Our collaboration and friendship, enriched with over four decades of experience, bring to you quality craftsmanship, knowledge, and service. Whether it's the creation of a bespoke piece, an appraisal of a family heirloom, or a quest for knowledge, our legacy promises to guide, inspire, and cater to your every jewelry need.
John Soder
began making jewelry in a cramped Bemidji garage while attending college. His motivation was to see if he could teach himself the art of gold smithing. Quickly learning metallurgy and various components of the jewelry art. John became proficient, which allowed him to not only to support his college career but plan for the future.
By 1980, married with two children, he opened a premier jewelry store in the new Ridgedale Shopping Center and he called it Reflections in Gold. Not only was he successful in business, that year he devoted himself to the task of earning an additional degree in Gemology from the world renowned Gemological Institute of America.
Thereafter, gold smithing with the use of gem stones became his focus to this very day. His knowledge and enterprising business acumen led him to branch out including creating unique pieces for other jewelers, such as, Heart of Gold Jewelry in South Minneapolis which lead to a life long friendship with Jill Gettinger and Bob Finnerty. Keeping most of his friends and clients, he found himself drifting to the state of Florida for the tremendous opportunities in Bonita Springs and a new concept in jewelry marketing and design.
Homesickness, family, and some illness brings John’s talents
back to Minneapolis. Now, located in a cavernous studio, using
some of his favorite tools of 43 years, he begins a new and
more relaxed chapter of his life. He’s ready to design and
create, even repair old and new treasures.
Robert Finnerty
began making jewelry as a Boy Scout, in order to, successfully earn a merit badge in jewelry and another in coin collecting. He joined the United States Navy Reserve, as a seaman apprentice in September 1964. Yearning to go to college, he transitioned to NROTC and earned his degree and commission, December 28, 1968. After returning from overseas service in Vietnam, he discovered his small stash of common [silver] coins were waiting for him - protected by his
ever diligent mother. That windfall helped him in founding a number of small and usually one man businesses.
One of those businesses was Heart of Gold Jewelry in South Minneapolis with his then girlfriend, Jill Gettinger. Her heart and soul were in designing and selling jewelry. Together they ran a successful chain of locations (5) within another friend’s businesses [Denny Carlson of C.O.M.B Company].
Until her recent passing, both of us were active in the business
and coordinating with John. With a couple months respite, Bob
is back selling jewelry and valuing coins. As a former tutor, he
will be able to guide members in their quest for knowledge.
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