Leland Preview Party-August 14th Featured
Mayer & Watt-A lifelong Passion for Gemstones Featured
In 1981, Laurie and Simon Watt established Watt Gems with the support of Hans-Dieter Haag, a German stone cutter. Though Laurie and Simon did not have formal training in the gem business, their passion for gemstones and color built a successful business that began in Beverly Hills, California.
As the business evolved, it became Mayer & Watt, the name of the company today.
Unheated Blue Sapphire
For over thirty years, Mayer & Watt has fostered relationships with premiere stone cutters and miners across the world. Early on, African and Brazilian stones became a focus; more recently, trips to the Far East, particularly Sri Lanka, for unusual and fancy sapphires have taken the lead.
Simon and Laurie are very active advocates in the gem dealer community. Simon has served on the American Gem Trade Association Board, including as the Vice-President for 6 years, and his wife Laurie serves on the Women’s Jewelry Association Board (mid-west chapter).
Simon and Laurie have a long and trusted relationship with Becky. Their stones are highly desired and Mayer & Watt firmly follows and supports the ethical and fair trade practices for sourcing their stones.
Interested in a private showing of Mayer & Watt gemstones during their visit this August 14th through the 17th? Contact our Glen Arbor location at 231.334.3826.
Katy Briscoe Trunk Show-Harbor Springs Featured
Go Big or Go Home is the mantra that rings true for jewelry designer Katy Briscoe who started her jewelry career in Fort Worth in the 80’s. Katy has worked for Fred Joaillier of Paris, David Webb of New York and later established her own design business. Her pieces were quickly picked up by Saks Fifth Avenue and have a strong following in Houston. Since 2011, her line has expanded and is carried by fine jewelry stores across the country. Her business has also grown to include, Katy Briscoe Home, featuring decorative corals and mineral specimens for interiors.
We will welcome Katy exclusively to our Harbor Springs location this summer from August 13th through August 17th. Be sure to stop in and meet Katy and see her stunning designs!
Main Street Gallery & Marcel Roelofs Special Event-Leland Featured
Be sure to stop by Main Street Gallery in Leland on July 11th for an exhibit featuring Meta Joutras and Rick Koehler from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Our Leland location will also be open, with our own Marcel Roelofs making a special evening appearance to showcase his vario system.
Marcel Roelofs-Innovator & Friend Featured
Marcel began his career in the 70’s, establishing a wholesale company in 1977. In just five short years, he launched his first collection, designed by himself. His innovative line takes the traditional closure of a necklace and makes it a center showpiece, combining function and style beautifully. This closure or “vario” system is now available in ring and earring designs.
An expert team of designers and goldsmiths, which includes Sigrid Eickhoff, is responsible for the modern designs of the varios and their implementation. Numerous chain options (pearl, stone, PVD coated, multi-strand gold wires and cords) also adapt the look from casual to elegant, with a quick turn of the vario.
Marcel was born in the Netherlands, but now lives and works in Germany. We are thrilled to have him visit us in the summer months to share his most recent pieces and new innovations to the line.
Be sure to stop in and meet Marcel this July! He is a dear friend and a creative, talented designer, known throughout the industry.
Leland July 8th – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Glen Arbor July 9th & 10th – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and July 14th – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Traverse City July 11th, 12th & 13th – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Marcel Roelofs 2019 Trunk Show Dates Announced Featured
Designer Marcel Roelofs
We are excited to again host Marcel Roelofs this July! Stop in and experience Marcel’s unique interchangeable clasp system for necklaces and earrings July 8th through July 14th.
Monday, July 8th Leland 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday, July 9th & 10th Glen Arbor 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday & Friday, July 11th & 12th Traverse City 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 13th Traverse City 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, July 14th Glen Arbor 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Jean Larson Encaustics Make an Impression in TC Featured
Jean Larson has been the featured artist in our TC store location, since its first location, next to Mary’s Kitchen Port. Recently, Jean introduced a new medium to adorn the walls-encaustics!
Encaustics are an ancient Egyptian preservation technique in which wax coats the object. This medium can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees and protects the painting underneath through the thick coating.
Jean’s encaustics include subject matter like birds, orchids, fruit, and nests and are available in a variety of shapes, including round.
Though she has roots in the Traverse City, Jean gains inspiration through her travels, especially to Iceland, where she is remodeling a historic building into an art studio. Be sure to stop in and enjoy Jean’s work in person. Her encaustics have been wildly popular and are sure to remind you of the intricate artistry in nature. In addition to Traverse City, Jean has oil paintings in our Harbor Springs location.
Leland Art Walk -Friday, June 7th Featured
Becky Thatcher Designs in Leland will participate in the 2019 Leland Art Walk, Friday, June 7th, from 5-8 p.m. Be sure to stop in and meet artist David Westerfield and enjoy some light refreshments. We will also have a pair of earrings in the gift basket giveaway that evening. We will be open from 12-8 p.m.
Leland Preview Party with Gary Bowersox Featured
Please join us in welcoming gem dealer Gary Bowersox to Leland on Thursday, May 30th.
Gary is an internationally recognized gem hunter, explorer, lecturer, author and gemologist. His career includes over 40 years of exploration and research of gems and minerals in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia. Known as “The Gem Hunter,” Gary has traveled to over 112 countries and appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN and over 500 other television and radio programs.
Stop in between 5 and 7 p.m. to meet Gary, view an incredible selection of loose stones and enjoy light refreshments. If you would prefer a private appointment, contact us at 231.334.3826.
Gary Bowersox to Speak at Horizon Bookstore Featured
An Update on Afghanistan -Gary Bowersox
Please stop and see our friend and gem dealer Gary Bowersox as he shares insights on Afghanistan at Horizon Bookstore!
Date: Wednesday, May 29th
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Horizon Bookstore’s Shine Cafe (lower level)
This is a free event!