KATE MARKS
Kathleen McNichols-Marks, (Kate for short), has been a jeweler since 1985, studying, designing, winning awards and delighting her customers. She strives to provide that “personal touch” and generously shares her in-depth knowledge about jewelry. Her passion as a gemologist and goldsmith, is clearly evident. Kate has hand-selected every item in the store, as well as designing and producing custom jewelry that is truly ‘wearable art”.
DIAMOND BUYING IN ANTWERP
In addition to all repairs, restyling and custom work done on site, Kate is thrilled to offer customers the tremendous advantage of her direct diamond buying trips to Antwerp, Belgium every fall. Whether you send Kate on a personal buying mission, or purchase one of the stones she has already hand-selected, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting stunning quality at very reasonable prices.
PRESS
CT Post, 1/28/10
Fairfield County Business Journal, 11/23/09
The Amity Observer, 10/16/08
Shelton Life, 3/06
Shelton Weekly, December 2, 2005
Huntington Herald, February 4, 2004
New Haven Register, Friday, April 30, 2004 – excerpt (Valley Register Edition)
CT Post, August 10, 2004
Business New Haven (April 3, 2000)
Shelton Business News (May 2000)
ACHIEVEMENTS
Kate stays up-to-date on the latest jewelry trends and actively gives back to the community. Her achievements and affiliations reflect these priorities.
BFA, Metalsmithing, SUNY New Palz
Certified by the GIA in Colored Stone Grading
Vision Award for Excellent Workmanship – American Pearl Company
Certified by the GIA in Diamond Grading
Certified by the GIA in Diamonds
Certificate European Diamond Grading
Certified by the World Wide Diamond Importers
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Most Valuable Player – Rotary Club of Derby-Shelton
Certificate of Excellence (Donations for Auction) Derby-Shelton Rotary
Certificate of Appreciation, School to Career, Shelton Schools
Golden Trowel Award, Adopt-a-Garden, City of Shelton
Honored by Valley Women’s Health Initiative and State of Connecticut
Paul Harris Award, Rotary International
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & INDUSTRY AFFILIATIONS
Certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the foremost authority on gemology in the world
Member of Retailer Jeweler’s Organization (RJO) providing the needed buying power to get the best prices from manufacturers and pass savings along to our customers.
Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Alumni Association
World Wide Diamond Importers
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Rotary, a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders, provides humanitarian service, encourages the highest ethical standards across vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Kate is a past President (2006-2007), of Rotary International – Derby-Shelton Rotary Club.
Birmingham Group Health Services of Ansonia provides quality services for recovery and well-being. The Umbrella is a division offering services for victims of domestic violence. Kate has served as a corporator and participated in fund raising activities.
The Boys and Girls Club provides programs that inspire, educate, and guide young people from disadvantaged circumstances to realize their full potential. Kate has chaired the golf fund raiser and participated in many activities to support the group.
The Shelton Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is a non-profit group focusing on the balanced development of Shelton. SEDC, offers direct links to local government and business leaders and coordinates between city and civic organizations. Kate is an active member and edits the Shelton Life Community and Business News.
Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO)
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
Women in Networking
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