Next month, the Old Town Crier will celebrate 27 years of bringing the people, places and things to our readers throughout the region. We have seen a lot of change over those years, and we have also seen a lot of consistency over those years…and David Martin at Goldworks is one of those rare jewels. Whether Goldworks is labeled a success story or a survivor, they will be celebrating 25 years of business at 1400 King Street.

David Martin, owner and designer, knew of Alexandria long before he moved here. David was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, Maryland from 1966 to 1968 where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1983 David made his move to Alexandria and joined other jewelers at a co-op in Belleview shopping center near the Fort Hunt area specializing in jewelry design and repair. At the time David was doing repair work for jewelers throughout the Washington, D.C. area. In 1985 David decided to go his own way and opened his own store at 1400 King Street.

In the next 25 years David worked hard to establish his reputation as a quality designer with exceptional repair work skills. As his business grew he continued with his education by studying at the Gemological Institute of America and specializing in jewelry design, casting and stone setting. At Goldworks David has many custom rings that he has designed and is just waiting for the right customer to come in and select the perfect gem for the setting. To compliment the one of a kind ring, Goldworks also carries a large selection of stones and estate pieces.

As a jewelry designer one must master many skills – scientist, mediator, consultant and sculptor. David’s own personal background as a graphic illustrator in the fields of architecture, historical art, and medicine has been invaluable as a jewelry designer. He began designing jewelry as he developed those illustrations into wearable art and miniature sculpture. Carvings he has done in alabaster, malachite, turquoise, marble and opal have become part of his unique, handmade items of jewelry. He will also inlay stones into wedding bands made of gold, white gold and yellow gold, as well s rings and pendants made of silver, platinum and bronze.

Not only is jewelry design a feature at Goldworks, but there is also a large selection of finished pieces available including animals and symbols, antiques, Celtic weavings, charms, crests and engraved rings, cufflinks, earrings, pendants and necklaces. David has even taken the crest of the City of Alexandria and converted it into cufflinks and earrings. Martin has also created pieces of some of Alexandria’s most popular properties and historical sites with St. Mary’s Church being the most popular.

After 25 years David Martin still continues to educate himself.   He has learned to use Gemvision CAD Matrix, a software program used in jewelry design. This program speeds up the design process and gives a great visual throughout the design process.

Stop in and visit David this holiday season and you might just find that special gift for that special someone.

Written by: Bob Tagert