John-Michael Mendizza

Was born and raised in Long Beach California. As a young boy he visited a jeweler with his mother and was fascinated by the experience: "I can still remember watching the jeweler melting a few pieces of old gold and poring them into a block of charcoal”. From that day on, his answer to the question "what do you want to be when you grow up?” was "a jeweler”.

While studying Global Studies at UCSB, being involved with the opening of Zfolio Gallery brought him back into contact with gems, jewelry and some of the world’s best jewelry artists. Sitting on the airport floor, waiting for a flight to Tucson for the well-known gem show, he met Gregory and Jennifer Morin. Gregore became his first real mentor, and generously spent many Friday mornings helping John-Michael’s ideas become reality. Gregore’s amazing skill and precision helped to develop his talents and gave him the confidence to work with challenging stones and techniques.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree from UCSB, he moved to Germany to be with the woman he met dancing Argentine Tango, and began a classical apprenticeship with a very artistic German designer. After two years he switched to another mentor who’s stile and designs were more compatible with his own. He will finish his apprenticeship in February of 2014, and become a certified German Goldsmith.

His design inspiration comes from the challenge presented by a particular gem. Fascinated with unusual cuts and carvings of gemstones, he always looks for unique shapes and forms to work with. "Some designers have an idea and then select stones to fit that design, whereas I most often look for stones that inspire me, and then I create my design to fit that stone.” His sense of balance and harmony gives his pieces a streamlined, clean look.

Gold, Platinum and Other Precious Metals and Gems

Most fine gold jewelry may be cleaned simply using warm water and nonabrasive soap using a small bristle brush such as a soft child’s toothbrush to remove solid substances lodged to the surface. Rinse in warm water, dry and polish with a soft cloth.

An ultrasonic cleaner can be used, except for items with aquamarines, emeralds, opals, and pearls. Jewelry with aquamarine, emeralds, opals, and pearls should be cleaned very carefully with soap and water.

Take Simple Precautions

Fine jewelry is durable, but not indestructible. We recommend not wearing your fine jewelry weightlifting, heavy lifting, playing golf, landscaping, gardening, horseback riding, in the pool or spa. Chlorine is toxic for many metals.

ZFolio