December 2010
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www.fdlreporter.com
Art, sports and food converge at Coliseum
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Upcoming Events in Downtown Fond du Lac
So much to see and do at Windhover Center for the holidays
A nugget of gold in the Downtown –
Dorothy Bliskey Special to The Reporter Step through the door at The Goldsmith, 177 S. Main St., in downtown Fond du Lac, and you realize this is not your ordinary jewelry store. While glimmering diamonds and other gems along with an array of eye-catching giftware dazzle customers, there is much more going on behind the scenes. Nine employees are hard at work. Jewelry is being designed and created for customers using state-of-the-art computers, model-makers, laser welders, finishing machines and other tools located on the premises, out-of-sight from shoppers. Also humming in the background is the business of repairing not just jewelry but also eyeglasses frames – a craft that has taken on a life of its own. The Goldsmith averages 4,000 onsite repairs and special orders for jewelry design work each year. Owner Ron Emanuel, who established the store in 1974, learned to design jewelry through formal education at Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee, where classes focused on jewelry repair, silversmith work and art metals. He served an apprenticeship at Thiet Jewelers in Whitefish Bay, working alongside an Italian goldsmith.
Designing jewelry “My interest was stirred,” said Emanuel, noting that he has been designing jewelry for more than 30 years. Emanuel’s creative ability is a culmination of many years of self-taught dedication to metals, their properties and characteristics, and listening carefully to a customer’s request. “I apply the step-by-step process of designing a piece of jewelry that the customer is happy with,” he said. For holiday gift giving, shoppers will find a selection of ready-made silver, gold and platinum jewelry in a wide price range from all over the United States and beyond. A line of sterling silver jewelry from Switzerland and sparkling diamond rings call out to shoppers as they enter the store. “Christmas is an important time for us at The Goldsmith,” Emanuel said. “Finding the perfect gift is important to every Goldsmith continued on Page 2 >>>
ABOVE: The Goldsmith owner Ron Emanuel works behind the scenes inside the store located at 177 S. Main St. in downtown Fond du Lac. The Reporter photos by Justin Connaher