BUSINESS PROFILE
BOB TAGERT
Gem OLD TOWN
We started the Old Town Crier in 1988 and two years later David Martin opened Gold Works at 1400 King Street - it has been an Upper King Street icon ever since. In 1983 Martin made his move to Alexandria and joined other jewelers at a co-op in Belleview shopping center near the Fort Hunt area specializing in jewelry design and repair. At the time, Martin was doing repair work for jewelers throughout the Washington, D.C. area. In 1989-90 he decided to go his own way. These were the days when the west end of Alexandria was beginning to grow. More restaurants and businesses were renting the old warehouses and opening their doors. Martin worked hard to establish his reputation as a quality designer with exceptional repair work skills. As his business grew he continued his education by studying at the Gemological Institute of America, specializing in jewelry design, casting and stone setting. At Gold Works, Martin has many custom rings that he has designed and is just waiting for Gold Works USA the right customer to come in 1400 King Street and select the perfect gem for the Alexandria, VA setting. To complement that one703-683-0333 of-a-kind ring, Gold Works also Goldworksusa.com carries a large selection of stones and estate pieces. As a jewelry designer one must master many skills - scientist, mediator, consultant and sculptor. David’s Not only is jewelry design a feature at Gold Works, own personal background as a graphic illustrator in but there is also a large selection of finished pieces the fields of architecture, historical art and medicine available that incorporate animals and symbols, has been invaluable as a jewelry designer. He began designing jewelry as he developed those illustrations antiques, Celtic weavings, charms, and crests in engraved rings, cufflinks, earrings, and necklaces. into wearable art and miniature sculpture. Carvings Martin has even taken the crest of the City of he has done include alabaster, malachite, turquoise, Alexandria and converted it into cufflinks and marble and opal – all have become part of his earrings. Martin has also created pieces of some of unique, handmade jewelry. He will also inlay stones Alexandria’s most popular properties and historical into wedding bands made of gold, white gold and sites with St. Mary’s Church being the most popular. yellow gold, as well as rings and pendants made of After 32 plus years, Martin still continues to silver, platinum and bronze.
6 July 2022
educate himself. He has learned to use Gemvision CAD Matrix, a software program used in jewelry design. This program speeds up the design process and gives a great visual throughout the design process. David Martin has also been active in local business groups and was an original member of KSMET (King Street Metro Enterprise Team). His interest in the success of all of Alexandria is as important as his own success. Stop in to an Old Town original...David Martin and Gold Works.
Old Town Crier
