February 2022
It’s been a long and rewarding forty years for Gold & Gems Fine Jewelry, located downtown on the Plaza at 25 N. Main. It all started in 1982 when Richard Hansen, who had moved his family to Ashland in 1972, assisted a friend in his jewelry business. His career began as a manufacturer’s wholesale rep, traveling through the country selling to retail jewelers.“I loved it,” Richard said. “I loved the industry, how it worked, and the people. After many long road trips, I decided to rent a location on the Plaza, buy a nice selection of jewelry, and open a fine jewelry store.”
The rest is history, and Gold & Gems is now the longest running jewelry store in southern Oregon and the longest running business in downtown Ashland. They provide more than just jewelry, with a creative repertoire of offerings. It’s also a family affair as Richard’s son Ron Hansen is a co-owner.
“It has had immeasurable meaning for me to be able to serve this community,” Ron said. “I was raised here—attended Bellview Elementary, the junior high, AHS and SOU. Having such deep roots here makes it all the more important to give back to our amazing community.”
At Gold & Gems, the customer can find unique and artistic custom creations, from rings and necklaces to bracelets, pendants and earrings.
“Anything the mind can imagine, we can make perfectly,” Ron said. “Depending on the job request, our one-of-a-kind creations are produced with either hand-fabrication and forging, or we can pour molten precious metal into hand-made models. People get to design and produce a unique piece of jewelry all while bypassing any middlemen, as the pieces are designed, created and delivered right here on the Ashland Plaza.”
Gold & Gems is unique in the industry because they manufacture such a diverse range of jewelry, from diamond bridal jewelry and hand-inlaid Australian opal to unique special orders with or without gems. Assisting Ron in the production of these treasures is jeweler Jason Williams.
“Jason is a valuable asset to our company and to Ashland jewelry customers,” said Ron, who studied at the Revere Academy for Jewelry Arts and the Gemological Institute of America. “His vast knowledge and incredible skills can only be topped by his integrity and care for our clients. Jason has been a true cornerstone of our company for 38 years. There’s also Kathryn Shannon, GG, one of the most important staff members we have. And, of course, my daughter and third-generation Hansen, Lisa, does intricate jewelry and puzzle-fit hand inlay craftsmanship.”
Beyond serving the Ashland community, Gold & Gems serves all 50 states and eight countries.
“We carry top brands, offer custom designs, certified diamonds, and the finest lab-grown diamonds, which are high quality alternatives to mined diamonds,” Ron said. “We work hard to prove why buying jewelry from a real, independent family jeweler is always your best value. We have a storied history of making and providing high quality jewelry while treating customers like family.
“Our expert jewelers set your gemstone to perfection, and we are also authorized providers of the top, brand-name ring collections. We can provide any product made by our top brands and designers as well as the most popular settings. Last but not least, we also make our own rings, pendants and earrings. Custom work has been our specialty for the last 40 years. If you should find a style you like, send it to us for a quote, as we can usually make it for you.”
The store also offers gold, diamond and jewelry buying, consignments, watch services, jewelry repair, and e-commerce stores.
“Customers love that they can preview thousands of items online at goldandgems.com,” Ron said.
For more information, the phone number is 541-488-2753.
