Elisa is a Certified Gemologist Appraiser through the American Gem Society and a Graduate Gemologist through the Gemological Institute of America. Her latest accomplishment is adding FGA to her accolades from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Very few gemologists in the United States strive for this distinction. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences. She is an expert at identifying and selecting extremely unique and valuable colored gemstones. Along with Olufson Designs' outstanding reputation among our peers, her expertise was a significant factor in our acceptance to the American Gem Society (AGS), an organization dedicated to high standards of ethics and professionalism. American Gem Society member stores must adhere to strict standards of ethics and continuing education.

Lita has had multiple years of experience in customer service and sales before joining the team at Olufson Designs. They have a taste for alternative and historical styles but can work with you to find exactly what you want, whether it’s bridal, special occasion or everyday wear.   

Lita is very interested in history and often lets that intersect with their love of fashion. In their spare time, they enjoy reading and writing horror fiction, going for walks with their partner and researching historical fashion trends that match the settings of their favorite shows.

Kendra has been in the jewelry field since 2002, working in both Alaska and Oregon. She loves color, especially ruby and tanzanite. Although she loves meeting people daily, her favorite day of the year is Christmas day when her customers open up gifts from their loved ones that she helped pick out especially for them. Have you ever wondered who is the creative who changes out our window displays for all new occasions? Kendra is the one! Kendra currently is helping with the e-commerce site primarily and secondarily in sales, gemology, and appraising.  She achieved her certified gemology appraiser credential in the fall of 2021 and is eager to spread her wings.  

Kendra spends her spare time doing yoga and Pilates. She and her husband love travelling the world, but enjoy coming home to Oregon to her two cats, two dogs, and two guinea pigs. Home is her favorite place to be.  

Dana joined the Olufson Designs team in 2017 apprenticing primarily under former Repair Goldsmith Sue to learn the essentials of the trade before her retirement. Being relatively new to the scene, Dana is grateful for the opportunity to learn from the decades of experience of the other goldsmiths in the shop. In between repairing customers’ jewelry and broadening her skillset, Dana works on original designs in wax and laser assisted fabrication.

Dana has a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Oregon State University, which, while it doesn’t directly relate to goldsmithing, provides ample inspiration for her original designs and personal projects. Whether it’s giraffes, dragons, or spider webs, Dana loves accurately incorporating the beauty and whimsy of the natural world into her pieces.

Louise has worked in the fine jewelry trade for an impressive 40 years. She was the owner of her own custom store in Corvallis, VanSlyke Jewelers, for 11 years. She has the knowledge and experience to help customers find the perfect diamond or gem and design a one-of-a-kind heirloom to be treasured.   While she is in the process of retiring, it is a lucky day when we work side by side with Louise.  

She is a Certified Sales Associate through the American Gem Society which requires yearly continuing education for all of its titleholders. This guarantees that the associates have current knowledge of this ever-changing and highly specific industry.