Earlier this month, deJonghe Original Jewelry, located in downtown Saratoga Springs, welcomed Evan deJonghe (son of owners Dennis and Peg deJonghe) as a full time employee of the business. After earning his Business Degree at McGill University in Montreal, Evan pursued his love for jewelry by attending the renowned Gemological Institute of America (GIA), learning from some of the most highly respected experts of the industry. While attending the GIA, Evan earned a Graduate Gemologist diploma (GG) and Applied Jewelry Arts diploma (AJA).

Evan grew up in his father’s workshop, always looking over his shoulder at his latest creations. “I can remember as a little kid going into my dad’s studio to look at his carvings and ask him about all the gems he was setting,” says Evan. As he grew older, he learned the importance of the business workings which inspired him to pursue a degree in Marketing at McGill University.

The deJonghe’s are eager to include Evan’s gemology expertise and design skills into their family business. As Dennis continues to create pieces of jewelry, Evan will focus on the business side of deJonghe’s by sharing his knowledge of marketing, management, and sales. But Evan hopes to become further involved in the design and production of jewelry. His studies at the GIA have prepared him for jewelry design in computer aided design (CAD), hand rendering, and wax carving in addition to a semester which was fully devoted to gemology. His modern view on the jewelry world will bring in fresh ideas and new designs while his presence at the shop reinforces the importance of the family business.