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Mueller Jewelers may be new to the Lindstrom area but the owners, Gary and Carrie Mueller, are not new to the jewelry world. Gary has been making custom pieces for individuals and for retailers for years out of their home in rural Chisago City. Carrie Mueller has also been employed in the jewelry business all of her adult life, most recently at Continental in the metro.

The Muellers were not even 20- years-old when they traveled to Carlsbad, California to pursue careers in gemstones and precious metals. They graduated highly ranked in their class from the Gemological Institute of America.

It was a good career decision, Carrie says of their early passion for precious metals, gems and jewelry design. "Everyday we go to work and get to help people create memories, we are doing something good and having fun, and customers leave happy."

Gary created pieces at home when their kids were little, but the time came to branch out on their own, because mostly Carrie was fed-up with her commute and not being able to regularly get to the kids' activities and sports events.

The building in Lindstrom was available, so they purchased it and November 18 officially opened the doors. They have made major improvements turning it into a welcoming and sparkling shop, including installing a safe about the size of a lawn shed and 50-times heavier.

Gary's workshop made the transition from the home to store nicely. He has a well organized space for an extensive amount of equipment he's acquired over the years...including a laser, and computer-aided design and computer aided machining (CAD and CAM) units. The workshop is an amalgamation of electronic apparatus like the CAD/CAM computer station next to Gary's old world jewelers' handtools and the wood workbench his father bought for him after graduating from the GIA.

Gary commented that jewelry-making as a profession has taken longer than some of the other design disciplines to adopt computer softwear. Architectects, engineers and landscapers have been using software for creating images for years.

With his equipment Gary can get on the computer and electronically send a three dimensional drawing of a piece he's designing anywhere in the world, and collaborate with anybody. The screen image depicts the piece from the top, bottom and side views.

He can show the buyer what the piece would look like in white or yellow gold, platinum, or silver finishes, insert different gems, and it all happens right before your eyes. He provides his custom jewelry services under the business name you may have heard of, Facet Setting & Design.

For customers who want to try something on, feel the weight of a piece or see how it looks on, Mueller Jewelers also has display cases of various styles and lines of jewelry as prototypes.

Customers can purchase an exact item in the sample showcase and have it overnighted. Or you can mix and match whatever catches your eye in the inventory. Gary said he frequently does pieces for people supplying their own gems out of obsolete, heirloom or broken jewelry.

He loves the challenge of literally taking raw metal and turning it into a beloved item. Carrie has the knowledge, customer service skills and organizational experience from years in retail. They're a very likeable and knowledgeable team.

The Muellers also provide full service jewelry care and repair. Rings can be re-sized, watch bands made larger or smaller, batteries are available. Appraisals can be provided for insurance.

The store hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone is (651) 213-1010.

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