A rock hound and stone collector from an early age, Erica decided to make her passion her profession upon graduation from University of Wisconsin at Parkside.
She apprenticed under master goldsmith Arland Dobbs and started her gemological training with the Gemological Institute of America. In 1997 she started her career at Goodstone Jewelers in the Gurnee Mills mall.
In 1999 she left to become the goldsmith at Ventura Fine Jewelers in Kenosha. She left Ventura’s in 2001 and started her own business in April 2002, moved to current location in 2005, and opened her second location at Prime Outlets in August, 2009.
DEAR ABBY
Dear Abby,
My husband is not happy with my mood swings. The other day, he bought me a mood ring so he could monitor my moods. When I’m in a good mood it turns green. When I’m in a bad mood it leaves a big red mark on his forehead. Maybe next time he’ll buy me a diamond from Erica's.
Sincerely,
Unhappy in Wisconsin
GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) 2000
2006 – store approved for membership in the American Gem Society (only 5% of jewelry stores accepted)
2006 – Registered Jeweler ( RJ - AGS)
2007 – Certified Gemologist (CG - AGS)
2009 – Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA – AGS)
(the highest certification awarded by the American Gem Society)
***Erica is one of only three jewelers in the state of Wisconsin to have obtained the CGA title in addition to being a master goldsmith.
