Tabitha, Michelle, Don, Bryan & Darrel
Don & Michelle Ressa
Owners Don & Michelle opened Gold Rush in 1978 and have since made it one of the premier jewelry stores in northern Michigan. Don is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and conducts all store jewelry appraisals. Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts diploma from Oakland University in 1978. Michelle has also received a certification in diamonds & diamond grading as well as colored stones from GIA. As members of the Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO), the Ressa's have the opportunity to visit Antwerp, Belgium on a yearly basis to hand pick some of the world's finest diamonds. Don is the store's head precious metal dealer, whether it's selling or investing in precious metals.
Darrel Porter
Darrel has been a member of the Gold Rush staff since 1994 and is the store manager and head goldsmith. Darrel is an expert in everything jewelry repair, and can answer nearly any question you may have. Whether you have a prong catching or your favorite ring is a little too big, Darrel does all of our repairs in house so your treasures will be kept safe and in one location. Not only does Darrel repair your old broken treasures, he can also remount any old stones into a new spectacular mounting. Not wearing your old diamond engagement ring? Turn it into a pendant! Along with jewelry repair Darrel specializes in diamonds and the store's estate jewelry. Darrel is also one of the store's three gold buyers.
Bryan Jeske
Bryan has been a member of the Gold Rush staff since 2010. Since becoming a member of the team he has graduated from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with an Accredited Jewelry Professional certification. Bryan is an apprentice goldsmith and specializes in diamonds, as well as managing the store's Pandora line and handles most of the store's advertising. Bryan is also one of the store's three gold buyers. With a birthday in May, it comes as no surprise that his favorite gemstone is emerald!
Tabitha
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Tabitha is the newest member of the Gold Rush staff and has been a part of the team since May 2014. Tabitha's upbeat personality is bound a bring a smile to anyone's face! Tabitha is a big fan of our estate jewelry and anything that has some sparkle to it! Tabitha loves the Rhythm of Love collection, and wears her Rhythm of Love pendant nearly every day! Her favorite gemstone is the color changing alexandrite.
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Photos on this page courtesy of the Houghton Lake Resorter
