalman of The Scout Guide Austin for stopping by for a studio tour! Below is a summary of LAK’s visit and adoration. And the feeling is mutual!
Chicago-born, RACH B JEWELRY, is known for its modern lines, hand-made pieces and casually luxe designs. Owner + Designer, Rachel Bommer Price, has been designing and making her namesake jewelry for over a decade. A new addition to the city of Austin, Rachel has hit the ground running and established herself in our thriving city of creatives.
Each piece is proudly handmade by ‘Rach B’ herself and we can’t wait to see her newest collection - Shield - making its debut on March 15th. We have no doubts that it’s ‘yummy’ - a phrase Rachel often uses to describe things she loves! Until then we’ll be keeping our eyes on HER INSTAGRAM, hoping for a sneak peek…
However, there’s plenty to look forward to between now and March. Let’s not forget that there’s a pretty important holiday right around the corner … Valentine’s Day! Anyone looking for the perfect gift for their very own cupid should look no further. We recently stopped by Rachel’s adorable Tarrytown studio to peek inside and to learn more about the brand and her top picks for Valentine’s Day.
We absolutely love the talented and kind person behind Rach B and we guarantee that you’ll feel the same about her and her pieces. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT to shop with her and be sure to tell her that The Scout Guide sent you! xx - LAK
Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick
LAK | You’ve been in Austin for almost a year and a half now - what brought you down South and what are your first impressions of your ‘weird,’ new home base?
Rach B | Love it! I had visited before and thrilled to have the opportunity to make Austin home. We relocated with a baby in tow after my husband was recruited for a job and the rest is history! The community here is incredibly welcoming and genuine, we are so grateful for that.
LAK | Rach B has a long history, starting in Chicago in 2007. Tell us about how you got started and what made you decide to take the plunge into full-time entrepreneurship?
Rach B | I am a life-long self-taught jeweler. After receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in design in Chicago, I stayed put in the city I adored and made it permanent. I designed my first collection and nervously/bravely walked into one of the greatest boutiques in the city and the owner placed an order on the spot. After 12 loyal years, that store still carries Rach B!
Photo by Paige Newton
LAK | Your business has obviously grown over the past decade (+ some!) and you have multiple, beautiful collections - but which piece started it all?
Rach B | TWO TONE FLIP EARRINGS! The ultimate staple earring that is still going strong after 10 years. Large or small you cannot go wrong. Designed with a sterling and gold combination they go with everything, are super lightweight and have great movement.
LAK | Rach B Jewelry is proudly handmade by you, the artist. Walk us through your process, from start to finish.
Rach B | Yes! And I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is personally gratifying to hammer, forge, cut, saw and wire wrap each piece by hand. This makes every piece truly feel like a piece of art. Each collection starts by creating the silhouette of components by hand forging and hammering them into shape. Then I gather the selected stones and play with proportions to adorn them onto the components and chains. Working through variations and playing around, it evolves into a complete collection.
Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick
LAK | Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Rach B | I focus on a common theme, usually with a reoccuring silhouette shape - either inspired by stones, travel or interior design.
LAK | Since relocating to Austin, you’ve opened a beautiful studio in Tarrytown. Aside from having the easiest work commute ever - it’s in her courtyard - tell us more about your space and how CUSTOMERS CAN SHOP with you.
Rach B | Yes! The studio has everything that is on the website (plus more) and it is great to stop by if you’re looking for more of a personalized shopping experience. In the studio I can customize on the spot with desired length, metal, chain - the options are endless. Bridal parties are also welcome to design a glamorous, customized look for wedding day.
Photos by Kristen Kilpatrick
LAK | You source the most beautiful semi-precious stones for your everyday collections and beautiful rhinestones for your wedding collection. How do these stones inspire your designs?
Rach B | I let the stones speak for themselves. I don’t force a look or stone so the collections naturally resonate with Rach B’s aesthetic and coordinate well with previous collections.
LAK | When you’re ‘out of office,’ what does the perfect day in Austin look like?
Rach B | A perfect day starts with a “half moon” Summermoon coffee and breakfast tacos, followed by a 3-mile stroll around Town Lake and wrapped up with a Juiceland smoothie. If we’re adding on dinner, Fresa’s is an easy go-to. If we’re looking to get out of downtown, we’ll venture out to the Austin zoo followed by a pit stop at Jester King.
Top Photo by Paige Newton | Bottom Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick
LAK | Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, what are your top 3 gift ideas from your current collections that are sure to please?
Rach B | I’m glad you asked…
RHINESTONE THREADER COIN EARRINGS ($75) | These will add the perfect amount of sparkle, yet so versatile to wear!
LAK | As a new Austinite, I have to ask … do you love breakfast tacos as much as I do?! What’s your go-to spot?
Rach B | Yesssssss! And how are these not more popular nationwide!? Love them all, but I think Taco Deli may be my favorite.