The German-born, California-bred fine-jewelry designer Jacqueline Rabun began designing her signature minimalist, organic pieces in Los Angeles in 1988. Soon after, the self-taught artist and designer launched her studio in London in 1990 and began collaborating with Danish heritage brand Georg Jensen in 2000, which she has designed several successful collections for over the years. Rabun’s artistic references span African, Japanese, Danish, and surrealist art; her first jewelry collection was picked up by Barneys New York, and Linda Evangelista wore her work on the cover of British Vogue in 1992. Today, she works from a peaceful hybrid home-studio in Silver Lake.
What’s your go-to jewelry boutique?
The kind of jewelry I like is more art jewelry and more sculptural, and the jewelry in L.A. tends to be more demi-fine. I don’t have a place to recommend here [for my taste], really. But internationally, there’s a beautiful store and gallery in London called Didier, and they focus on artist jewelry. They have jewelry from Picasso, Man Ray — they have a really great eye, and they represent some of the greatest artists in the world who created jewelry.
What’s your go-to place to shop for design-forward objects?
The Good Liver. It’s downtown and a beautiful home-goods store with predominantly Japanese design.
What’s your go-to place to visit for design inspiration?
I go to the beach when I need some inspiration, solitude, and nourishment to move into designing. I also love architecture; the MAK Center is an interesting place to go just to feel inspired.
MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House
Photo: Ann Johansson/Corbis via Getty Images
What’s your go-to studio uniform?
I always wear caftans when I’m at home working — I’m a child of the ’70s.
What’s your go-to place to take friends who are visiting L.A. out to eat?
I love Antico Nuovo on Beverly Boulevard.
What’s a go-to material that you like to use in your work?
I use rutilated quartz crystal a lot in my work. I’m kind of known for that gemstone. I love the imperfection of the stone because it has a lot of rutilation inside, which creates this kind of golden sheen. It’s just got something very special.
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