Summer has a way of changing the rhythm of life on Martha’s Vineyard. For our family, it is the busiest and most rewarding time of the year, filled with island art shows, time in the studio, online orders, and conversations with visitors who appreciate Martha’s Vineyard handmade jewelry.
Although Rumi Sumaq began more than 15 years ago, our family and small business have called Martha’s Vineyard home for more than 10 of those years. Every piece of jewelry Coco creates reflects not only his native Quechua heritage but also the island community that has welcomed our family and inspired our work.
A Season of Island Art Shows
During the summer, Coco spends four days each week sharing his handmade jewelry at two of Martha’s Vineyard’s favorite art shows.
On Thursdays and Sundays, you’ll find him at the Vineyard Artisans Festival at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, he is at the Chilmark Flea, one of the island’s treasured gatherings of artists, makers and unique finds.
Although every show is different, one thing stays the same. The conversations are just as meaningful as the jewelry itself.
Many visitors discover Rumi Sumaq for the first time while exploring the island. Others return every summer to add another piece to their collection, catch up with Coco and see what he has been creating since their last visit.
Some choose an everyday macramé bracelet they can wear on every adventure. Others discover a one-of-a-kind handwoven silver or gold design they know they will never see again. Watching each piece find the right home is one of our favorite parts of the season.
From the Art Show Back to the Studio
After each show, Coco returns to the studio where another part of the day begins.
Online orders are created by Coco and carefully packed by Melanie. Custom requests are woven by hand, and new designs slowly come to life. Every bracelet, necklace and piece of woven metal jewelry receives the same attention to detail, whether it travels across the country or goes home with someone visiting Martha’s Vineyard for the weekend.
Meanwhile, inspiration continues to come from the island itself. The changing colors of the ocean, weathered docks, quiet forests, winding trails and beautiful coastline often find their way into new designs.
At the same time, Coco continues to draw from the weaving traditions of his Quechua heritage. Those generations of craftsmanship blend naturally with the relaxed beauty of island life, creating jewelry that feels both timeless and personal.
A Family Business Built by Hand
Like many families, our summer days are a balance of work, creativity and family.
While Coco spends four days each week meeting visitors at island art shows, we are also helping our boys prepare for their upcoming soccer seasons and cheering them on every chance we get.
Those moments matter just as much as the hours spent in the studio.
The conversations at the shows, the quiet mornings designing new pieces, the evenings packing online orders and the time we spend together as a family all become part of the story behind Rumi Sumaq.
Because our family lives and works here, Martha’s Vineyard is more than the place where our jewelry is made. It is the place that shapes our days, inspires our creativity and reminds us why handmade still matters.
Handmade Jewelry Inspired by Martha’s Vineyard
Every piece Coco creates begins with an idea, a length of cord or a strand of precious metal.
From colorful adjustable macramé bracelets to one-of-a-kind woven sterling silver and gold art jewelry, every design reflects years of experience, careful craftsmanship and a genuine love of creating something by hand.
Instead of following trends, Coco focuses on timeless designs people can enjoy for years. As a result, many customers return season after season to add another favorite to their collection or to find a meaningful gift for someone they love.
Whether someone wears a bracelet every day, chooses a necklace to remember a special trip to Martha’s Vineyard, or discovers a one-of-a-kind piece at an island art show, we hope each design carries a little of the creativity, craftsmanship and island spirit that inspire our work.
Summer Favorites
These are a few of the handmade bracelets our customers have been loving this summer.
Behind every piece of Rumi Sumaq jewelry is a story of creativity, craftsmanship and the life we have built together on Martha’s Vineyard. As another summer season unfolds, we are reminded how much this island continues to inspire our work. From the studio to the art shows and into the homes of those who wear our jewelry, each piece becomes part of a story that continues to grow.
Thank you for being part of it.