Business Details
36 Years
experience
Custom Jewelry Design & Repair in Alexandria, VA
Gold Works has been a trusted name in jewelry design and repair since 1990, located in Old Town Alexandria. Our team combines artistic vision with technical expertise to create custom pieces that reflect individual stories and heritage. With decades of experience, we specialize in transforming heirlooms into modern masterpieces while maintaining the integrity of original craftsmanship. Our state-of-the-art virtual design technology allows clients to visualize creations before production begins. We offer comprehensive repair services for all precious metals and gemstones, ensuring every piece retains its beauty for generations.Our commitment to quality is evident in our selection of ethically sourced diamonds and precious stones. As a locally owned business, we prioritize personalized service and community connections. Our founder's background in sculpture and medical illustration informs our unique approach to jewelry design. We maintain rigorous industry certifications and participate in ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of our field. Every creation undergoes meticulous quality checks to ensure lasting durability and aesthetic perfection.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Jewelry Repair
Watch Battery Replacement
CAD Modeling
Gemstone Setting
Ring Sizing
Antique Restoration
Diamond Appraisal
Metal Casting
Pearl Restringing
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in custom jewelry design and restoration
- Our proprietary virtual design technology enables 3D visualization before production
- We maintain GIA certification for jewelry appraisal and evaluation standards
- Our team includes certified jewelry repair specialists with advanced metalworking expertise
- We provide comprehensive repair services for all precious metals and gemstone types
Associations and certifications
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
- Swest Institute
- Jewelers of America
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Our custom jewelry service transforms personal visions into unique wearable art through a three-stage process. Clients collaborate directly with master designer David Martin to develop concepts using traditional sketches or advanced CAD modeling. Each piece undergoes wax model approval before final production, ensuring perfect realization of design intent while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic balance.
Jewelry Repair
We specialize in comprehensive jewelry repair for all precious metals and gemstone types. Our services include prong replacement, chain re-linking, stone setting, and antique restoration while preserving original craftsmanship. Advanced equipment enables precise repairs for both modern and heritage pieces, ensuring lasting durability and aesthetic perfection.
Gemstone Setting
Our expert stone setting service accommodates all precious and semi-precious gemstones. Using traditional and modern techniques, we ensure secure settings that enhance stone brilliance while maintaining structural integrity. Services include diamond replacement, colored stone setting, and custom mounting solutions for both new and existing jewelry pieces.
Watch Battery Replacement
Professional watch battery replacement service completed in 15 minutes using premium quality batteries. We service all watch types with proper sealing and water resistance maintenance. Additional services include band adjustments, pin replacement, and link removal performed by experienced horology specialists.
Metal Casting
Our lost wax casting service creates intricate jewelry pieces from 10kt to 18kt gold, platinum, and silver. Using both traditional techniques and modern technology, we produce precise castings for custom designs and restoration projects. The process maintains metal purity while achieving complex detailing for both small and large-scale jewelry production.
People
David Martin
Jewelry Designer/Owner
Master jeweler with 30+ years experience in custom design and restoration. Holds multiple industry certifications including GIA jewelry appraisal and Swest Institute metal casting. Combines sculpture background with technical expertise to create unique wearable art pieces.
Regina Gillespie
Operations Manager
Pearl specialist managing daily operations with attention to quality control and customer service. Oversees production timelines and inventory management while maintaining high standards for finished jewelry pieces.
Kathryn Brown
Bookkeeper
Financial manager ensuring operational efficiency through accurate record-keeping and budget oversight. Coordinates with design team to maintain cost controls while supporting customer service initiatives.
Huynh Nguyen
Assistant Jeweler
Skilled craftsman supporting production and repair processes with precision metalworking expertise. Assists in creating custom pieces while maintaining quality standards across all jewelry manufacturing stages.
Questions
What is the custom jewelry design process?
Our three-stage process begins with concept development, followed by wax model creation, and concludes with final production. Clients receive digital previews before final manufacturing begins.
Do you repair antique jewelry?
Yes, we specialize in antique restoration while preserving original craftsmanship. Our experts handle delicate repairs for heritage pieces using traditional techniques.
What metals do you work with?
We work with 10kt, 14kt, 18kt gold (yellow, white, rose), platinum, palladium, and sterling silver for both new designs and repair work.
How long does custom jewelry take?
Custom pieces typically require 4-6 weeks from design approval to completion, depending on complexity and material availability.
Do you offer jewelry appraisals?
Yes, GIA-certified appraisals available for insurance and valuation purposes, conducted by experienced professionals using industry-standard methodologies.
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