Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Jewelry Design & Personalized Service in Carmel
Established in 1973, our business has dedicated five decades to crafting exceptional jewelry that reflects individuality and timeless elegance. Our founder, Kirkor Kocek, began his journey as a jewelry apprentice at age 12 in Istanbul, mastering techniques like wax carving, casting, and hand fabrication. Today, we combine this deep-rooted expertise with a modern approach led by our Chief Operating Officer Natalie Kocekian, who brings strategic innovation from her diverse background in film and technology. Our team of specialists, including master metalsmiths, appraisers, and client engagement experts, collaborates to create personalized experiences that honor each client's unique style. We maintain affiliations with prestigious organizations such as the International Society of Appraisers and California Jewelers Association, underscoring our commitment to industry excellence.With a global vendor network, we ensure competitive pricing while preserving the highest standards of craftsmanship. Recognized by the Carmel Chamber of Commerce and awarded Best Jeweler by The Best of Monterey County, our legacy combines tradition with contemporary innovation. We invite you to experience our informal, welcoming atmosphere where every piece tells a story. Our dedication to quality extends beyond jewelrywe cultivate lasting relationships with clients, ensuring every interaction embodies care, precision, and authenticity. This philosophy has sustained us through 50 years of service to the Carmel community and beyond.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Jewelry Repair
Gemstone Appraisal
Platinum Fabrication
Gold Fabrication
Antique Jewelry Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- Celebrating 50 years of exquisite jewelry craftsmanship
- Master metalsmith specializing in gold and platinum
- Personalized service tailored to individual tastes
- Competitive pricing through extensive vendor network
- Award-winning reputation for quality and service
Associations and certifications
- International Society of Appraisers
- Retail Jewelers of America Inc
- California Jewelers Association
- National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
What people say
Award-winning jewelry design
Personalized service
Master metalsmith expertise
Competitive pricing
Loyal customer experiences
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
We create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces tailored to individual preferences using gold, platinum, diamonds, and fine gemstones. Our master metalsmiths employ traditional techniques like wax carving and hand fabrication to transform client visions into wearable art. With 50 years of expertise, we ensure each creation embodies both technical precision and personal significance.
Gemstone Appraisal
Our certified appraisers provide accurate valuations for fine jewelry and gemstones, combining GIA-certified expertise with decades of industry experience. Services include insurance documentation, estate assessments, and authentication of design eras and materials. Clients receive detailed reports that meet professional appraisal standards for both contemporary and antique pieces.
Platinum Fabrication
Specializing in platinum work, our master metalsmiths create durable, high-quality pieces using traditional hand-fabrication techniques. We offer custom design services and restoration for platinum jewelry, maintaining the metal's unique properties while ensuring precise craftsmanship. This expertise extends to intricate settings and complex structural designs.
Antique Jewelry Restoration
Our specialists preserve historical integrity while restoring antique jewelry using traditional methods like granulation and anticlastic manufacture. Services include cleaning, repair, and structural reinforcement for heritage pieces. We maintain period-appropriate techniques to ensure authenticity while extending the lifespan of valuable vintage collections.
Jewelry Repair
We offer comprehensive repair services for all fine jewelry types, including resizing, stone replacement, and clasp repair. Our skilled jewelers use precision tools and traditional techniques to maintain structural integrity while preserving aesthetic value. Services accommodate both modern and antique pieces with attention to detail and material compatibility.
People
Kirkor Kocek
President & Designer
Master metalsmith with 50+ years experience, apprenticed in Istanbul at age 12. Specializes in gold/platinum fabrication and antique techniques. Founded the company in 1973, creating distinctive jewelry that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
Natalie Kocekian
Chief Operating Officer
Dynamic COO with background in film and tech industries. Oversees operations, marketing, and supply chain management. Brings modern strategic vision to the family business while maintaining its legacy as Carmel's premier jewelry destination since 1973.
Kimberly Seftel
Jewelry Appraiser
GIA-certified appraiser with 20+ years experience. Specializes in gemstone cuts, metals, and design eras. Provides expert valuation services for insurance, estate, and authentication purposes. Operates from both Carmel and Santa Fe locations.
Giovanni Lo Gelfo
Jeweler
Sicilian-trained goldsmith with expertise in traditional techniques. Joined the team after winning the diversity visa program in 2014. Contributes European craftsmanship heritage to the creation and repair of fine jewelry pieces.
Theodore
Head of Security
German Shepherd guardian since 2020, providing natural security presence while embodying the store's welcoming spirit. Known for balancing protective instincts with client-friendly demeanor during store interactions.
Questions
What makes Kocek Jeweler's custom designs unique?
Our custom designs combine 50 years of traditional metalsmithing techniques with personalized consultations to create one-of-a-kind pieces reflecting individual style.
Do you work with both modern and antique jewelry?
Yes, we specialize in both contemporary creations and antique restoration using traditional methods like granulation and hand fabrication.
What experience do your jewelers have?
Our team includes master metalsmiths with decades of experience, GIA-certified appraisers, and European-trained goldsmiths maintaining the highest craftsmanship standards.
How does the custom jewelry process work?
We begin with a design consultation, create wax models for approval, then craft your piece using traditional hand-fabrication techniques for personalized results.
Are your appraisals accepted by insurance companies?
Yes, our GIA-certified appraisers provide detailed documentation meeting professional standards for insurance and estate purposes.
What awards has Kocek Jeweler received?
We've received multiple awards including Carmel Chamber of Commerce's Award of Excellence and The Best of Monterey County's Best Jeweler recognition.
