About
Custom Jewelry Designers Bring Your Dreams to Life
John and Janelle Thomas have shared a love of jewelry. John began his career 30 years ago in New York, realizing early on that working with jewelry was more than a career for him. It was a passion. Janelle began her adventure 25 years ago in New Mexico. She owned her first jewelry shop at age 24, focused on repairs and building your own jewelry.
John and Janelle both studied at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). He loves custom designed jewelry and custom engagement rings, to help bring his clients’ ideas to life. John has custom-designed more than 2,000 rings during his career. Janelle is a registered gemologist with the International School of Gemology. She loves being part of special moments in life by creating the perfect luxury jewelry experience and choosing engagement rings here in Albuquerque for her clients.
Customers can expect only the best when shopping with John Thomas Jewelers. John and Janelle hand select diamonds from the oldest diamond trading center in the world, located in Antwerp, Belgium.
John Thomas Jewelers is the only Master Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) in Albuquerque. As members, John and Janelle have received expert training that keeps their knowledge and skills of the custom jewelry business updated for the best customer experience. They also adhere to the IJO ethical code of conduct that guarantees honesty, integrity, and trust.
Whether you wish to purchase your custom jewelry online or stop by the showroom, John, Janelle, and the entire team at John Thomas Jewelers will educate and guide you through your purchase.
CRISTINE KING, JEWELRY SPECIALIST
I love my Job! I started in the jewelry industry at 19 and I still LOVE jewelry! I absolutely adore our wonderful clients, and feel privileged to be able to design family heirlooms for future generations.
I have worked with John since 2004, and have watched his beautiful family grow, and the business also. It is such an awesome feeling to be part of the John Thomas Jewelers Family, and I look forward to many more years of family, fun and great jewelry and helping clients choose engagement rings and custom engagement rings here in Albuquerque.
LARA, JEWELRY SPECIALIST
With a background in jewelry manufacturing, I love every step of the jewelry-making process. From rendering your vision in CAD to sourcing the diamond of your dreams, I can help you bring your vision to life.
I love dainty yellow gold pieces, emeralds, and fancy colored diamonds. For me, the long history and science behind gemstones is endlessly fascinating, and I love working in an industry that is equally technical and creative.
I believe that everyone deserves to have a piece of jewelry that is unique as they are, and working at John Thomas Jewelers allows me to share that passion with you!
MATTHEW VALENTINE, MASTER JEWELER & CAD DESIGNER
Matthew is John Thomas Jewelers custom designer and master jeweler. He works on the premises so you can meet him and see his brilliant works in person. He has been creating masterpieces for over 26 years. He got his start when he was just 12 years old with a traveling jewelry company that were friends of the family, specializing in rare colored gemstones. They would sell the gems and he and the other jewelers would set and manufacture on the spot. This is when he developed a passion for the different varieties and properties that are unique to each gem species. Not to mention using precious metals to make wearable art. Matt said: “The look on a client's face when they see the result of what they designed come to life is what motivates me.”
He personally owned a couple jewelry stores in Virginia before he met John. Since then he's never looked back and his family is happy to be living next to the beautiful Sandia Mountains. His personal favorite gem species are sapphire and diamond. Reason being, he loves the durability and the available color options both provide. Think of all the endless possibilities you can create with Matthew. He makes dreams come true. Come see what he can do for you and let him custom design your engagement ring.
