Jewelry, Gems, & Minerals/Expert Profile

Expertise

Have a question about jewelry repair or working with precious metal jewelry and gemstones? I am a working professional bench jeweler, involved everyday with setting stones in mountings, designing and making jewelry, repairing and limited custom manufacture. Over 30 years experience. If you work with jewelry as a hobby or as a profession, I might be able to help. I deal with the retail business, not mass production. Ask privately if you wish. See the box for that: It keeps your question between us. Please DO NOT ask MAKER'S MARKS, but metal quality marks are fine to ask. Please DO NOT ask diamond prices. See a gemologist for that.

Experience in the area

I have near 35 years experience at the sort of jewelry work I do.

Education/Credentials

Education is English/Physics! Started in human resources, to advertising, to jewelry...wow, what a road. Now a jeweler for many years. I have had formal training in jewelry work and many shared experiences with top grade jewelers. We just never know were we will go or be. Follow your best, your dreams, with some discretion! Don't let the work tear up your body along the way.

What do you like about this subject?

A door of freedom is opened by opportunity to work with precious metals and gemstones. Taking work into fine art is the goal. I also do much photography as a very rewarding hobby,in memory of a moment, educational photos and fine art photography.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to achieve a few more beautiful creations and to help others to enjoy, care for and create from their own sense of beauty. If I can help others better appreciate jewelry, I will have accomplished much.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Gold Prices are very high. For a seller to replace merchandise sold, the price may easily be 40% higher than 1 1/2 years ago. You will see higher prices at the sales counter and for repair work. Palladium is a old metal of the platinum family, "reinvented" for the modern market; this is a viable option as a white precious metal priced close to that of 14 karat gold.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

If researching, please let me know. I may assist. If you are writing a school paper, please go elsewhere. I truly want to know if the answer was valuable to you and appreciate feedback. Thomas.