Rani Connor

Rani Connor has summered in Martha’s Vineyard off and on for well over a decade and then lived on MV three and a half years year-round as the marketing director for the Black Dog. She fell head over heels in love with the spirit of the Island and its surrounding waters the minute she stepped off the ferry in Oak Bluffs so many years ago. Having always enjoyed creating—everything from knitting and crocheting, cooking, painting and now jewelry design- Rani decided to take her experiences in marketing and advertising combined with her passion for creativity and start her own business; Designs By Rani.
Between her marketing venture on the Island and branching out on her own, Rani moved home to Greenwich, CT where she apprenticed with a reputable jewelry designer for 2 ½ years. After consistently designing her own pieces which sold repeatedly, Designs By Rani was born. Drawn to the Ocean and everything nautical, her jewelry reflects the island by incorporating semi-precious and precious stones such as freshwater pearl, apatite, turquoise, peridot and coral; she keeps to oceanic colors and a floaty feel. She specializes in 18K matte gold but includes a sterling silver and vermeil line as well. She imagines mermaids would happily wear her creations, keeping with her love of everything water. Her paintings (acrylic and collage) also reflect the island by incorporating Wampum, sea glass and nautical themes.
Recognizing her creativity as a gift, Designs By Rani has a true desire to give back to others. She currently has plans for the winter of 2007 in partnering with several charities, including Undershare and Save the Children. Trunk shows will be held in Manhattan Beach, CA, Palm Beach, FL as well as her hometown of Westport, CT. A percentage of the proceeds from these shows will go to the charities involved.

Growing up in New York City Rani attended NYU and currently resides in Westport, CT. with her cat Blu, her dog Shannon, and her fish Tourmaline. To date she has had several jewelry and art shows in both Newport, Rhode Island and Martha's Vineyard. When she’s not busy playing with stones in her studio, she sails her heart out racing for the YRALIS as well as inter-club series in Greenwich. A tie for first is her passion for anything tennis.