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Our Jeweler - Goldsmith: Bret Christensen
I have had many interests throughout my life. Creating
artistic objects, however, is my particular passion. My initial interests morphed
from the creation of art sculpture with fire and metal to a passion for creating
unique wearable art.
My designs are inspired by my many interests including nature. I work with all
metals and gemstones to create beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. I also excel at
repairing fine jewelry.
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I have been a professional jeweler for over 10 years. During this time I became
a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Colored Stones graduate. As a member
of the GIA Alumni Association, I sometimes travel to industry trade shows to
gain insight and inspiration from others within the field.
Heritage: My family and I are deeply immersed in our Celtic and Scandinavian
heritage. Like many Americans we have both in our family tree. Our boys and I
participate in several of the Northwest’s Highland Games and I do what I can
to help facilitate the Whidbey Island games every year.
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My interest in Scandinavian and Celtic heritage shows in the
products we offer for sale at The Celtic Viking. We offer a variety of jewelry
pieces created by artists from around the world. We also feature the work of
local Whidbey Island craftsmen.
Over the years, my group of clients and friends
has grown and now extends across the nation. I am gratified by the community’s
response since our grand opening in April. The bulk of our business is from repeat
customers who tell me they appreciate my creativity, talent, and professionalism.
An opportunity to open my own studio and show room in downtown Langley presented
itself, so I jumped at the chance. Opening in April 2008, we are located on
the main street of beautiful Langley, Washington on the south end of Whidbey
Island in the middle of Puget Sound.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is meeting new visitors who share
my love of fine jewelry.
Typically, I work closely with clients, building on their ideas for a particular
piece. I do it the old fashioned way. First, I speak with the client about their
ideas and develop a design on paper.
The process may then include carving a wax model, casting the metal, hand
fabrication, stone cutting or other techniques. I check with the client each
step of the way to be sure that what I make is EXACTLY what he or she wants.
The slide show on this website illustrates my work in various stages of completion.
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How I prepare custom jewelry
I perform all phases of design and manufacture in-house using old-world techniques,
with some modern innovations. First, I prepare a sketch of the design. I invite
the customer to be involved in the entire process as much as he or she desires.
Next, I sculpt the sketch into a 3 dimensional wax model which I present to the
customer for approval. Upon approval, I “invest” the wax model (encased inside
a steel flask filled with plaster). I place the flask in the kiln and the wax
is burned away leaving a hollow cavity. After hours at very high temperature,
the flask is placed in the centrifuge where molten gold is flung into the hollow
cavity.
I then hand-finish the ring and set the stones. Finally, I apply finishing touches
and polishing.
~ Bret Christensen
GIA Colored Stones Graduate
jeweler, goldsmith, craftsman
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Restoring an antique ring |
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