Coloradan extraordinaire, prince of palladium, and owner of one great head of hair: Todd Reed needs no introduction. Since launching a storied career in Boulder, he and his team have since expanded into another breathtaking atelier in Venice Beach. Raw diamonds may seem de rigeur these days, but make no mistake, much of their name (honed 'Raw Elegance' by the crew), has been made because of Todd's bold, organic creations featuring rough-hewn stones in all colors of the rainbow. The people have spoken and they like it rough.
“Late at night I vacation in the quiet space at my studio. It’s simple, but I travel so much that the quiet, alone studio is quite a holiday.”
Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat?
I would take you to The Kitchen in Boulder and eat beets and sausages and anything the chef brought us. In Venice I’d take you to Salt Air for pea toast.
If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be?
Something special from Arun Bohra.
The vacation spot that you keep going back to over and over?
Late at night I vacation in the quiet space at my studio. It’s simple, but I travel so much that the quiet, alone studio is quite a holiday.
What’s the last book you couldn’t put down?
The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna. Short and very sweet.
What’s your go-to cocktail?
My own invention – a soft ice ginger ale (crushed ice with ginger ale, like a ginger ale slushy).
The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is...
Raw diamond.
What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year?
A pearl cuff with a stunning garnet.
You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do?
10 minutes of push-ups, 10 minutes of sit-ups and 10 minutes to regulate my heart rate.
What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself?
Good question. I think it was a Maria McDonald bracelet, made with rabbit hair and silver.
If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’d dine with Picasso. I’d love to find out how he managed the intersect of art, life and love.
What’s your preferred mode of transportation day-to-day?
I ride my skateboard or golf cart around my neighborhood, I drive my black BMW or 1979 BMW R100 Motorcycle to work and I take Uber when in LA.
Top 5 bands in your playlist – go!
Currently: Damien Rice, Bob Marley, Iron & Wine, Neil Young and Maroon 5.
You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook?
I go rogue, whatever is fresh. Of the moment, I love breakfast treats though. Small gluten free pancakes with local apple compote and sweet cream is a tasty starter.
Be honest – who’s your celebrity crush?
I would not mind spending time with Zooey Deschanel.
What’s your dream watch to own?
Something calm and classy from IWC Schaffhausen.
What’s your favorite piece of technology and why?
My cell phone is my least and most favorite. The reason for both is that is makes me feel connected.
If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why?
I’ve never been to a fashion show, but am always front row anyway! So many reasons why…
Tell us your grooming secrets.
I like to use a touch of olive oil in my hair. I’m pretty sure outside of my perfectly manicured fingernails, that’s all I do.