Business Details
41 Years
experience
Custom Jewelry & Repair Services in Marquette
Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers is a full-service, locally owned jewelry store established in 1985 in Historic Downtown Marquette, Michigan. As a second-generation jeweler, owner Chris Wattsson brings 23 years of expertise in custom jewelry design, specializing in engagement rings, wedding bands, and personalized pieces crafted from local Upper Peninsula gold. Our store combines tradition with innovation, offering fine jewelry, repair services, and a unique 100-ft. mining museum that educates visitors on regional mining history and gemology. Recognized as InStore Magazine's America's Coolest Jewelry Store in 2004, we pride ourselves on exceptional craftsmanship, customer service, and community engagement. Our custom design process ensures clients receive one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to their preferences, while our repair services address everything from simple soldering to intricate stone setting.We maintain transparency through free estimates, no design fees, and a commitment to using materials from heirloom pieces in new creations. Our team includes GIA-certified professionals for diamond appraisals and a dedicated bench jeweler with decades of experience. The store's interactive mining museum and educational programs reflect our dedication to preserving local heritage and fostering community connections. With flexible consultation options and a focus on ethical practices, we strive to make every customer's experience memorable and trustworthy.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Jewelry Repair
Diamond Appraisals
Mining Museum Tours
UP Gold Jewelry
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 23 years of custom jewelry design expertise with local UP gold.
- Our onsite mining museum provides educational experiences for all ages.
- Free estimates and no design fees for custom projects.
- Award-winning craftsmanship recognized nationally since 2004.
- GIA-certified appraisals and repairs completed in-house within one week.
What people say
One-of-a-kind designs
Knowledgeable staff
Unique museum experience
Quick repair service
Heirloom preservation
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
We create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces tailored to client preferences using local Upper Peninsula gold and heirloom materials. Our process includes free consultations, 3D wax modeling, and expert metal casting. Clients receive polished, stone-set creations with options for prong, bezel, or channel settings.
Jewelry Repair
Our experienced bench jeweler completes 98% of repairs in-store within one week. Services include soldering, resizing, prong replacement, and stone setting. Free cleaning and buffing accompany all repairs, with transparent pricing for tasks like ring sizing ($50+) and prong work ($30+).
Mining Museum Tours
The 100-ft. onsite mining museum showcases Upper Peninsula mining history, Ropes Gold Mine artifacts, and gemological displays. Interactive exhibits include glowing minerals and fossilized dinosaur eggs. School groups and youth programs can schedule guided tours to learn about local heritage and jewelry craftsmanship.
Diamond Appraisals
GIA-certified professionals provide accurate diamond appraisals ($50) with one-week turnaround. The service includes detailed analysis of cut, clarity, and carat weight. Colored stone appraisals will be available after 2023 upon completion of Graduate Gemologist training.
UP Gold Jewelry
We craft exclusive jewelry using rare UP gold from Ishpeming's closed Ropes Gold Mine. The collection includes necklaces, rings, and bracelets celebrating regional heritage. Due to limited supply, custom orders require advance consultation to ensure material availability for personalized designs.
People
Chris Wattsson
Owner & Bench Jeweler
Second-generation jeweler with 23 years of experience, specializing in custom design and repairs. Learned the trade from childhood and now creates the Superior Line of UP-themed jewelry while managing daily operations.
Lacee Hartzell
Sales Manager
GIA Diamonds Graduate providing diamond appraisals ($50) and assisting with jewelry sales. Pursuing Graduate Gemologist certification to expand appraisal services to colored stones by 2023.
Questions
Do you offer custom jewelry design services?
Yes, we specialize in custom jewelry using local UP gold or heirloom materials. Free consultations available in-store, via email, or video call.
Can you repair vintage or damaged jewelry?
Yes, our bench jeweler handles repairs from simple soldering ($35+) to complex reconstructions, often completing work within one week.
Is the online inventory the same as in-store stock?
Our website displays 80% of available jewelry. If you don't find what you need online, contact us directly to check in-store availability.
Do you buy gold or silver?
Yes, we purchase gold and silver Monday-Friday 10 AM-2 PM. We also have periodic estate buyers for diamonds and stones.
Are financing options available?
Yes, we offer Shop Pay financing for online purchases and layaway plans for in-store purchases. Contact us for specific terms.
Can I visit the mining museum without purchasing jewelry?
Absolutely! The 100-ft. mining museum is open to all visitors during business hours, with special tours available for educational groups.