Ron Skog has opened a new jewelry store at 150 S. Oregon Street, called Jacksonville Gems and Jewelry. The shop is located in the space formerly occupied by the Jacksonville Barn Company. Ron joins another new merchant, The Cheesemonger’s Wife and the well-established Adit Brewery on the main level with LaFiesta Mexican Restaurant on the second floor of the building.
Ron Skog is joined in the new operation by his wife, Natta Skog, two sons Adam and Bee, along with jeweler Tom Hankins.
Ron says the shop specializes in custom-designed jewelry made from gold, silver, platinum and palladium with gemstones of your choice. In addition, on-site jewelry and eyeglass repair is offered.
Ron says, “I grew up in Jacksonville and started mining gold at age 8… and am still mining to this day. Much of our gold jewelry offered in the shop is actually made with gold from our local area.”
Skog is also a skilled gemstone carver and does faceting work and repair.
About his team, Ron notes, “Natta is from Thailand and imports an extensive array of Stingray products and also designs some of our gold jewelry.” The youngest member, his son Adam, is 6, and is already learning to make Jewelry and cut stones.
Ron and Natta’s older son, Bee, graduated from South Medford High school in 2009, and then attended Revere Jewelry Academy in San Francisco. “He’s been making jewelry for eight years now,” Ron adds proudly.
“Tom Hankins is a jeweler who has worked with past master jeweler and design instructor John Koeppl and has partnered with us for 4 years now.” Tom has a large collection of Oregon Sunstone, Oregon’s state gemstone with a large selection of custom-made pieces set in silver and gold.
The shop offers a wide array of products made from the stingray fish including stingray wallets, purses, belts, bracelets, rings and earrings. Ron notes, “Stingray is one of the most durable leathers known.”
You’ll also find mineral specimens, crystals for wire wrap, fossils, carvings and carving materials, faceting and carving supplies and more.
Reach Ron and his team at 541-702-2256 to learn more.
Featured image is l-r Natta, Adam, Ron and Bee Skog.
I was very impressed with the variety of beautiful gift and ornamental items this shop had to offer. I myself purchased a beautifully unique and well made wallet made of stingray skin. I love it. I would have loved to have purchased some of the jewelery to match. Next time! Only wish I had more to spend!