Austin & Elkins

Business Details

39 Years

experience

Custom Fine Jewelry & Design in Alexandria, VA

Established in 1987, Austin & Elkins has dedicated itself to redefining the jewelry experience through personalized service and uncompromising quality. Our expertise spans custom design, engagement rings, and heirloom restoration, with a focus on 18 karat gold, platinum, and ethically sourced gemstones. Our master goldsmiths combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to create timeless pieces tailored to individual stories. Guided by founders Robin Austin and Josh Joson, we prioritize lifelong client relationships through transparent consultations and meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through re-refined metals and responsible gemstone sourcing.

With decades of collective experience, we ensure every creation meets exacting standards while maintaining exceptional value. The testimonials from clients like Hannah P and Bailey L underscore our dedication to transforming visions into heirloom-quality jewelry. Annual inspections and complimentary cleanings reflect our ongoing care for every piece we craft. Our gallery showcases both bespoke commissions and exclusive designer collections, including works by Ashka Dymel and Devta Doolan. This enduring philosophy of quality, service, and artistry continues to shape our approach as we celebrate over three decades in Old Town Alexandria.

Services

Custom Jewelry Design Engagement Rings Wedding Bands Jewelry Repair Appraisals Heirloom Restoration Hand Engraving Gemstone Sourcing Designer Collections Platinum Repairs

Details

Year established: 1987

Highlights and features

We have over 30 years of experience in custom jewelry design and restoration
Our master goldsmiths specialize in 18 karat gold and platinum craftsmanship
We offer personalized consultations with transparent pricing and ethical sourcing
Our team provides complimentary annual jewelry inspections and cleanings
We combine traditional handcrafting techniques with modern CAD technology

What people say

Perfect engagement ring experience Expert heirloom restoration Knowledgeable and patient staff Reasonable pricing Free cleaning services

Website

Update Listing

Services

Custom Jewelry Design

Our custom design process transforms personal stories into unique jewelry pieces. Clients collaborate directly with our designers to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings, wedding bands, and statement pieces using ethically sourced materials. With expertise in CAD modeling and traditional handcrafting techniques, we ensure precision and artistry in every creation.

Heirloom Restoration

We specialize in preserving family heritage through meticulous restoration of antique and vintage jewelry. Our master goldsmiths carefully repair delicate filigree work, replace worn components, and modernize settings while maintaining original character. This service includes design consultation for those wishing to repurpose heirloom stones into new creations.

Jewelry Appraisals

Our detailed appraisals document jewelry specifications for insurance purposes using industry-standard evaluation methods. Each appraisal includes gemstone analysis, metal purity verification, and market value assessment. We recommend updating appraisals every five years or as required by insurance providers.

Platinum Repairs

We handle complex repairs for platinum jewelry using specialized equipment and techniques. Our goldsmiths perform precision soldering, prong rebuilding, and surface restoration while maintaining the metal's inherent durability and luster through proper finishing processes.

Gemstone Sourcing

Our gemstone experts help clients select diamonds and colored stones meeting specific quality criteria. We source ideal-cut GIA/AGS certified diamonds and unique colored gemstones following ethical mining guidelines, providing documentation for origin and treatment history.

People

Robin Austin

Founder & Lead Designer

With over 30 years in the jewelry industry, Robin Austin brings expertise in custom design and client relations. She guides the creative process from concept to completion, ensuring each piece reflects the client's vision while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship standards.

Josh Joson

Co-Founder & Master Goldsmith

Josh Joson oversees all production aspects with 30+ years of experience in precious metal fabrication. His technical mastery of platinum and 18k gold work ensures structural integrity in both modern and antique reproductions.

Ashka Dymel

Featured Designer

Ashka Dymel's collection combines architectural influences with wearable art. Her Brooklyn-made pieces use innovative bimetal techniques and semi-precious stones to create distinctive jewelry that balances form and function.

Questions

What jewelry services do you specialize in?

We specialize in custom jewelry design, engagement rings, wedding bands, heirloom restoration, appraisals, and jewelry repair using ethical materials.

How does the custom design process work?

Our process begins with a personal consultation, followed by material selection, CAD modeling or hand-drawing, wax modeling, and final production with client approvals at each stage.

Do you offer jewelry repair services?

Yes, we provide comprehensive repair services including resizing, stone replacement, prong rebuilding, and hand engraving by our master goldsmiths.

Are your gemstones ethically sourced?

We source gemstones from suppliers following international ethical mining guidelines and use 100% recycled precious metals in our creations.

How can I schedule an appointment?

We operate by appointment only - please contact us through our website or call 703.684.5555 to schedule a consultation with our designers.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Assunta C.

Feb 18, 2022 Report

I brought my diamond wedding band to be remodeled at Austin and Elkins and could not be more satisfied with the attention to detail and the support I got from the owner, Robin. She made sure no stones were left unturned and that I was 100% satisfied with the restyling. Highly recommend!

Claire Connor

Nov 12, 2021 Report

My fiance and I worked with Robin at Austin & Elkins Jewelers to set a princess cut diamond into his great-grandmother's ring, and she was the best! The original ring is from the early to mid-20th century and had beautiful filigree work with six small inset diamonds along the sides that we loved, but had this inset bezel setting at the top that made the ring feel a bit dated. The ring was also several sizes too large as I have tiny size 4 fingers. Robin worked with us to redesign the setting into a modified prong setting that preserves all of the original filigree work.

She also got the ring resized perfectly without affecting the integrity of the ring. My engagement ring now feels like a celebration of my fiance's family history as well as our relationship. Robin was amazing throughout the entire process, so thoughtful with us and protective of the ring. We seriously cannot recommend Robin and Austin & Elkins Jewelers highly enough!

Leah Storer

Oct 24, 2021 Report

Loved working with Robin from Austin & Elkins to find our wedding bands! She spent a good deal of time with my (now husband) and I finding rings that were the perfect fit for our style and esthetic. She took a very personal approach and talked us through every step of the process! Would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking! (And her prices were very competitive with online platforms that have vastly inferior customer service and guidance). 10/10!

Jeremy Worth

May 25, 2021 Report

Robin was the best! She helped us find a wedding band, and even though it was not an expensive band, I felt like she gave us million dollar customer service. I previously bought my fiancee an engagement ring at a national jeweler, and in hindsight, I really wish I had purchased from her.

Minni G.

Nov 23, 2020 Report

Robin was wonderful to work with. We had such a great experience with Robin after a complicated few months of figuring out what we wanted for our wedding bands. She was patient and informative and helped my husband and I make the best decision for ourselves. We both walked out very happy with our selections. We will definitely be back for future purchases!