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
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
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.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
