Celebrating a Long Time Advertiser: Mountain Gold Jewelers
Mountain Gold Jewelers is a well-known specialty retailer exemplifying the best of hand-crafted, artisan gold jewelry on Hawai‘i Island.
Founded July 1977 in Lāhainā, Maui, Mountain Gold Jewelers has a long history offering fine jewelry and related services that are affordable and accessible to everyone.
A tradition of outstanding design, extraordinary workmanship, and exemplary customer service sets Mountain Gold Jewelers apart from others in this industry.
Owner and master goldsmith, Moses Thrasher, moved his business to Hawai‘i Island in 1986.
Often called “the best little jewelry store on the Kohala Coast,” Mountain Gold Jewelers is a different kind of jewelry store and design studio.
Moses has been a goldsmith for more than 40 years, working comfortably in 14K, 18K, and platinum. From his workbench prominently displayed in the store, Moses can design and make anything you can imagine.
The magic began when Moses envisioned his true love draped in jewels. Not being able to afford such a luxury, he got the idea that he could learn to make it. While driving on the back roads of the Hopi reservation in Arizona, he came across a crudely painted sign that read “Jewelry.”
At the end of the road was a weathered wooden house, which appeared to be abandoned. He walked inside and discovered two jewelry cases. “What a shock! It was the most beautiful jewelry I had ever seen.”
Hearing banging outside, he found an older, Indian man crouched over a tree stump pounding on a piece of metal with a hammer. “As I stood there, I observed that he had a well organized, semi-outdoor jewelry workshop. I was fascinated! I knew that I needed to stay.”
“He hardly spoke to me for two days. Then it was ‘hold this’ and ‘fetch that.’ By the time I left I had observed practically every jewelry-making technique there is. I was on fire! I wanted to stop everything and make jewelry right then.”
Later, Moses discovered that the Indian man was Charles Loloma, the foremost American Indian craftsman of the 20th century.
“Had I known that, I never would have had the nerve to expect that I could spend so much casual time with him. This was my apprenticeship. This was my brush with a master… And soon my first pieces were made for my sweetheart. I realized my vision of her draped in jewels.”
In addition to design, Moses is exceptionally talented in intricate jewelry repair, alteration, and restoration.
“My focus has always been on providing a range of choices for jewelry customers who seek quality and value. For this reason, I design and provide jewelry to meet my customers’ taste and expectation for excellence and attention to detail. Most of my clients are local residents, so I have learned to keep their budget in mind. I constantly challenge myself to find the most efficient design or repair solution, and try to offer two or more alternatives.”
Although much of the jewelry is designed and crafted by Moses, jewelry by other designers and manufacturers is displayed as well. This allows customers a wider variety of choices.
Featuring diamonds, opals, and pearls of all kinds, Mountain Gold Jewelers is also well known as a source for estate and antique jewelry. His love and understanding of this genre of jewelry has won Moses the trust and acclaim of individuals, retail jewelers, museums, and galleries.
Mountain Gold Jewelers exemplifies the best of hand-crafted, artisan gold jewelry. For years, his combination of outstanding design, extraordinary workmanship, and a commitment to excellence has earned Moses a large following of local, national, and international clients.
Mountain Gold Jewelers
Kawaihae Shopping Center, upper level
61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy., Kawaihae
Mon–Fri, 11:30am–7:30pm
Sat, Noon–6pm; Sun, closed
808.882.4653
