Truth - when I moved to San Francisco and started seeking out stores for my jewelry, Gallery of Jewels was on my pie-in-the-sky, gee-I-hope-they-like-me list of places where I wanted my jewelry to be. Flash forward to now and Gallery of Jewels has carried my work for almost four years! I love working with them. Their support for individual artists and their work shows in the way that they give space to each one, presenting their work in the best possible light. I sat down with Jen Rose, the manager of the 24th Street Gallery of Jewels to ask her about what it's like to work for this 25-year-old jewelry institution. {Editor's note - Jen is an amazing jewelry designer and maker in her own right - http://www.jenrosejewelry.com/ }

Tell me how you got started with Gallery of Jewels:

JR - Almost 10 years ago, I moved to San Francisco. While exploring my new city, I discovered a gorgeous neighborhood called Noe Valley and therein the most magical storefront. Through the carefully decorated front windows, I gazed upon intricately crafted jewelry from independent designers. Everything was so well made, so different, and so beautiful. At that moment, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. I made it my goal to learn as much about this amazing place as I possibly could. Gallery of Jewels... I was in love!! Admiring the windows and chatting up the sales girls inside became a favorite pastime and ritual anytime I was in the neighborhood. Several years later, after I left my career in the corporate world to finally pursue my dreams as an artist, I decided to take a chance at applying for a position at this treasured jewelry store. You can imagine my excitement when the offer came through to join their sales team!! I started at the Pacific Heights location but the experience came full circle when I was transferred to the Noe Valley gallery that had stolen my heart years ago.

Is there something that you are coveting for yourself at the gallery, but haven’t pulled the trigger on yet?

JR - YES!! The “Jupiter” ring by Alberian and Aulde. It’s a sterling silver band with two-tone rhodium plating, a 14 karat rose gold setting and three rose cut rubies. It’s absolutely to die for. I love the saturation of the stones and how the facets shimmer so beautifully in the light. Mixed metals are also a favorite of mine, so this would fit perfectly in my collection.

What is your favorite lunch spot in Noe Valley?

JR - So many! I like to switch it up, but here are a few of my favorites: Subs Inc, Casa Mexicana, and Paxtis. By the way – Paxtis has an amazing lunch special. A slice of pizza, a salad and a drink for $10! Seriously it’s the best!

Tell me a little bit about the people you work with:

JR - I love my girls! We work together very well and it really feels more like family. There’s Jenny, the Senior Manager. She’s worked for the company for 16 years and knows nearly everyone in the neighborhood, their families, and their taste in jewelry. She can talk to anyone about anything and sell you some amazing jewelry! She has a great sense of humor and can make almost anyone laugh with her fantastic impressions and fake accents.

Then there’s Diane. She’s both the best and worst influence. Just today, she force fed me chocolate...it was worth it. If you are having a bad day, she’ll fix you right up because her happy go lucky attitude is infectious. It’s easy for our clients to sense her genuine nature and can trust that she will lead them in the right direction with their jewelry purchases. She’s also an amazing goldsmith and her talent shines when you put her behind the bench.

April is our newest addition. She studied at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and has an incredible wealth of knowledge. She can talk for hours about gemstones and you can really feel her passion when a loop is in hand. If anyone can make stones more interesting and beautiful than they already are, it’s her!

What is your favorite time of the year at GoJ?

JR - The Holiday Shopping Season: Christmas, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, and Hanukkah! We are packed with brand new jewelry from every artist, from top to bottom shelf. It’s the best of the best work that you’ll see the entire year. We rock the sales floor from open to close and the store is never empty and never a dull moment.

Gallery of Jewels has three locations in San Francisco:

Noe Valley
4089 24th Street at Castro, San Francisco, CA

Pacific Heights
2115 Fillmore Street at California, San Francisco, CA

Union Square
427 Post Street at Powell, San Francisco, CA