The world of custom jewelry and watch repair in Berks County got a fresh new sparkle with the grand opening of Gilded Design Studio, located at 80 Commerce Drive in the Village Square shopping plaza.
Meggan Skiles and Rebecca Freundt, both with extensive experience in the jewelry industry, celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony that welcomed clients into their newly renovated store for the first time. The dynamic duo, who previously worked at The Goldsmiths LTD, decided to venture into entrepreneurship when the owner of their former workplace retired.
Skiles, who had been in the jewelry business for an impressive 19 years, expressed her excitement, saying, “I’ve worked for the previous jewelry store for 19 years, so doing it almost 2 decades in Berks County.” Freundt, who joined 11 years ago, added, “That’s how both of us met, and then the two of us have kind of fostered that relationship into a beautiful friendship. Upon the past owner’s retirement, we opened up our own jewelry shop.”
One of the standout features of Gilded Design Studio is Freundt’s expertise as the only CAD designer for jewelry in all of Berks County. She utilizes CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs to create intricate 3-D designs for clients to visualize before the final creation.
Skiles and Freundt also have a unique approach to recycling sentimental items. “We can take old things that people had, or maybe they inherited, or they don’t want, and give them a whole new makeover,” Skiles explained. Freundt added, “We responsibly source stones, use the client’s materials, and create a new version of what they had, that’s particular to them.”
The store underwent a significant transformation with fresh new cases, vibrant neon signs with messages for selfies, and playful wallpaper. The layout was reimagined to prioritize a design center, reflecting their strong focus on custom work. “We really want to give space for our custom clients to have a comfortable, relaxing environment where they can come sit down and have fun,” explained Freundt.
Gilded Design Studio offers a comprehensive range of services, including jewelry repair, appraisals, insurance appraisals and more. Skiles, a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified professional, says she is one of few who can accurately identify diamonds in Berks County.
Skiles and Freundt are not alone in this venture; their families have played a significant role in getting the store ready for the grand opening. Freundt expressed her gratitude, saying, “Our families are super important to us. We definitely wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the help and support and love of our family and friends.”
As part of their team, they have an amazing staff to support them in their journey. Skiles proudly mentioned, “We are both one of the youngest jewelers, being under 40, here in Berks County, and we expect to be here a long time.”
The strong relationships they’ve built with their clients over the years have played a pivotal role in their new endeavor. Skiles shared, “We had such a dedicated following at our previous job that we have been able to foster those relationships. Our clients are our family; we’ve seen their kids grow up and more. We look forward to continuing that in the future.”
To connect with Gilded Design Studio and explore their offerings, you can visit their website at gildeddesignstudio.com or find them on Facebook. Better yet, visit their store at 80 Commerce Drive and experience the magic of custom jewelry and watch repair.
Gilded Design Studio is poised to become a shining gem in Berks County’s jewelry scene, offering not only exquisite craftsmanship but also a warm and inviting environment for clients to explore their creativity and desires in the world of jewelry.
