Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Jewelry & Repair Services in Rochester, NY
Founded in 1958 by Joseph A. Cassarino, a graduate of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, we have built a legacy of excellence in jewelry craftsmanship and gemological expertise. Our team includes certified professionals with prestigious credentials such as the Fellow of the Gemmological Association (FGA), Graduate Gemologist (GG), and Certified Appraiser of Personal Property (ISA-CAPP). Over six decades, we have expanded from a single workshop to a trusted destination for custom jewelry, repairs, and rare gemstones, serving clients with integrity and unmatched skill.Our commitment to ethical sourcing, in-house fabrication, and personalized service ensures every client receives tailored solutions. With a third-generation gemologist on staff and artisans boasting decades of experience, we combine tradition with innovation to create timeless pieces that reflect individual stories.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Jewelry Repair
Gemstone Sourcing
Bridal Jewelry
Diamond Repair
Watch Battery Replacement
Engraving
Rhodium Plating
Appraisal Services
CAD Design
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer three generations of certified gemological expertise (FGA, GG, ISA-CAPP).
- All repairs and custom designs are completed in-house by master goldsmiths.
- Our non-commission sales approach prioritizes client needs over profit margins.
- We source ethically mined gemstones and provide detailed origin documentation.
- Our CAD design technology transforms concepts into precise, personalized jewelry.
Associations and certifications
- Gemmological Association of Great Britain
- Gemological Institute of America
- International Society of Appraisers
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Transform ideas into heirloom-quality pieces with our custom design service. Clients collaborate directly with master designers using CAD technology and traditional techniques. Ethically sourced materials and recycled metals ensure sustainability without compromising beauty or durability.
Jewelry Repair
Expert restoration for damaged or worn pieces using state-of-the-art equipment. Services include ring sizing, prong repair, gem setting, and rhodium plating. All work completed in-house by artisans with 10-35 years of experience.
Gemstone Sourcing
Access to thousands of certified loose gems from global sources. Our gemologists curate selections based on quality, rarity, and ethical provenance. Clients may request specific stones for personal viewing or custom incorporation.
Bridal Jewelry
Tailored bridal collections featuring conflict-free diamonds and sustainable materials. Design consultations guide clients through stone selection and setting customization, ensuring rings symbolize unique love stories with timeless elegance.
Appraisal Services
Detailed insurance and estate appraisals conducted by ISA-CAPP certified professionals. Documentation includes gemstone grading, metal purity analysis, and market value assessments for accurate coverage and inheritance planning.
People
Joseph A. Cassarino
Founder
Graduate of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, established The Gem Lab in 1958. Recognized for technical expertise and FGA accreditation, laying the foundation for a family legacy in ethical jewelry craftsmanship.
Paul Cassarino
President
FGA, GG, and ISA-CAPP certified appraiser with over 40 years of experience. Expanded services to include CAD design and earned the Gem Diamond Diploma from Gem-A, maintaining rigorous quality standards.
Amy Jo Cassarino
Gemologist
Third-generation expert holding GIA Diamond Graduate, Pearl Graduate, and Graduate Gemologist diplomas. Specializes in CAD design and social media outreach, bridging tradition with modern client engagement.
Lori Cassarino
Vice President
Manages operations, buying, and HR with a focus on fashion-forward collections. Curates designer partnerships and maintains the store's aesthetic, ensuring a welcoming environment for diverse client tastes.
Patsy
Manager
30-year veteran overseeing daily operations and supplier relations. Known for exceptional customer service and expanding product offerings while maintaining organizational efficiency since joining in 1990.
Questions
How does The Gem Lab ensure ethical gemstone sourcing?
We partner with trusted global suppliers adhering to strict ethical mining practices and provide origin documentation for all stones.
Can I repurpose heirloom jewelry into new designs?
Yes, our CAD-assisted remounting service transforms inherited pieces into modern creations while preserving sentimental value.
What accreditations verify your expertise?
Our team holds FGA, GG, and ISA-CAPP certifications, representing the highest standards in gemology and appraisal.
Do you offer jewelry repair warranties?
All repairs include a 1-year warranty covering workmanship, with options for extended protection plans.
How long does custom jewelry creation take?
Custom pieces typically require 4-8 weeks from initial consultation to final delivery, depending on complexity.
Are appraisal services available for insurance purposes?
Yes, our ISA-CAPP certified appraisals provide detailed documentation for insurance coverage and estate planning.
