Blue Gem

Established in the 1970s, The Art of Jewelry is a small, family-owned business that has been crafting fine jewelry for over 50 years. We specialize in creating unique pieces featuring the rare and exquisite Ellensburg Blue Gemstone, found only in the Ellensburg area of Washington state.

Our Story

The Art of Jewelry was founded by jeweler and founder, Frank Erickson, who mastered the art of fine jewelry and lost-wax techniques while working as an apprentice jeweler in Sausalito, California. Frank returned to Washington to open his own store, focusing on the rare Ellensburg Blue agate. Cristina Erickson, Frank's wife, joined the business as a part-owner and jewelry designer in the late 80s. Together, they expanded the business to two locations in Ellensburg and later focused on a single location and launched their jewelry website in the early 2000s. After Frank's passing, Cristina and their daughter Celeste decided to close the storefront and focus on online retail. Today, The Art of Jewelry is the leading online retailer of fine Ellensburg Blue jewelry.

The Ellensburg Blue

The Ellensburg Blue Agate is a unique gemstone in the world of jewelry. It has a distinct color and internal structure known as the "turtle back, " which gives the stone a lively and desirable quality. This rare gemstone is extremely hard and durable, making it ideal for jewelry. We have decades of experience working with Ellensburg Blues and can assure the authenticity of each stone we sell.

Our Jewelry-Making Process

We source our Ellensburg Blue Agates from local rock hunters and years of buying and trading. Each piece of jewelry is handcrafted using the lost-wax method, ensuring a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art. We often cut unique stone shapes to preserve as much of the Ellensburg Blue as possible, adding an organic element to our jewelry.

Our Design Inspiration

Our designs are influenced by nature and the Pacific Northwest environment. We often incorporate organic elements such as branches, leaves, feathers, and waves to highlight the unique Ellensburg Blue Agate. We also draw inspiration from Scandinavian aesthetics, focusing on clean lines and modern simplicity to showcase the beauty of each Ellensburg Blue stone.

Why Choose Us

At The Art of Jewelry, we pride ourselves on our unique designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and commitment to quality. Each piece of jewelry is hand-carved and hand-polished, ensuring a truly unique piece of art. We believe in the value of authenticity and the beauty of natural materials, making each piece a treasured possession.