National Rarities' November Employee Spotlight

Q1: Describe a brief history of yourself and your relevant training.

I grew up in a small town of Guy Arkansas. Just a kid who loved the outdoors and was always looking at the ground picking up rocks. I have an odd history that led me to my path in life. My very first job growing up was working with elephants,Riddles Elephants Sanctuary was next-door to my house. I worked around them everyday. But life had other plans when my mentor found me and changed my life. I started as an apprentice jeweler in June of 2003. I have over 20 certifications in the Jewelry industry, mostly dealing with stone setting. Needless to say I am very passionate about my craft and never stop learning new things.

• Certified master bench jeweler
• GIA AJP
• GIA Pearls
• Formal AGS CSA
• GRS basic and advance stone setting and expert stone Setting certification
• GRS advanced fabrication
• GRS Decorative setting and engraving
• Jura Micro Pave basic and advanced and next Set Certified
• Alexandre professional stone setting certification
• Alexandre Basic stone setter Certification
• Stuller Bench jeweler workshop
• Stuller Battle of the Bench winner 2007
• Matrix Gold certified
• Counter Sketch Certified
• Stuller Basic, Advance and Expert Laser welder certified
• Stuller Stone Setting

Q2: What does a typical day look like for you on at NR on and off the road?

We book all the travel for the events and get a head start on finding the best restaurants in town. You have to be a little bit of a foodie to work here. People bring in all kinds of things for us to look at. When I am back at the office I work under our amazing inventory team. They give me all the high end jewelry for me to do repairs if needed and polish and clean. There are a lot of hands that touch each item we sell so someone can enjoy them again.

Q3: What is your favorite thing about working at National Rarities?

My favorite thing about working at NR is the people, we travel together so you become close to everyone you get to travel with. Your work relationships become closer to family. I also enjoy getting to meet and talk with fellow bench jewelers in the stores to learn different techniques and tricks and to pass on things I have learned.

Q4: What is your favorite piece that you have purchased or sold? Do you have a story behind it? (if you have a photo of the piece or similar that would be great)

A collection of ILIAS LALAOUNIS 22K YELLOW GOLD LION HEAD, we have some of these items still for sale. The lady that sold me these items was super nice. Her mother and father were both movie stars and told us the story of her travels through the years.