This article first appeared in the JNA March/April 2024 issue.

Through her innate creativity and business acuity, Ruby Autore is constantly elevating Autore Group – a company that her father, Rosario, established in 1991 – to the next level.

As marketing head and international jewellery manager of Autore, and founder and creative director of pearl jewellery brand Autore Moda, she has fortified initiatives on design, marketing, and research and development in a bid to further modernise operations.

This stems from Ruby’s determination to make her mark in the pearl industry, motivated by her father’s accomplishments and dedication to hard work.

Passion and creativity

Ruby’s journey began during a visit to Autore’s pearl farm in Broome, Western Australia when she was 18 years old.

“I was so mesmerised by the whole operation and the passion that goes into pearl farming that after the trip, I did not consider anything else for a career. I knew it was what I wanted to do,” she recalled.

After high school, she worked part time with Rosario while studying in university. Ruby shared, “Rosario is very hands on. I shadowed him from the beginning, learning the ins and outs of the business and discovering my strengths and the areas I want to focus on.” 

Over the years, Ruby became instrumental in developing fresh marketing strategies and multimedia promotions as well as participating in international fairs and jewellery design competitions.

Most recently, Autore won the Best in Fine Jewellery for its “Serpent Necklace” at Inhorgenta Munich in 2022. The company has won a total of nine international jewellery design awards.

Rising star

In 2020, Ruby launched Autore Moda, a South Sea pearl jewellery brand that shines the spotlight on affordable luxury. Autore Moda opened its flagship boutique in Double Bay, Sydney, Australia in 2022 and has since tapped into emerging markets for South Sea pearls.

The group also manufactures fine pearl jewellery collections through Autore Fine Jewellery.

“We were among the first to establish the business model followed by Autore Moda. No other brand is offering such a wide range of pearl jewellery in the demi-fine market with similar price points using South Sea pearls,” she explained. “This is a great introduction to Autore for the younger demographic.” 

Ruby attributes her achievements to her strong character and unique leadership qualities inspired by her father’s distinctive career. She describes a good leader as someone who can engage and listen while focusing on team members’ individual strengths.

“My father always says we culture relationships like culturing pearls, and this is the foundation of Autore’s success. The core of our business is built on longstanding ties within and outside the group, and that is something that I hope to carry through,” she noted.

Bright future

In the next five to 10 years, Ruby wants to grow the Autore business further, encompassing farming operations, wholesale pearl jewellery distribution, jewellery design, and wider distribution of Autore Moda collections in additional retail stores.

Autore Group is renowned for the extraordinary lustre of its pearls, and she credits this to cutting-edge research and development into the Pinctada Maxima species over the past 15 years. Ruby remarked, “In 2024, we will focus on continuously producing beautiful pearls and jewellery, with the launch of new collections for Autore and Autore Moda later this year.”

Top challenges facing the pearl sector：

Weather changes and natural disasters pose a constant threat to pearl companies. Severe weather conditions such as cyclones could affect the farming and production aspect of our business. However, we have procedures in place to minimise damage where possible. 

Opportunities：

South Sea pearls are having a big fashion moment as beautiful and sustainable gems. Today, consumers are increasingly opting to wear environment-friendly jewellery. South Sea pearls are truly sustainable since the farming process helps protect and encourage marine life while pearl by-products can also be used and sold, including the shell and the pearl meat. 

This story is part of a series of ‘New Era of Leaders’ profiles in JNA March-April 2024. Click here to view the other profiles.