The Gold Works is a fully customizable jewellery design studio that allows for your own personality and memories to shine through your pieces. Starting at $1,000+, The Gold Works can help you design a one of a kind piece for any budget. Because we buy our stones directly from wholesalers that we have lasting relationships with, there is truly no better price out there.
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The Gold Works is owned and managed by Erisa Didkowsky-Penner, a Gemologist with more than 30 years designing custom jewellery.
Erisa was born in Alberta and raised in Calgary. In 1985 she moved to Santa Monica, California to attend the Gemological Institution of America. She received a Graduate Jeweller Gemology designation, as well as multiple other diplomas in sectors such as jewellery design and manufacturing, gemstone faceting, jewellery appraisal and hand engraving.
After finishing her education she moved back to Calgary and opened a studio in the Devenish Building, but later relocated to an office in the north area of the city.
Erisa has designed commercially for the industry, corporate recognition awards and charity awards as well as personal custom jewellery creations.
Throughout Erisa 's career she has received recognition as Alberta jewellery designer of the year. Canadian jeweller people's choice award recipient and has entered several competitions.
These days Erisa is specializing in redesigning existing jewellery pieces using her clients metals and gemstones and sometimes adding new elements to recreate a new treasure, some examples of which are:
A watch band and chain combined to make a necklace
A ring made using metal from the underbelly of a crashed aircraft
A ring designed using a vintage oval diamond
A malacite pendant remade with added gold rays
A pendant made using three generations of wedding rings
What colour metal does the wearer favour?
Are there favourite colours that could be incorporated into the piece and if so the appropriate durability of the stones and metal work?
A verbal consultation, preferably in person, or using Skype or Facetime to get an idea of the recipients personality and lifestyle. Even a picture of the person is helpful.
Examination of existing materials if they are to be used in the article.
Discussion of possible use of gemstones and if so, type and colour. Being a gemologist is helpful in unlocking a vast array of options.
An idea of the budget to adhere to.
We start with multiple rough sketches and then refine some to a more detailed level. If requested the item may be hand painted on velum to give an accurate rendering of the jewellery design.
Erisa thrives on the idea that her pieces are enjoyed now and possibly for future generations.
An example of a double sided pendant
