Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrienne Rubin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
A happy housewife and mother with young children, I was also a frustrated college graduate yearning to make my mark on the world. Teaching had left me unfulfilled, fashion was not my strength, and volunteering for charity hadn’t brought any satisfaction.
Desperate to put my talents to use, I jumped at the chance to become a wholesaler in the jewelry business when the opportunity came my way. I didn’t really love jewelry per se, but I loved helping people, and I thought I could also make some money in my spare time.
I began with little money and a line of sterling silver. When that wasn’t successful, I moved into gold chains and charms. From there, I expanded with a collection of small rings with gemstones from Thailand. But it wasn’t until I started importing high-end 18 karat gold jewelry from Italy that I was able to differentiate myself from other dealers. I didn’t know it at the time, but I became a maverick in the industry, a courageous risk-taker, willing to take chances and make my own choices. Little did I anticipate the difficulties I would encounter, nor did I understand my determination to succeed. There were many setbacks: Jewelers who didn’t pay, dishonest employees, Columbian thieves on the road, having to deal with the Bankruptcy Court, and more. Because I was naive, I made many wrong decisions, and more than once I trusted the wrong people. Yet each time I fell, I got right back up again. Giving up was never an option. To get to where you want to go, you cannot let fear of failure get in your way. For me, every challenge was an opportunity to soar even higher than before.
Little did I anticipate the difficulties I would encounter, nor did I understand my determination to succeed. There were many setbacks: Jewelers who didn’t pay, dishonest employees, Columbian thieves on the road, having to deal with the Bankruptcy Court, and more. Because I was naive, I made many wrong decisions, and more than once I trusted the wrong people. Yet each time I fell, I got right back up again. Giving up was never an option. To get to where you want to go, you cannot let fear of failure get in your way. For me, every challenge was an opportunity to soar even higher than before.
I took a serious leap of faith when I decided to invest with three men from Odessa to start a new business. Our new company was wildly successful, and yet, this investment brought great heartache all the same. These men were honest “good guys” who started with nothing, but in the end they let success and greed affect their judgment terribly. They did their best to betray me, and my story, Diamonds, and Scoundrels tells it all.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There were many challenges, especially when traveling. My precious jewelry cases required constant vigilance and attention. In a taxi, I kept my bags next to me inside the cab, not in the trunk. Just imagine the driver popping the trunk open, while I would still be in the car. And also, when confronted with the x-ray security screening at the airport, I always made a point of handing my business card to the agents who were examining the screen, as a simple notification as to what was in the bags. I developed nerves of steel and eyes in the back of my head. If at all possible, no one was to know what I was carrying. If asked, I would answer simply, “I sell gifts at the gift shows.”
I had plenty of problems with deadbeat customers who purchased jewelry and didn’t pay for it. If I describe it all here, there would be no need to read my book. How I succeeded in spite of these good-for-nothing laggards surprises even me. It involved taking back my unsold goods and sometimes the goods of others. At one point, early in my career, I sold diamonds to a jeweler who, unbeknownst to me, was a gambler. When the diamonds were found in a pawnshop in Las Vegas, I became a major creditor in bankruptcy court, with the fear of losing a great deal of money after all.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Avanti of California, Avanti Fine Jewelry, Adriana K — Collection Jewels – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’ve always been known for high-quality jewelry, mainly 18 karat gold pieces manufactured by designers in Italy. I no longer have my retail location in Beverly Hills, but I am available as a consultant for those interested in purchasing diamonds or high-end jewelry, and of course, as a consultant for anyone who wants to start a jewelry business.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Currently, I am working on the book launch for my memoir: Diamonds and Scoundrels: My Life in the Jewelry Business. The book will be available on September 17. It is actually a how-to primer that explains all that can happen and did happen, in the jewelry business. The book is already creating a buzz from the advance reader copies sent out for book reviews.
My immediate plans for the future surround the book promotion and teaching others how to get their business off the ground. Although I still sell jewelry and have maintained my contacts in the industry, I recognize that the jewelry business is harder than ever now. So I’m “switching horses,” so to speak, and have started investing in real estate instead. Real estate investments have their own set of problems, and already I have encountered dishonesty, fraudulent practices, corruption, and a general lack of integrity. My next book, instead of dealing with diamonds and scoundrels, will probably have the title, Scoundrels in Real Estate.
Contact Info:
- Website: adriennerubin.com
- Phone: 310-283-7613
- Email: adriennerubin@mac.com, adriennerubin@gmail.com
- Facebook: Adrienne Rubin (2 accounts)
Image Credit:
Personal photo by Alan Weissman; image of my book: sparkpointpress; image of factory workers, Milano Piero, srl.
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
