Variance

We look for beauty in inclusions, natural formations and textures in fine gemstones and rough rock, then highlight those elements in the way we cut the stones, fabricate the settings, and merge the two elements. We don’t polish away the work and fire that shaped the metal, and we keep our stones semi-raw. All Metals are oxidized sterling silver, 14k-24k yellow, rose, and white golds, and the unusual alloys that occur when we blend these metals together. Our jewelry starts out dark and then brightens over time. It can be brought back to its original darkness with a dip in our Anti-Polish – which is included with most purchases. Silver has always needed ongoing care. Our jewelry is no different but it’s care in the opposite direction.

Nicole founded Variance in 2013 with her partner Scott Zankman.

Scott Z.
Business Owner
Nicole Rimedio, the designer behind Variance Objects, creates jewelry that highlights the natural beauty of raw materials. Her jewelry shows the earth, fire, and hand that it came from. While she received her BA in Architecture and Urbanism from Smith College, and her master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from UC Berkeley, making jewelry has always been her path.

Nicole founded Variance in 2013 with her partner Scott Zankman. Scott captures the beauty of Nicole’s jewelry in his photography of each piece she creates; he also manages sales and operations for Variance. They both have a passion for gemstones and together they source the finest natural and unusual gem specimens and rough rock. Nicole and Scott live and work in Santa Cruz, California.