The Nugget

Specialties

From concept to creation, custom jewelry design is our specialty. From selecting the diamond or colored gemstone, to creating the ring in gold or platinum, we work with our customers. We can also custom redesign vintage and estate jewelry which you have inherited to make it into a design which is more wearable for your life style.

At The Nugget we also have a terrific selection of vintage and estate jewelry in 14K, 18K, and platinum set with diamonds and other precious and semi-​precious gemstones. We also do repair of karat gold jewelry and platinum as a specialty, and appraisals of jewelry for insurance purposes.

Hours are flexible, so please call for an appointment to meet with our designer, Mary Ehlers.

History

Established in 1974.

The Nugget was created by Mary Ehlers in 1974. She was one of the first jewelry artists in the Torpedo Factory Art Center, which was the City of Alexandria’s Bicentennial Project in that year. In August of 1977, Mary moved her business to its current location at 123 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA.

Mary has grown her business and features her own custom design work, as well as the work of several other jewelry designers in 14K, 18K, and platinum.

The Nugget has relied on the many referrals received from satisfied customers over the past 37 years. In addition to the custom design work, there are many jewelry items ready for selection and purchase in the showcases. A great selection of jewelry and set and unset precious and semi-​precious stones await you at The Nugget.

Meet the Business Owner

Mary E.

Business Owner

There is nothing as special to me as knowing that I have made a unique piece of jewelry for someone who will enjoy it for many years to come. All my customers have become my «portable art gallery» and when they tell me about the compliments they receive, it makes me feel wonderful. I want to work with my clients to design a special engagement and wedding ring to suit whatever design style they like, with the finest craftsmanship I can offer.

Other Honors:

I was the custom jeweler featured in National Geographic’s Book entitled, ‘How Things Are Made’, in 1984; was an award winning designer in the American Gem Trade Association’s Spectrum Contest; have been commissioned to create several presentation gifts, among them 50 pins, presented to the 50 Governor’s wives when George Allen was the Governor of VA; a pin presented to Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State, which is currently touring major museums across the country; and pins for the first 2 male citizen astronauts.