KORNER GEM

What makes us unique and makes us different? "I have always found cutting gem stones and making unique jewelry is second nature to me. It is like walking through the woods or along the beach. I may cut away some of the stones rough edge revealing the inner beauty or polish the whole thing smooth exposing the contrasting color

ABOUT KORNER GEM

Korner Gem is owned and operated by Kevin and Chenina Gauthier.

Kevin is a native of Traverse City and honed his lapidary skills early, having opened his first shop at the age of fourteen. By collecting, cutting and polishing many of the local gem stones, he offers expert local craftsmanship not found in other stores. His love of rock, gems and minerals led him to a career as a full service fine jeweler with the unique ability to transform rocks into beautifully polished gemstones. GIA (Gemological Institure of America) coursework, apprenticeships and on-the-Job training has given him skill, knowledge and experience in the processes used in both jewelry design and repair. Kevin's lapidary knowledge and insight of cutting gem stones from around the world enables him to make lasting designs while protecting fragile stones. He is a lifetime member of the Grand Traverse Rock & Mineral Club. He takes an active roll with the membership including teaching lapidary classes, casting classes and serving as chairman of the Grand Traverse Rock & Mineral Show. On occasion Kevin will speak at local school about his hands-on experience of mining Amethyst, Quartz, Michigan's Green Stone, and many mining expeditions. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Korner Gem offers extraordinary beadwork by Chenina. Necklaces, bracelets and watches feature some of the most unusual gem stones accented by pearls, crystals and more. Local stones are crafted into beads by Kevin, and Chenina will design a decorative art piece capturing the personality of the bead using a unique color palette to compliment the piece. You will find the largest selection of local Michigan stone beads at Korner gem.

Our designer and goldsmith, Lisa Vanderploeg, is another member of the Korner Gem team. Lisa works closely with Kevin to develop your ideas and will carve them in wax before they are cast in gold. Her years of experience as a goldsmith, combined with attention to detail, and love of design always results in a unique custom piece of jewelry for the most discriminating customer.