Suanne Abeles

Owner/Custom Designer

Suanne helped create AvantGold jewelers with her husband & partner 27 years ago. Graduating college with a BFA in fine arts and continuing her education at GIA AvantGold has provided the perfect creative outlet.  She loves the challenge of custom designing special pieces to meet individual needs as well as the excitement of purchasing fabulous jewelry for the store.    She is as passionate about innovative design as as the elegant lines of her four gentle but giant Irish Wolfhounds who accompany her to work.

Riding dressage, painting and involvement with her dogs occupy most of her spare time but throughout the years her business has provided the most enduring satisfaction.

Education: Beaver College, PA
Home: Odessa, FL.

What do you like best about your job?
It would be hard to name the one thing I like best because it’s the very variety of opportunities that I find so appealing. I love working with customers, designing one-of-a-kind pieces, going to shows and meeting other designers and retailers, buying beautiful inventory, working with great employees (and the dogs!) and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of our store.

What is your essential business philosophy?
To continue to learn and to build relationships.

What would be your “Yardstick of Success”?
I’m happiest when satisfied customers refer friends and family for custom design work or when I see a beautiful piece of jewelry on someone and realize it came from our store.

Who would be your mentor?
My husband Jeff. Shortly after college I began working with Jeff in the development of his first jewelry store. His enthusiasm for fine jewelry and sales was inspiring. He taught me how to grow a business, enabled me to make the most my BFA and instilled a love for finely designed jewelry and gemstones. Twenty–nine years later his decisive vision and excitement are still motivational!

Best decision?
Enrolling in The Gemological Institute of America in California for their course in wax carving, casting and basic jewelry design. After that class I knew I had found the perfect niche and creative outlet.

Toughest decision?
To commit to the age of technology and become active on the Internet.

Most important lesson learned?
To allow the talented people I work with the freedom to do what they do best.

Favorite vacation spot?
The foothills of the Bighorn Mountains in the great basin of Wyoming…preferably at the base of a red rock wall on horseback.

Favorite way to spend free time?
Riding my horse, walking my dogs, fly fishing with Jeff and enjoying family gatherings with the grandchildren, Cody and Samantha as the main attraction!