Our Team of Custom Jewelers & Jewelry Designers
Jen - Co-Owner of New Gild Jewelers
As co-owner, custom jeweler designer, and gemstone and diamond specialist, Jenifer began her career far from the luxury of diamonds and gold, on the bomb squad in the U.S. Army. Previously, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota in Criminology, and her graduate degree in Leadership at Augsburg University. After corporate work, she found her way to the world of custom fine jewelry. As a natural artist and enthusiast about anything geeky, she thrived at the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Today, she designs custom jewelry with a uniquely intuitive approach, in addition to helping connect clients with high quality diamonds and gemstones that resonate with their new owners. She loves taco night, and resides in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis with her Blue Heeler, Mischief.
Reach her at jen@newgild.com
Kelsey - Co-Owner of New Gild Jewelers
Co-owner, jewelry designer, master jeweler, oh my! Kelsey is the other half of the New Gild Jewelers origin story, and fills the technical and handcrafting shoes of the business. Firstly, he earned his degree in Jewelry Design, Manufacturing and Repair, as well as Gemology from Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC) and has been pushing the boundaries of custom jewelry design and technique ever since. His unique approach to design and his innovative processes for achieving the impossible have made him a “rock” star for our clients. Through almost two decades of professional experience, Kelsey has developed the skills to earn our title as the best jeweler in the Twin Cities. When he isn’t at New Gild, Kelsey can be found mushroom hunting, attending concerts and music festivals, or spending time with his wife and their cat.
Reach him at kelsey@newgild.com
Heather Jo - Custom Jewelry Designer
Heather Jo has been both a bench jeweler and a jewelry designer with New Gild Jewelers since October of 2019. They earned their degree in Jewelry Manufacturing from MCTC, and prior to joining our team, they worked as a sales representative and jewelry designer elsewhere in the Twin Cities and now bring strong bench knowledge to our design and repair services. Creative to their core, they also have a BA in Theater Performance from Metropolitan State University, and are an active member of the Twin Cities theater community as an actor, costumer, and designer. When they’re not busy making things, Heather Jo can be found gaming, spending time with their partner Phil, and playing with their two cats, Greta and Olive.
Reach them at heather@newgild.com
David Carlson - Lead Gemologist at New Gild Jewelers
David is the head of the New Gild Gem Lab, and provides in depth evaluations and valuations for diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry. He attended college at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), where David graduated with a Bachelor of Science in geology, and later, went on to earn a GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). He is also a certified AIS appraiser, the gold standard for international appraising. A consummate professional, David has worked for many years in the jewelry industry around the country as a trainer, manager, mentor, and top salesperson. His truly kind and helpful demeanor impresses wherever he goes. When he’s not digging through rocks, David enjoys spending time with his wife and their two small but energetic boys, and their labradoodle, Hazel.
Reach him at david@newgild.com
Sylvie Stanback- Jewelry Gallery Specialist
Sylvie has worked for a number of years in the jewelry industry, doing both fabrication work and helping clients find just the right pieces for themselves and their loved ones. Hailing from North Carolina, Sylvie graduated from Carleton College with a Liberal Arts degree focused on studio art, and worked for award-winning jeweler Judith Kinghorn. In her person time, Sylvie has eight charming rats and spends her free time renovating her house.
Reach her at sylvie@newgild.com
Raven Bellefleur - Marketing Specialist
Raven helps spread the New Gild message of love and sparkle with excellent marketing insights and campaigns. She attended St. Kate’s and earned her degree in business administration, and continued in the Sustainable Design program at MCAD. When Raven’s not helping companies reach the right customers at the right time, she lives in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis with her partner and trains and rides horses while being pestered by her Red Heeler.
Mischief- Mascot and Summer Intern
Mischief is our most popular employee, and anyone can see why. He greets customers sweetly, engages other employees in morale-boosting play, and patrols the premises for Unauthorized Activity. Mischief is a Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) who was rescued as a stray on Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota. He turned two years old in April of 2023, and is the heart dog of co-owner Jen. Stop in and see him anytime…oh, and don’t forget to check out our sparkle while you’re here!
Mischief does not have a personal email as he is unable to type, but he does read all the email for incoming treats.
