IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleIndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle Studio
Founder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
Green Lake Jewelry Works, which is turning 30 next year, is relocating later this month to a new location in Seattle.
Seattle—Green Lake Jewelry Works is kicking off its 30th anniversary celebration early with the opening of its new location in Seattle.
Set to open Nov. 20, the jeweler will relocate from its current Seattle location to a bigger space at Northgate Station.
The new 12,850-square-foot space is nearly double the size of its previous 7,500-square-foot location, and is located about a block away in a lifestyle center at the site of a former Simon mall.
In an interview with National Jeweler, founder Jim Tuttle shared why the jeweler decided to relocate and what makes the new space special.
“We were running out of space,” said Tuttle. “We’ve been in an unusually high growth mode for about five years now.”
The business, which first opened on Seattle’s Green Lake Drive in 1996, has seen growth nearly every year, except 2019, said Tuttle, and has posted double-digit growth since 2020, fueled in large part by custom design, the retailer’s specialty.
While custom jewelry has been growing in popularity for about two decades, he said, Green Lake Jewelry Works has been focused on custom from day one.
Word-of-mouth marketing has been crucial for its business, as was being an early adopter of online sales and not being afraid to share its jewelry creations.
“Everyone is always like, ‘Don’t [post] your stuff. People copy.’ We’re not going to make that again anyway,” said Tuttle.
The retailer crafts custom jewelry on site with its team of bench jewelers.
It employs about 90 people between its Seattle store and its other location in Bellevue, Washington.
The new Seattle store will employ about 65 people, with room to grow to 80 team members.
Related stories will be right here …
Set to open Nov. 20, the jeweler will relocate from its current Seattle location to a bigger space at Northgate Station.
The new 12,850-square-foot space is nearly double the size of its previous 7,500-square-foot location, and is located about a block away in a lifestyle center at the site of a former Simon mall.
In an interview with National Jeweler, founder Jim Tuttle shared why the jeweler decided to relocate and what makes the new space special.
“We were running out of space,” said Tuttle. “We’ve been in an unusually high growth mode for about five years now.”
The business, which first opened on Seattle’s Green Lake Drive in 1996, has seen growth nearly every year, except 2019, said Tuttle, and has posted double-digit growth since 2020, fueled in large part by custom design, the retailer’s specialty.
While custom jewelry has been growing in popularity for about two decades, he said, Green Lake Jewelry Works has been focused on custom from day one.
Word-of-mouth marketing has been crucial for its business, as was being an early adopter of online sales and not being afraid to share its jewelry creations.
“Everyone is always like, ‘Don’t [post] your stuff. People copy.’ We’re not going to make that again anyway,” said Tuttle.
The retailer crafts custom jewelry on site with its team of bench jewelers.
It employs about 90 people between its Seattle store and its other location in Bellevue, Washington.
The new Seattle store will employ about 65 people, with room to grow to 80 team members.
The space will feature 14 custom jewelry design stations, four private design rooms, and a gemstone bar that boasts one of the largest selections of Montana sapphires in the country.
Customers can browse through more than 30 display cases of gemstones and unique jewelry.
SEE: Take a Sneak Peek Inside the New Seattle Location
The new Green Lake Jewelry Works location will have 14 custom jewelry design stations.
A design highlight of the store is its hand-painted floors featuring designs painted by its employees.
The motifs on the floor are a great way to start a conversation about the importance of meaning in a jewelry piece, said founder Jim Tuttle.
The new Seattle location will hold its grand opening on Nov. 20.
Of all the features in the new location, the workshop is Tuttle’s favorite, outfitted with 32 work stations and two polishing rooms for custom work and repairs.
“I’m a bench jeweler from way back,” he said. “For me, that’s the heart of what we do.”
Visitors may be more impressed with the hand-painted floors.
For the last 25 years, Green Lake Jewelry Works stores have featured artwork painted by its employees from designers to jewelers to CAD modelers.
“We have a lot of very artistic people, and they’re on their hands and knees painting koi and dragons and bonsai trees and bumblebees,” said Tuttle, all motifs that can be incorporated into jewelry.
“They’re a conversation starter on why your piece should have meaning and how to add meaning to a piece of jewelry.”
From favorite flowers to Celtic knots, its jewelers can imbue meaning into a piece using a symbol that’s special to the wearer.
From the expansive workshop to the decorative floors, Tuttle wants to make a good impression on his customers.
“I want them to walk in and say ‘Okay, these people understand style and craftsmanship. I can trust them with my jewelry,’” he said.
Trust is a big deal, said Tuttle, especially when it comes to custom engagement rings.
“[They’re] trusting that we’re going to make it beautiful. They’re not picking something out of the case. They’re picking us to make them something,” he said.
In the artsy city of Seattle, jewelry shoppers have a bevy of options, from big-name retailers to independent creatives.
What sets Green Lake Jewelry Works apart, according to Tuttle, is its dedication to craftsmanship and creating unique, meaningful pieces.
“That turns a customer into an evangelist, versus a customer who got a great deal and loves their ring, but they could’ve gotten it anywhere,” he said.
“[Customers] go out of their way to tell people ‘Wow, this is special.’ Great reviews are the new word-of-mouth.”
As one may expect in Seattle, the new store will also have a full espresso bar.
The grand opening event will be held Nov. 20 at 401 NE Northgate Way, #915A, from 6 to 9 p.m.
“I’m a bench jeweler from way back,” he said. “For me, that’s the heart of what we do.”
Visitors may be more impressed with the hand-painted floors.
For the last 25 years, Green Lake Jewelry Works stores have featured artwork painted by its employees from designers to jewelers to CAD modelers.
“We have a lot of very artistic people, and they’re on their hands and knees painting koi and dragons and bonsai trees and bumblebees,” said Tuttle, all motifs that can be incorporated into jewelry.
“They’re a conversation starter on why your piece should have meaning and how to add meaning to a piece of jewelry.”
From favorite flowers to Celtic knots, its jewelers can imbue meaning into a piece using a symbol that’s special to the wearer.
From the expansive workshop to the decorative floors, Tuttle wants to make a good impression on his customers.
“I want them to walk in and say ‘Okay, these people understand style and craftsmanship. I can trust them with my jewelry,’” he said.
Trust is a big deal, said Tuttle, especially when it comes to custom engagement rings.
“[They’re] trusting that we’re going to make it beautiful. They’re not picking something out of the case. They’re picking us to make them something,” he said.
In the artsy city of Seattle, jewelry shoppers have a bevy of options, from big-name retailers to independent creatives.
What sets Green Lake Jewelry Works apart, according to Tuttle, is its dedication to craftsmanship and creating unique, meaningful pieces.
“That turns a customer into an evangelist, versus a customer who got a great deal and loves their ring, but they could’ve gotten it anywhere,” he said.
“[Customers] go out of their way to tell people ‘Wow, this is special.’ Great reviews are the new word-of-mouth.”
As one may expect in Seattle, the new store will also have a full espresso bar.
The grand opening event will be held Nov. 20 at 401 NE Northgate Way, #915A, from 6 to 9 p.m.
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
