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Weekly Designer Spotlight

Angela V

Designer
Seattle Studio

GIA AJP Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

My fascination with gemstones and design started early, thanks to attending gem shows with my grandmother, who crafted traditional bead jewelry. That early exposure sparked a lifelong passion that eventually led me to a rewarding career spanning over a decade in the jewelry and coin industry in Orange County, California. Over the years, I’ve gained experience working with high-value pieces, guiding clients toward meaningful selections, and handling precious metals with precision and care. I’m truly a gemstone enthusiast - especially captivated by the color-changing magic of Alexandrite, the rich hues of Rubellite Tourmaline, and the timeless elegance of aquamarine and sapphire.

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Krista

Senior Designer

Senior Designer | Seattle Studio Founding Artist

I started from humble beginnings, working alongside my father in a small 500 square-foot retail space along Green Lake Drive. Over the years, I’ve helped clients design one-of-a-kind pieces, apprenticed as a goldsmith at the bench, sourced precious gemstones, and managed our overall production & design teams. I was honored to receive the 2015 MJSA Vision Award for jewelry design, and my work has been featured in publications like JCK, Marie Claire, and Seattle Magazine.

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Melissa T

Senior Designer
Online Design Specialist

Founding Artist, GIA Diamond Graduate & AJP Available for Virtual Consultations

I got my first glimpse into the jewelry world as a kid, earning quarters for spotting tiny melee diamonds on the shop floor and watching in awe as my dad fired up his torch, shaping metal into something magical and meaningful. With a natural artistic streak and love of people, what began as a creative curiosity eventually became a full-time career. I began at Green Lake Jewelry Works as a young adult, spending a decade designing with clients in the Seattle studio. During that time, I mentored new designers, helped shape internal systems, and supported both the creative and operational sides of a fast-growing company. I also earned GIA certifications as a Graduate Diamonds & AJP. My work has been featured in Washington Wedding Day and I have been mentioned in In Store Magazine.

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Rebecca P

Senior Designer
Seattle Studio

BFA Jewelry Design | Metalsmithing RISD Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

I marry my passion for precious metals and gemstones with the fast-paced, creative energy of developing unique ideas - always working closely with a team of master craftspeople on behalf of my clients. After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing from the Rhode Island School of Design, I spent my early years working with several high-end fine jewelers in Boston. Later, I moved to New York City, where I spent a decade designing fashion jewelry for global brands. With a strong technical foundation in structural design and a fashion-forward approach to translating sketches into beautiful pieces, I’ve developed the ability to troubleshoot quickly and communicate design visions clearly and effectively.

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Britt G

Senior Designer & CAD Modeler
Bellevue Studio

BFA Jewelry Design | Metalsmithing Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

I’m a seasoned custom jewelry designer and CAD modeler with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing from the University of Georgia. With over a decade of experience in the jewelry industry - including many years focused on CAD work - I bring a deep understanding of both design and structure to everything I create. I was originally drawn to jewelry by the beauty of the materials and the endless creative possibilities. Over the years, I’ve built a well-rounded skill set that allows me to seamlessly combine my background in benchwork, Matrix/Rhino CAD training, and a sharp eye for detail. My goal is always to design pieces that are not just visually stunning, but also structurally sound and practical to wear.

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Erich M

Senior Designer
Bellevue Studio

GIA AJP Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

I'm a freelance illustrator and exhibiting painter who started out as an expatriate living in the heart of Austria before moving to the United States. My artwork has been exhibited in galleries across the U.S., Europe, and Australia. In 2011, I began pursuing a career in fine jewelry, starting with an AJP certification from the Gemological Institute of America. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to apply my background in art to designing custom engagement, wedding, and family jewelry.

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Sasha P

Senior Designer
Seattle Studio

GIA Graduate Gemologist, JDT Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

Jewelry has been part of my life from a very early age. My mom was a jewelry designer who worked with pearls, so I grew up watching her create and fell in love with the process early on. What started as second nature became a genuine passion - one that’s grown with me over the years. In college, I started buying and selling vintage gold pieces just for fun, and quickly found myself completely hooked. That passion led me to the Gemological Institute of America, where I dove headfirst into Gemology and Jewelry Design & Technology. But for me, jewelry isn’t just a career - it’s an expression of who you are. I love collecting unique custom and vintage pieces, mixing metals and gemstones, and styling jewelry as a form of personal expression. I believe jewelry should be fun! It’s a powerful way to show off your personality, tell your story, and reflect your individual style.

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Margarita A

Senior Designer
Bellevue Studio

My background in fashion and clothing design shaped my eye for style, craftsmanship, and luxury early on. That foundation led me to work closely with some of the world’s most prestigious high-end jewelry houses, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, Bvlgari, and Boucheron. Through these experiences, I developed a deep understanding of fine jewelry, brand heritage, and thoughtful client relationships—skills that allow me to create an elevated, highly personalized experience for every client. I’m drawn to designing pieces that feel elegant and timeless, with a modern touch. I focus on proportion, detail, and craftsmanship rather than fleeting trends, believing that the most meaningful designs are those that endure. Much of my inspiration comes from travel, art, architecture, and fashion—often sparked by subtle details like texture, color, or form discovered in museums or while exploring new cities.

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Christine D

Design Group Manager

Senior Designer | Seattle Studio Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

I've been with Green Lake Jewelry Works for over seven years, guiding clients through the custom design process. With all the options that custom design offers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at first - especially if you’ve never designed a piece of jewelry before! That’s where I come in. I love sitting down with clients to learn about what they're hoping to create, and then walking them through each decision step-by-step to help bring that vision to life.

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Aleta K

Designer
Bellevue Studio

GIA Graduate Gemologist Available for in-studio consultation

I bring over 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry, along with a lifelong passion for gemstones and design that began in childhood. I’m a proud graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where I completed the Gemology, Jeweler, Design, and Applied Jewelry Arts programs. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various facets of the industry - including design, sales, and gemstone buying - which has allowed me to hone a well-rounded and deeply informed approach to custom jewelry.

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Aden K

Designer
Seattle Studio

With a background in 3D modeling and digital art, my journey into jewelry design feels like coming full circle from a childhood dream. As a kid, I was fascinated by gemstones and even imagined becoming a gemologist—but life first led me toward digital sculpting for games and film. That path eventually brought me to Green Lake Jewelry Works, where I discovered that jewelry is the perfect way to unite all my passions: CAD, design, fashion, and, of course, rocks.

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Brinna A

Designer
Seattle Studio

Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

I’m originally from Colorado and studied Anthropology at Western Washington University, but jewelry has become my true creative outlet. I taught myself metalsmithing in 2020 during the pandemic, and what began as a hobby soon became a full-time career running my own silversmith business. I’ve also worked in law, startups, and hospitality, but nothing compares to helping clients realize their dream pieces.

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Cait U

Designer
Bellevue Studio

GIA AJP Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

My path to jewelry design has been shaped by a lifetime of creativity and curiosity. I was inspired early on by my uncle, a gem wholesaler, who introduced me to the enchanting world of gemstones. My eye for design and artistic talent were also deeply influenced by my father, a renowned and highly awarded Design Engineer at Boeing, who taught me drafting skills and nurtured my creative spirit. Stemming from their influence, one day I unexpectedly sketched a custom ring on a bar napkin - perfectly capturing a client’s vision and igniting my passion for turning imagination into tangible art.

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Devon W

Designer
Seattle Studio

Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

My background is in clothing design, so I’ve always been drawn to creative expression and the little details that make something special. That curiosity eventually pulled me into the jewelry world, where I worked in retail management before joining Green Lake Jewelry Works. From the moment I walked in, it felt like home - I love the energy of being surrounded by artistry and craftsmanship, and the excitement of seeing something new every single day.

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Guinevere J

Designer
Seattle Studio

My path to jewelry design grew from a lifelong foundation in the visual arts. As a fine artist specializing in oil painting, I spent years collaborating with clients to translate personal stories and emotions into meaningful, tangible pieces. Joining Green Lake Jewelry Works has allowed me to combine that artistic background with the craftsmanship of custom jewelry design in a way that feels deeply personal and rewarding.

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Jen E

Designer
Online Design Specialist

GIA Diamond Graduate & AJP

My love of jewelry started long before I knew it could be a career. As a kid, I was always looking down, searching my grandparents’ land in Texas, hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest, dried-up riverbeds, and beaches, hoping to find a unique rock, fossil, shell, gemstone, or anything interesting hidden in the ground. I still do it today, so jewelry feels like a natural extension of something I’ve always loved: noticing small, beautiful things and imagining what they could become. That same curiosity carried me into jewelry. I’ve always been drawn to the arts and making things by hand, and what started with friendship bracelets and beaded jewelry eventually grew into a deeper love for creating wearable pieces with meaning. I studied hand fabrication, stone setting, wax carving, casting, CAD, and jewelry design at Austin Community College, then deepened my knowledge through GIA, where I earned my Applied Jewelry Professional certificate and later my Graduate Diamonds diploma.

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Karlei D

Designer
Seattle Studio

I’ve always been drawn to jewelry as a form of self-expression, something personal, expressive, and entirely your own. That passion led me into the world of fine body jewelry and piercing, where I spent over five years as a studio operations supervisor and jewelry specialist. Working closely with clients to curate custom pieces gave me a strong eye for detail, balance, and personal style. I’m currently working toward my AJP certification through GIA and recently transitioned into the bridal side of fine jewelry.

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Maddie T

Designer
Seattle Studio

GIA AJP Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

My lifelong love for jewelry started in childhood - pretty much as soon as I could dress myself. I had an early eye for accessorizing and cherished every visit to the jewelry store with my dad for special occasions. I still remember the joy of trying on pieces, draping myself in pearls, and balancing oversized rings on my fingers. My passion for accessories is only part of the story. I bring a diverse blend of education and experience to my work. I graduated from the University of Washington with double majors in Art History and Communications and earned my Applied Jewelry Professional certification from the Gemological Institute of America. Together, these have given me a strong foundation for a career in jewelry.

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Michael N

Designer
Bellevue Studio

GIA AJP | Former Bench Jeweler Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

I’m a Seattle-born jeweler with a deep appreciation for both nature and craftsmanship. Before entering the jewelry world, I spent nearly a decade working as a gardener, a background that naturally shaped my transition into metalsmithing and, eventually, fine jewelry. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills with three years as a bench jeweler and two as a personal jeweler and consultant before joining Green Lake Jewelry Works. I also hold a GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) certification and bring a thoughtful, grounded approach to each client experience.

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Nicholas H

Designer
Bellevue Studio

GIA Jewelry Design & Technology Grad. Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

I’m an artist and designer at heart, and I bring a vibrant blend of creativity and technical skill to every piece I create. I graduated from the Gemological Institute of America’s Jewelry Design and Technology program, where I developed a strong foundation in hand rendering, digital illustration, and CAD design - along with deep knowledge of manufacturing processes and gemstones.

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Sami B

Designer
Seattle Studio

Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

My career has always been rooted in creativity, spanning estate sales, graphic design, and marketing before I found my way into the jewelry industry at Malak Jewelers, a family-owned retailer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Inspired early on by my cousin’s work as a geologist, I’ve long been fascinated by gemology and the natural beauty found in stones. At Green Lake, what excites me most is the creative flow and variety in my work as a designer, every day brings something new.

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Stevie S

Designer
Seattle Studio

Creativity has always guided my path, eventually leading me to jewelry as my true focus. Before moving to Seattle, I spent six years designing and selling my silver jewelry in Bellingham while earning my Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from Western Washington University. That experience shaped my transition into fine jewelry, where I found a deep passion for creating heirloom pieces that hold lasting meaning. I’m especially drawn to engagement rings and band sets, pieces that are worn every day and carried through generations. My inspiration comes from a wide range of places, from intricate architecture to the movement of ocean waves. I’m constantly noticing textures, patterns, and historical details that find their way into my designs.

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Tessa B

Designer
Seattle Studio

CAD Sculptor | Artist

My path to jewelry design has been shaped by a lifelong love of art, making, and curiosity across many creative disciplines. I earned my BFA in Illustration with a minor in Visual Development from Ringling College of Art and Design, then went on to explore a wide range of artistic careers. From working as an environment artist at Microsoft’s Turn 10 Studios on Forza Motorsport to creating as a 3D designer and sculptor for Super7 and Hasbro. I’ve also freelanced as a jewelry designer, assisted with exhibitions at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, apprenticed as a silversmith at Silver Works Studio, and trained traditionally under a master landscape and portrait artist. Each experience has shaped how I think about form, storytelling, and craftsmanship.

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Chase T

Lead Production Assistant

Designer | Problem Solver Seattle Studio

After trying out the family business in high school, I got hooked. First as a concierge, then a bench jeweler, I now specialize in solving production issues and helping coordinate client projects.

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Pia G

Merchandising Director

Non-Bridal Buyer

My work in the jewelry world has always been about connecting people with pieces that feel just right. As the Merchandising Director and Non-Bridal Buyer, I curate collections that reflect thoughtful craftsmanship, timeless design, and the voices of independent artists. Whether I’m sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces or developing new product lines, I’m always thinking about what will resonate with our clients and feel meaningful to wear.

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Brant K

Gem Dept. Director
Gemstone Buyer

Designer | Either Studio by appointment Available for in-studio and virtual consultations

As Green Lake’s lead GIA-trained diamond buyer, I personally seek out the finest gemstones at the best value for our custom jewelry clients. With over 35 years of experience across jewelry retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, I bring a deep level of knowledge and credibility to the custom design process - something I take great pride in sharing with every client I meet. Those clients often tell me that what stands out most is not just my eye for stones, but the genuine care I bring to every interaction. For me, it’s an honor to be part of someone’s story through a gemstone that will be cherished for generations. I’ve always had a passion for gemstones. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I was a self-proclaimed “rock hound,” spending my time collecting fossils and minerals. That childhood hobby eventually grew into a lifelong career - one that has taken me around the world in search of exceptional stones. From direct buying trips in Hong Kong, Israel, and New York, I’ve had the privilege of sourcing truly special gems for clients who appreciate quality and craftsmanship.

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