We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luke Rumpca-Sweeney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Luke, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The inception of Coldwater Rings originated from a deeply personal and unconventional journey, stemming from the aftermath of my own whirlwind wedding experience. The notion for this venture emerged after my partner and I decided to hasten our wedding plans due to the impending arrival of our daughter. The extravagance of a grand ceremony or lavish reception was of little concern to us; our celebration was attended by a close-knit circle of friends and family that could attend at the moment’s notice. Remarkably, even the rings meant to symbolize our commitment were absent.
Fueled by the desire to craft something profoundly meaningful, I embarked on a venture to fashion rings that encapsulated the essence of our shared journey. Reflecting upon our distinct life narratives, I realized that these rings had to embody more than mere metal and stones. They needed to carry echoes of our experiences.
Drawing inspiration from diverse facets of our lives, I infused our rings with elements that mirrored our collective story. Elk Antler hailing from the rugged expenses of Colorado where we spent several years working and living. This is intertwined with my father’s hunting exploits and the shared delight in relishing the fruits of his labor.
The saga of our Irish ancestry, which is rich in traditions and folklore, was included with a 10,000-year-old Yew wood sourced from an ancient Irish bog. This ancient timber, steeped in history, resonated with the very fabric of our heritage, intertwining the modern with the time-honored.
It was the iridescent chlorastrolite, colloquially known as Lake Superior Green Stone, that became the heartbeat of our rings. This elusive gemstone, discovered only in enigmatic enclaves along the shores of Lake Superior, bore witness to the region’s silver mining legacy. Its presence epitomized our connection to the land and history that nurtured us.
With only hand tools and a router, I shaped and molded these elements into bands of unity, crafting not only rings but artifacts infused with our shared narrative. These humble beginnings saw the creation of rings for friends and family, a gesture that germinated into an idea. I received encouragement from every corner and that resonated with my own aspirations.
And thus, from the crucible of our singular journey, Coldwater Rings was born. The name itself, an homage to the places and elements that shaped our rings, evoked the cool depths of the lakes and harsh winters. As the demand grew my repertoire of materials and techniques expanded. A ceaseless desire to innovate propelled me to experiment with an array of mediums, forging distinctive amalgamations and ring profiles that told stories as unique as the individuals they adorned.
In essence, Coldwater Rings emerged from the alchemy of love, heritage, and craft, woven intricately together. It stands as a testament to the profound narratives that reside within the objects we create, a living embodiment of the experiences that shape our lives.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Coldwater Ring Co. specializes in crafting custom-made rings that tell personal stories, reflecting the unique essence of each wearer. Our inspiration originated from an unconventional wedding, where we discovered the power of imbuing jewelry with profound meaning. By utilizing a diverse range of materials, we transform rings into living narratives, weaving personal experiences into each piece.
Our core mission revolves around creating tangible keepsakes that hold cherished memories. Our rings transcend mere adornments, embodying life’s adventures, love, and heritage. Through meticulous craftsmanship, we provide a distinctive avenue for expressing personal narratives in a meaningful and extraordinary way.
What truly sets Coldwater Ring Co. apart is our commitment to authenticity, artistry, and fostering personal connections. Each handcrafted piece reflects our deep appreciation for the inherent beauty of materials, resulting in a tangible embodiment of emotion and experience.
Our proudest achievement is seeing our rings become treasured heirlooms, carrying stories across generations. We are honored to be entrusted with the task of crafting jewelry that encapsulates life’s most significant moments.
To potential clients, followers, and enthusiasts, Coldwater Ring Co. is more than a jewelry brand—it’s a conduit for preserving and sharing stories. We invite you to embark on a journey with us, where your unique experiences find embodiment in the rings we create. Join us in capturing not just the materials’ beauty, but the very essence of life’s narratives in each ring we craft.
We work closely with customers to ensure the perfect fit and meet deadlines, adapting to individual circumstances. Our focus on clarity and precision guarantees a seamless experience, enabling us to create personalized pieces that resonate deeply with each wearer.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Certainly! I built my social media audience by showcasing my ring art on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. I strategically targeted locals along the North Shore, Duluth, and Northern Minnesota to capture their attention and resonate with the community. My advice for those starting to build a social media presence is to focus on your niche, engage with your local audience authentically, and consistently share visually captivating content that tells your unique story.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
I sell on Etsy, which provides a dynamic platform to showcase my work and connect with a community of fellow ring makers. While it’s an engaging way to gain exposure, there are some downsides. Fees and ratings on Etsy can demand extra time and attention, which can be constraining for small businesses like mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coldwaterrings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldwaterrings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coldwaterrings/
Image Credits
Myself, Luke Rumpca-Sweeney Self portrait is AI generated.