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Quality and Integrity
Over the past 30 years, Tim and Jim Gannaway have earned a solid reputation as gemstone experts, jewelry designers, and skilled goldsmiths. Specializing in natural untreated gemstones and custom jewelry design, their passionate pursuit of perfection has led them to be recognized as leaders in the fine jewelry arena. They have won numerous Regional and National Awards. As members of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, they have pushed for honesty and integrity in the jewelry industry. Recognizing that a good jewelry retailer must possess three qualities: knowledge, honesty, and careful attention to detail, Tim and Jim have proven they possess all three.
A Childhood Hobby
Tim and Jim started schooling less than a mile from the modest dairy farm their descendants homesteaded in the middle of what is now St. Paul, Minnesota. Although they collected pretty rocks as far back as they can remember, their schooling centered around math and science. In the early 70’s, while Tim was pursuing a career in chemistry at Bemidji State University, he was required to take classes in the humanities. Tim decided to take the jewelry making class so he could set up some of the agates they had collected as children. Jewelry soon replaced his obsession with chemistry, and within 6 months, Jim joined Tim in his newfound profession and they began selling their designs to jewelry stores nationwide.
Our First Award
In 1973, they received their first National Recognition by having a design accepted in the Goldsmith 74 Exhibition, which was sponsored by the Society of North American Goldsmiths and the Renwick Gallery (the art museum for the Smithsonian Institute). Their success was short-circuited by the oil embargo in early 1974, so Tim made a big move out west to start a retail jewelry store in Astoria, Oregon. Jim joined him in 1975, and by the middle 80’s they had moved their store to the neighboring town of Warrenton, becoming the number-one jewelry store in our area. During the 90’s the Gannaways decided to enter jewelry design contests again, and won numerous National and Regional Awards.
While Tim and Jim are well known for creative designs and meticulous craftsmanship, they are also experts in gems and gem markets. Tim was twice invited as a guest speaker at one of the largest jewelry trade shows in the world. They take pride in the distinctive gems, comfort, durability, and practicality you will find in each GB Jewelers creation.
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