Meet Our Designers
If you have a vision, we have the expertise to turn it into reality. Our team of design professionals will provide expert advice and bring your dreams to life!
Meet Claire, the heart and soul behind the exquisite designs at Charles Koll since 2001. With a journey that has taken her from Sales to Operations and blossomed into Design Consultation, Claire's unique blend of experiences alongside master goldsmiths and award-winning designers has sharpened her vision, making her a paragon of innovation and style. Born with the grace and vivacity of Louisiana's rich heritage, Claire brings not only exceptional manners and class to the table but also an infectious spunk that's as captivating as her designs. The proud wife to the talented musician Kevin Freeby since 2006, Claire treasures her role in nurturing their two beautiful children, drawing inspiration from the facets of her fulfilling personal life. Her design philosophy? Timeless elegance with a playful twist, focusing on clean lines that highlight the natural beauty of gemstones. Claire's expertise is backed by her credentials as a Graduate Jeweler Gemologist (GIA) making her the go-to designer for those who seek jewelry that's as enduring as it is enchanting.
"These earrings are inspired by the perfect balance of light and dark. The vivid green tsavorite brings a fresh, lively energy, while the deep ruby and onyx add a touch of strength and mystery. Set in 18k gold, they’re a bold yet elegant statement that’s all about contrast and harmony."- Claire
18k Yellow Gold Ruby, Onyx and Tourmaline Deco Drop Earrings"This pendant draws inspiration from the timeless symbol of the snake, representing transformation and renewal. The fluid, intertwined design makes a bold statement while the rich 18k gold adds a touch of elegance. It’s a unique piece that feels both powerful and sophisticated."- Claire
18k Yellow Gold Escher Snake Necklace
Introducing Lacey, a spirited soul whose journey into the world of fine jewelry is as unique and adventurous as her creations. With a background in wire wrapping and silversmithing, Lacey spent seven years crafting her art on the open road, exploring the United States from the seat of her Volkswagen van. Her arrival at Charles Koll in 2004 infused the team with her passion and bohemian spirit, perfectly complementing her talent for designing breathtaking, one-of-a-kind pieces. Born in Arizona but never one to stay still, Lacey's spontaneity and innate ability to connect with people shine through her work. She possesses a remarkable talent for intuiting which piece of jewelry is destined for someone, a gift she describes as 'feeling out' the perfect match. Lacey's designs are deeply influenced by Art Nouveau and Deco styles, married with a profound appreciation for organic forms—a reflection of her adventurous spirit and love for nature. In 2012, Lacey and her craftsman husband, Tino Gonzalez, embarked on a new adventure, renovating their 1920s home with creativity and love, alongside their two children, Joni and Julian. Her credentials are as impressive as her journey, holding titles as a Graduate Jeweler, Graduate Diamonds, and an Accredited Jewelry Professional from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), not to mention her vital role as Inventory Liaison at Charles KOLL Jewelry. Lacey's life and work are a testament to the beauty of following one's passion, wherever it may lead.
"This 18k white gold ring is inspired by the calm beauty of the ocean. The vibrant blue topaz at the center is surrounded by sparkling diamonds, making it a standout piece. It’s a perfect mix of elegance and style, adding a pop of color to any outfit."- Lacey
18k White Gold Blue Topaz and Diamond Fashion Ring"This 18k yellow gold eternity ring is all about fun and color. With a vibrant row of rainbow sapphires wrapping around, it brings a playful yet elegant touch to any look. Perfect for stacking or wearing on its own, it’s a bold piece that celebrates individuality and style." Lacey
18k Yellow Gold Rainbow Sapphire Eternity Ring
Courtney's journey into fine jewelry design began at SDSU, sparked by an internship at a San Diego fine jewelry store. There, repurposing her grandmother's ring into a pendant marked her first design endeavor, intertwining her creativity with a deep appreciation for heritage. This experience set her on a path enriched by craftsmanship and family legacy.
Her passion for fashion and quality eventually led her to her dream role at Charles Koll Jewelry, where she now designs captivating fine jewelry and manages the brand's social media. Certified as a gemologist by GIA, Courtney specializes in statement pieces that blend beauty with durability, emphasizing personal stories through custom designs and heirloom transformations.
Courtney values the personal connections with her clients, cherishing the role she plays in their life stories and celebrations through her designs. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys quality time with loved ones, the outdoors, travel, gardening, and cooking, allowing her passions to fuel her creativity and commitment to her craft.
These twisted drop earrings are inspired by the effortless flow of movement and the beauty of organic forms. The elegant twists in 18k gold create a sense of fluidity and grace, making them a timeless piece that’s both modern and sophisticated"- Courtney
18k Yellow Gold Custom Twist Drop Earrings
Malcolm Koll joined Charles Koll Jewellers in 1977, in Welkom, South Africa where the family business originated in 1961. Together with his family, they established the first full service jewelry manufacturing facility in 1979. A year later, Malcolm was appointed to the board of directors for the Chevron Jewelers Group, an organization of elite South African jewelers created by Malcolm’s father, Charles Koll. Nearly a decade later, Malcolm and his father sold the Welkom store in preparation for relocation to San Diego, California. Following a six-month consultancy with Sterns Jewelers, Charles and Malcolm opened their first San Diego store in 1991.
The Charles Koll family’s uncompromising commitment to offering the highest-quality works of wearable art, backed by total transparency throughout the acquisition, design, and manufacturing process, has placed him, and the business that bears his father’s name, among the most trusted names in the jewelry business. “We have a collective ability to interpret a customer’s likes and dislikes to create a unique, customer specific, piece of jewelry that honestly reflects the occasion as well as the person.”
"Crafted with mathematical precision, this piece embodies flawless design. Its depth and dimension create an alluring visual appeal, while a closer look reveals intricate details that elevate its elegance."- Malcolm
18k Yellow Custom Metatron Necklace"This engagement ring, while beautifully simple, is rich with profound symbolism. Designed as a true Möbius strip, it features four sides but only two surfaces that intertwine endlessly, representing infinite unity and connection."- Malcolm
Custom Platinum Mobius Diamond Engagement Ring
Richard Koll, son of Malcolm Koll joined the Charles Koll team in the summer of 2011. He studied Business at Colorado University and graduated in 2010. After graduating he took an eight month trip to South Africa to get to know his distant relatives and to see where his grandfather, Charles Koll, started his business.
When he returned, he was not sure what step to take next. His father, Malcolm, offered him a job and he hasn’t looked back since. Richard joining the family business has brought a new energy to the store and a sense of the next generation. He works on improving the website, improving operations by tracking workflow through new software and increasing efficiencies. “Charles Koll is a legacy and I couldn’t be happier being a part of something that is bigger than me.
To reach great heights you have to stand on shoulders of those that came before you and it’s great that I have two very sturdy shoulders to stand on.” In his free time he loves rock climbing, having climbed in Spain and South Africa.
"These earrings were inspired by wonderful clients who entrusted us with creative freedom. The vibrant blend of colors is a nod to the natural beauty of dragons, showcasing their captivating variety. A stunning gradient effect flows from orange to green, accented with diamonds. The delicate wings and playful color combinations add to the fun and vibrant design. Featuring an array of stones, including spinel, topaz, aquamarine, tsavorite, diamond, sapphire, and amethyst, these earrings beautifully unite bold hues in a way that feels both playful and elegant."- Richard
Create My Own"Fluid, modern, and minimalist, this design is expertly crafted to resemble a seamless ribbon of metal. Its technical complexity sets it apart from mass-market pieces, making it a true work of art. The diamond is held without traditional prongs, allowing it to shine. Ideal for those who prefer sleek, sophisticated designs over the excessive and ordinary" -Richard
18k Yellow Gold Custom Marquise Solitaire Engagement Ring