Family-owned business going strong!

From press release

A part of Rockton since 1981, The Gem Shop & Diamond Source on Main Street has been growing steadily for 28 years. The Gem Shop has served generations of families who continue to return for full-service jewelry repairs, one-of-a-kind custom design, and unique in-store merchandise including crystals, gems, stones and fossils.

While some stores hold remount events where stock mountings are on hand to reset the customer’s diamond, The Gem Shop encourages fully interactive custom design. Customers are welcome to come in with a sketch, idea, or inspiration to work with co-owner Kevin Mueller to complete a fully detailed drawing. A wax pattern of the design is carefully hand-crafted to further define the piece.

“At that point,” Kevin says, “we call the customer in to review the design and adjust the pattern to suit each person’s unique sense of style.” Once approved, the wax pattern is transformed into a piece of fine jewelry. A plaster cast is made from the pattern and is placed in a kiln where the wax pattern is burned out.

“This step is what puts the ‘lost’ in ‘lost wax casting,’” Kevin explains. Molten gold or silver is poured into the cavity, taking the shape of the original design.

When cool, the mold is broken to reveal the piece within. It is then finished and polished to produce a truly unique creation. As a final step, diamonds or gemstones may be set, and it is ready to wear. The relationship between customer and artist creates a cherished piece of jewelry, “destined to give a lifetime of pleasure. It allows us to stand apart from the crowd,” Kevin proudly states. The Gem Shop has a number of original designs on display to show what is possible in creating beautiful custom jewelry.

Family owners Bruce, Shirley and Kevin, along with their talented staff, truly appreciate and enjoy serving their customers’ unique and personal needs.

From the November 25-December 1, 2009 issue