Jewelry Maker Steven Ruse, A Deep-Sea Diver with a Love of Fossils, Will Host Studio Seven Arts Trunk Show on Oct. 15

Veteran jewelry maker and deep-sea diver Steven Ruse, who was educated in Australia as a boy and spent years in Singapore, Thailand and the Arctic Circle, will be hosting a trunk show at in downtown Pleasanton on Saturday, Oct. 15.

The sea and coast have always been central to Ruse's life and that comes through in what he makes — his father was a deep sea diver as well, and often,  divers would carve and make jewelry in their free time. 

As a youngster, Ruse spent time in Asia where he studied Ming dynasty mosaics and similar pieces, and was also inspired by time spent near the Arctic Circle, where he discovered fossilized walrus tusks that were more than 2,000 years old.

After traveling the world, Ruse, who is an imposing figure often seen wearing a western hat, worked for a time in Sacramento as a diver doing water recovery, just like his dad.

These days, he sells only hand-made pieces — black and white pearls, onyx, garnet, opal, amethyst, carved tourmali and coral rose in addition to soft, 99% fine silver.

According to the studio's Greg Cross, Ruse is a local favorite in Pleasanton and he will be displaying and discussing jewelry that fits within an Autumn theme.

Featured works will include a collection of Ruse’s rings, earring, bracelets, pendants and fossilized carvings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the studio at 400 Main Street.

Also, a special Friday night preview reception will take place at 7 p.m.

Cross said Ruse’s work is inspired by the environment, bright deep colors and the natural wonders of the coast.