Business Details
We have been serving the San Carlos, California community with fine jewelry expertise since 1977. Our legacy spans four generations of jewelers, originating from a Norwegian family tradition where our great-uncle served as jeweler to the King of Norway. The late award-winning designer Gordon Aatlo founded our gallery and earned international recognition, including two AGTA Spectrum Platinum Honors Awards. Today, lead jeweler and owner Kelly Allen, Gordon's protege and stepson, continues this heritage of European-standard craftsmanship. We specialize in custom jewelry design, precise repairs, ring sizing, and professional appraisals tailored to each client's unique needs. Our services extend to restringing, engraving, loose diamond and gemstone selection, and comprehensive watch repair including battery replacement and band adjustments.
We proudly transform heirloom pieces into modern wearable art through our jewelry remaking and redesign expertise. Every gemstone we offer is conflict-free and fairly traded, while our precious metals are sourced exclusively from recycled materials. We curate collections from distinguished designers such as VOCATEUR, Michael Baksa, Lafonn, and Peter Storm alongside our own Gordon Aatlo Legacy line. Our commitment to quality and value ensures that every piece meets rigorous standards of creative design and exquisitely crafted workmanship. We provide complimentary gift packaging and free USPS First Class shipping to enhance every client experience. Our team remains dedicated to upholding the trust placed in us for over four decades through transparent practices and personalized service.
We proudly transform heirloom pieces into modern wearable art through our jewelry remaking and redesign expertise. Every gemstone we offer is conflict-free and fairly traded, while our precious metals are sourced exclusively from recycled materials. We curate collections from distinguished designers such as VOCATEUR, Michael Baksa, Lafonn, and Peter Storm alongside our own Gordon Aatlo Legacy line. Our commitment to quality and value ensures that every piece meets rigorous standards of creative design and exquisitely crafted workmanship. We provide complimentary gift packaging and free USPS First Class shipping to enhance every client experience. Our team remains dedicated to upholding the trust placed in us for over four decades through transparent practices and personalized service.
Highlights and features
- We have served San Carlos continuously since 1977.
- Our four-generation lineage ensures European-standard craftsmanship.
- We feature two-time AGTA Spectrum Award-winning designs.
- Our gems are conflict-free and metals recycled.
- We provide free USPS shipping and complimentary packaging.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
We create bespoke jewelry pieces tailored to individual style and budget, collaborating closely with clients from concept to completion. Our lead jeweler Kelly Allen applies four generations of European training to ensure exceptional craftsmanship. Clients receive unique, heirloom-quality items crafted with conflict-free gems and recycled precious metals.
Jewelry Repair
We perform expert jewelry repairs including ring sizing, stone setting, and clasp replacement using precision techniques honed over decades. Our workshop handles everything from simple chain soldering to complex structural restoration with meticulous attention to detail. Customers regain wearable, secure pieces backed by our commitment to lasting quality.
Appraisals
We provide certified jewelry appraisals for insurance, estate, and resale purposes, documenting each item with detailed descriptions and current market values. Our gemological expertise ensures accurate identification of diamonds, colored gemstones, and precious metal content. Clients receive professional documentation accepted by insurers and estate planners worldwide.
Jewelry Remaking
We transform outdated or broken heirloom jewelry into modern, wearable designs while preserving sentimental value and original materials. Our designers collaborate with clients to reimagine pieces, incorporating existing gemstones and metals into fresh, contemporary styles. This sustainable approach honors family history while delivering relevant, cherished jewelry for daily wear.
Watch Repair
We offer comprehensive watch repair services including battery replacement, band adjustment, and movement servicing for most major brands. Our technicians utilize specialized tools to ensure water resistance and accurate timekeeping after every service. Clients enjoy convenient, reliable maintenance that extends the life and performance of their timepieces.
Reviews (4)
Tony Ayigah
Dec 27, 2020
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Let's be honest ring shopping for your (if your lucky) soon to be fiance can be stressful and intimidating. But thank my lucky stars I found Chris at Gordon Aatlo Designs. Even during a pandemic and living on the opposite coast; Chris was able to help me design the PERFECT engagement ring at an incredible price. We communicated often via email and phone. Chris was so attentive and helped explain everything involved in designing a ring from scratch.
She was patient, thoughtful and well informed on the process. I was able to send her some pictures of my vision and she made it a reality. Chris gave good advice and made me feel confident in the decisions I was making. I really can't say enough about her and the amazing jewelers of Gordon Aatlo Designs. If you're looking for a ring or custom piece of jewelry. THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO! Thank you thank you thank you Gordon Aatlo Designs for helping me create what my future wife and her friends say is "the most perfect and gorgeous engagement ring they have ever seen." Nothing beats looking over at her and catching her admiring her ring.a symbol of our love! Next up.a wedding band for me!
She was patient, thoughtful and well informed on the process. I was able to send her some pictures of my vision and she made it a reality. Chris gave good advice and made me feel confident in the decisions I was making. I really can't say enough about her and the amazing jewelers of Gordon Aatlo Designs. If you're looking for a ring or custom piece of jewelry. THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO! Thank you thank you thank you Gordon Aatlo Designs for helping me create what my future wife and her friends say is "the most perfect and gorgeous engagement ring they have ever seen." Nothing beats looking over at her and catching her admiring her ring.a symbol of our love! Next up.a wedding band for me!
Steve Espinoza
Apr 20, 2019
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Walk in; was greeted with a smile and was asked how may I help you. Felt like I was at my aunt's house and was ask if I was hungry and was so happy to see me. Was going to just see if they could do a simple Engraving for a birthday gift and stood there and talked for a good 20 minutes Christina's the best looking forward to pick it up my Engraving and having a nice conversation with her going to be my go-to place now in the future. Thank you Christina.
Dilly C.
Nov 29, 2016
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By far amazing. If you are a guy looking for a ring this is the only place to go. The service is amazing they do what no other jeweler will do and the craftsmanship is perfect. I never write reviews but I felt I have to. He has sized my ring cleaned it all the time without question. Answered every question I have ever had and always so helpful and nice. Family run and very good and professional at what they do. I went all over jewelry exchange, Gefforys, diamond center, and Shane co and Gordon's by far was the best
Jeff Davis
Oct 25, 2016
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I bought my first piece of custom made jewelry from Gordon back in the late 70's, and have been going there ever since. Its family owned and they treat me like family. I tell them what I'm looking for and they always come up with the right piece of jewelry, and their prices are very fair. I won't even look anywhere else, I trust them! Give them a try, you won't be sorry?