One of our OG ESQUELETO designers is Rebecca Overmann. A Southerner and SCAD grad, Rebecca moved to San Francisco in 1995, and launched her first designs five years later. Over the years Rebecca Overmann has become known for specializing in one-of-a-kind pieces with a refined, organic aesthetic, all made in-house. Especially sought-after for her engagement and bridal jewelry, Rebecca always allows the materials to speak for themselves. At ESQUELETO we like to affectionately call Rebecca a diamond nerd – the woman is completely obsessed with unique gemstones! Rebecca’s studio in the Mission and showroom in Hayes Valley employ a small-but-mighty team of incredibly dedicated craftspeople and jewelry experts, including Rebecca’s husband Doug who serves as business manager – the Rebecca Overmann brand is a true family operation and labor of love.
Rebecca graciously let us peek into their home, showing off her dining-table-cum-home-studio and some of her favorite objects. We also got to chat about her favorite SF spots that she can’t wait to visit again, and how the stay at home orders have affected her business and creative practice. And most importantly, she and Doug shared some killer make-at-home cocktail recipes!
Alexis: Staying creative and productive can feel so difficult when your routine gets turned upside down. What are you doing to maintain your creative practice right now? What has shifted for you?
Rebecca: Almost everything has shifted in terms of the way we work on a day-to-day. With everyone working remotely, it has taken a couple of weeks to get into the groove. I'm lucky to have a team that can work from home; they are extremely supportive and ready to dive into any task. I can't wait to get back at it, but mostly I want to make sure everyone is safe and healthy. We have started looking to our gemstone inventory for inspiration - with a ton of uniquely shaped stones, now is a perfect time to start creating new pieces. In addition to finding creative expression in jewelry, I have also started watercolor painting which is a great way to take my mind off of the day-to-day and also have the satisfaction of creating.
A: How long have you lived in San Francisco? What are some of your favorite things about the city - any favorite neighborhood haunts or secret gems you want to share?
R: I have lived in SF for 25 years! Some of my favorite spots are the hidden stairways and paths that are above our home in Duboce Triangle, as well as Buena Vista Park on an early morning walk with the pups. Some other favorite haunts: the restaurant Frances - we had our first meal there on opening night, we’re lucky enough to live down the street! It's our go-to place for a special occasion. Pizzetta 211 has perfect pies with tons of charm. Universal Café is near our studio in the Eastern Mission; they make an incredible egg sandwich (on Fridays only). And Hi Tops - I'm not a sports fan, but I love this sports bar in the Castro for their corndogs and cocktails...and more importantly their shuffleboard table!
A: Your husband Doug is rather renowned for his handcrafted after-work cocktails. Will you guys share your favorite stay-at-home cocktail recipe with us?
R: It changes with mood and season, but here are a couple of our favorites lately:
Passion Fruit Paloma
1oz Reposado Tequilla
1oz Mezcal
1.5oz Grapefruit Juice (or to taste)
.5oz Small Hand Foods Passion Fruit Syrup (or to taste)
Fresh lime juice to taste (if you like it to have a little more bite)
Combine in a shaker and lightly shake for a few seconds, serve on the rocks with salted rim and garnish with a charred orange wheel - easy to make if you're a jeweler and have a torch handy!
Cameron's Kick (my usual)
2oz Blended Scotch (or substitute Bourbon for a variation
Juice of 1 Lemon
.75oz Orgeat
Combine all ingredients in shaker, shake thoroughly and strain into coup, serve with a Luxardo Cherry.
