About Joseph
I was introduced to the jewelry industry in 1979 when I was only 15 years old. At such a young age, observing designers and jewelers constructing fine pieces of jewelry was as if I was transported to another world. I previously had no idea this world existed, and I immediately fell in love with the art of jewelry making.
A passion began to brew in my heart. I wanted to learn and explore every aspect of creating jewelry: the characteristics of different gemstones, the techniques used in production and industry, and how to design a beautiful piece from a sketch. I asked an endless amount of questions; so many that I was reprimanded by my mentor, saying, "Joseph, one thing at a time, you'll get there."
Elie Daccache, an older cousin, was a master jeweler and well-grounded in the jewelry industry. He introduced me to a colleague of his to teach me the trade. He started me at the humbling job of polishing jewelry. Within three months, I moved up to the responsibility of diamond setting, which is a much more complex and demanding task.
Gaby Ketani, my instructor, was a master gem setter with an extensive knowledge in diamond and gemstone setting techniques. My love for jewelry continued to grow, and I wanted to expand my knowledge.
I began learning gem setting in all its phases utilizing old world craftsmanship as well as the latest form of setting techniques. I still remember my first lesson: how to cut a seat for a diamond using an engraver rather than a bur attached to a motor flex shaft. It was a daunting task, but Gaby insisted that I learn the classic style of gem setting that was used before electricity was invented. He wanted me to understand the methodology of stone setting so that I could correctly apply modern day tools. After seven years of building my jewelry crafting experience, I had become a master gem setter, and was ready to take the next step.
The next step came in 1986 at an Indianapolis company, Downey Designs International (DDI). They were a very prominent company in the jewelry industry with a high level of innovation and quality. In less than a year I was the highest producer in quality diamond setting while teaching others how to efficiently produce quality set gemstones, as well.
My hard work paid off, and I won a number of awards to commemorate my achievement as a setter and conduct of my character. DDI allowed me to learn 3D model making in all its phases using state of the art equipment, from designing on a piece of paper to a finished product with exotic complex styles and gemstones. I am forever grateful to Dave Downey, who gave me the opportunity to learn the essentials of modern jewelry making.
While I was expanding my knowledge in jewelry making, I was simultaneously learning gemology through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to improve my understanding of diamonds and gemstones.
In 1990, Joseph Jewelry was created out of a small studio in my two bedroom apartment while I was still working for DDI. I enthusiastically took on the task of designing and creating one of kind jewelry for my personal clients because I had always had a dream to open my own retail store.
In 1996, Joseph Jewelry opened its doors in Bellevue, WA. Bellevue was the location of choice for me because of its proximity to my family. We began proudly creating fine jewelry, and Joseph Jewelry continues to design and create the finest custom jewelry using intellectual and intuitive concepts. Simplicity and elegance combined with quality craftsmanship are the hallmarks of Joseph Jewelry.
We believe that jewelry is not just another sparkly object. Jewelry is an art form: every curve, every pattern, every dimension and every gem are masterfully woven together to tell a story that represents one of a kind love that will not be found in a showcase. Jewelry can only be created with passion and personalization to the wearer.
Today, almost 40 years since my first encounter with jewelry, we are a leading company in custom design of fine jewelry. Joseph Jewelry has been consistently rated 5 stars by our clients on Yelp, Google, and several other consumer review platforms for over five years, and our second store in Downtown Seattle opened in June 2018. We hope you'll see our passion and experience profound excellence by visiting Joseph Jewelry.
Sincerely,Joseph Boukhalil