Feature Friday Q&A with Todd Reed

Ok, ok...everyone (and I do mean, everyone) already knows who Todd Reed is and if you've got any taste at all, I am certain that you can find at least one, or one thousand, design(s) to love by the incomparable jeweler!  Todd's inspiration, philosophy and distinctive look are hard not to recognize and with a tagline like "Raw Elegance" it is impossible to ignore the sheer substantiality of his pieces.

I first saw Todd's designs on one of my many trips to Arizona and was immediately taken with them!  The hardest part of looking at Todd's designs is trying to decide which piece to try on first and the second hardest is taking it off!  

So...that being said, I will let you see for yourself why everyone loves Todd Reed in today's Feature Friday Q&A!

Todd Reed

1.  What prompted your passion for jewelry and jewelry design?
While on a family vacation in Bisbee, Arizona, I saw a working silversmith and it forever changed the way I viewed design and my life.  I watched in awe as this man turned sheet metal into body adornment in what seemed to be a very short time.

After designing furniture, clothing, leatherwork, creating sculpture and painting and graduating with honors from culinary school, I became good friends with a well-known diamond collector. 

He completely took me under his wing.  His love for diamonds was infectious, and he showed me the artistry and miniature sculpture that appeared in the rough stones. I was riveted and wanted to know and see more.  I realized that my aesthetic was to create jewelry that would push the boundaries of what precious pieces could be, and to merge the freedom of artistic expression with the allure of fine jewelry.


18k rose gold, sterling silver with patina, raw diamonds(29.05ctw), black brilliant cut diamonds(2.648ctw), silver brilliant cut diamonds.  This is one of my favorite necklaces by Todd!  It has that amazing organic, raw feel to that he is known for.

2.  What is your favorite piece or collection?
All of my designs are my babies – the same amount of energy is put into every piece I make, so each is special. I would never be able to choose a favorite. Currently though I am really excited about my new men’s pieces.


18ky gold with wavy line of raw diamond cubes (.81ctw)

3.  What would your perfect “jewelry day” involve / be like?
I don’t get nearly enough time working at my bench these days – I would love to spend a day creating.


18ky gold, rosecut diamonds (10.304ctw), fancy cut diamonds (10.41ctw), raw diamond cubes (4.4ctw).  If I could only buy one Todd Reed design, this cuff would be it!  I love the colors; the mixed metals & the rose cut diamonds!  It is stunning!

4.  Thus far, what would you say is your proudest jewelry moment or memory?
The birth of my daughter.  Nothing compares.

5.  Where do you find your greatest inspiration?
Interactions with people and moments in time.  There is beauty in everything and I’m inspired by finding it. 


18k rose gold, white brilliant cut diamonds (0.128ctw), raw diamonds(0.02ctw)

6.  In your personal wardrobe, do you find that you gravitate to one particular jewelry accessory (rings vs. necklace vs. bracelets vs. watches, etc.) more often than others?
I wear the same rough diamond necklace every single day – also a hat and a white belt are some of my favorite accessories.  I do wear rings and brooches, but not daily. 


18ky gold and sterling silver with patina and raw diamonds (11.07ctw).  This necklace is perfect for layering!  Another one of my favorite Todd Reed designs!

7.  When putting together an outfit, how do you feel about mixing metals, designs and even new with vintage pieces?
I think people should wear what makes them feel good – many of my designs feature mixed metals. 

18ky gold, silver, rosecut diamonds (5.904ctw), fancy cut diamonds(8.64ctw), raw diamond cubes(4.8ctw).  Seriously, what is there not to love about this cuff?!  The texture; the mixed metals; the diamonds...be still my heart!

8.  Layering seems to be a trend that is here to stay, for now. What are your feelings on the layered look?  How do you like layered necklaces with layered bracelets plus layered rings? 
Love it!


18k rose gold, sterling silver with patina,  autumn brilliant cut diamonds (approx 1.497ctw), white brilliant cut diamonds (1.15ctw), raw diamond cube (.10ctw).  This is another design that I can see as perfect for a layered set!

9.  What advice would you give to budding jewelry designers? To budding fine jewelry collectors?
To designers – follow your passion!

To collections – follow your passion!  Also, invest in pieces you love, don’t worry about the brand name attached.


18ky gold and sterling silver with patina, fancy cut diamonds (2.4ctw) and white brilliant cut diamonds (.12ctw).  Amazing!  I adore this ring!  The richness of the colors of the diamonds with the gold & silver...Yum!

Flash Question - Dream trip destination?
Boulder – I would love to spend some time off the radar in my town. Traveling is stressful for me, so my ideal vacation would be staying put. 


18ky gold and sterling silver with patina and fancy cut diamonds (19.145ctw)


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Comments

  1. Great article (I saw TRJewelry post this over on Twitter)! Nobody does jewelry like the folks over at Todd Reed! He's my FAV!!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Shel! Yes, Todd Reed is amazing! Without a doubt!!

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