Mike Ponthieux started his career in the jewelry industry at a young age. His knack for fixing things and fascination with silversmithing set his future as a jewelry craftsman. After moving to Greenville, SC, Mike and Wanda, opened Ponthieux’s Jewelry Design Studio in 2001. Mike is a GIA Certified Gemologist and a nationally acclaimed goldsmith.

What is your favorite part about working in a jewelry design studio?

Seeing the reactions of customers to our work is always special. It’s not uncommon for folks to be moved to tears.

What is your favorite gemstone and why?

Tourmaline because it comes in such a wide variety of colors and unique combinations, including bi-color variations.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like to take on home remodeling projects and woodworking, basically the same skills I use at work. I also enjoy spending quality time with our family.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an auto mechanic. Growing up, I fixed our neighbor’s car before I could even drive.