Jewelry Craftsman in Rochester, NY
Meet GJ Olsson
Founder & Owner of Northfield Designer Goldsmiths
Gudmund Jos Olsson
Gudmund Jos Olsson is a founder and owner of Northfield Designer Goldsmiths. He opened the doors of his first shop in 1972 at Northfield Common in Schoen Place, Pittsford, New York. In 1984 he moved the shop to its current location at 700 Park Avenue in Rochester, New York. Whether Olsson works alone or has the help of gifted craftsmen, everything that is sold at his shop has also been created there.
Mr. Olsson was born in Sweden, a country very much concerned with what is functional, and Gudmund’s approach to jewelry design is founded on that very concept. He studies the shape of a hand or wrist so that the jewelry that is crafted flows comfortably with the natural lines. A simple and natural design of jewelry will greatly enhance the gems that are placed in such a setting. He avoids textures or busy organic forms next to a gem, as they tend to compete with and absorb the gem. Naturally asymmetrical lines and the play of light in the gems together with functionality and simplicity are what make the piece interesting and attractive.
Gudmund holds a Fil.Kand. degree from Upsala University, a DGI degree from Stockholm’s Grafiska Institutet, and a DIHR degree from Stockholm’s Institutet for Hogre Reklamutbildning. He studied silversmithing with Hans Christensen at Rochester Institute of Technology(RIT). Hans Christiansen, considered one of the foremost silversmiths to have worked in America, came to RIT from George Jensen Silver of Copenhagen, Denmark.
I define my style as Dynamic Minimalism where ‘dynamic’ stands for energy and motion. It is a Modern style contrasting against, and complementing, the current retro fashion of exuberant 1920’s designs.
I have been asked why I think people like to have a piece of jewelry individually crafted for them, as opposed to just picking something up that is more readily available. I think it has to do with the meaning a piece of jewelry has. Even though I feel for all those fellow jewelry workers laboring, often under hazardous conditions, in the industrial production of jewelry, I think people, given the choice, prefer the old way of jewelry making. This is when artisans talk with their customers to create jewelry that will express and be a part of someone’s personality. (By personality I do not mean merely an appearance, but truly being a certain type of person.)
Mr. Olsson is a man with intriguing hobbies. When he is not crafting fine jewelry, he can be found working on his Bonsai trees and his Japanese garden. He says they are both religious disciplines adopted in the secular world. In studying the origins of these hobbies, he became interested in oriental art forms and philosophies. He has found them to be very compatible with the Scandinavian mentality, as they are similar in their naturally functional, down to earth and practical way of thinking. Gudmund’s simple asymmetrical shapes blend well with accents that suggest Oriental influence.
About Our Jewelry Designs
Dynamic Minimalism
Our Dynamic Minimalism combines Nordic functionality: Form Follows Function with the discipline and clean simplicity of Daoist and Zen aesthetics. Multitude and generosity have their place. So does simple, yet thought provoking contrast. Our designs of clean yet interesting lines are a complement to the current retro fashion in jewelry stores. The two styles enhance each other.
The clean lines will set off and enhance the beauty of the main diamond. The diamonds are channel set in lines that are curving with the design. The design protects the stones that will hold up for a lifetime of wear.
Ethically Sourced Natural Diamonds
Certified Natural Diamonds
The diamonds we use are ’no conflict' certified by our source, naturally mined, and certified by the Gemological institute if America (GIA). The Clarity grade is SI1 or better (clean to the un-aided eye), the color grade G-H or better, and the Cut grade Very Good or Excellent. Before your order we will always talk with you about your choice of a diamond.
The smaller accent diamonds are of VS clarity, G color, and of fine cut. They are the best grade carried by our vendors.
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Visit Us in Rochester
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Address: 700 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Details: By Appointment Only | 585.442.2260
