VARDY'S JEWELERS - OVER FOUR DECADES OF EXPERIENCE
OLD WORLD EUROPEAN CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS CONTEMPORARY TECHNOLOGY
Vardy’s Jewelers has been creating unique jewelry in Cupertino since 1981. Vardy’s Jewelers creates distinctive jewelry with timeless style. Old world European craftsmanship meets contemporary technology to present an extraordinary offering of custom and artistic designs of heirloom quality, designed and created on the premises. Explore excellence in colored diamonds, traditional diamonds, colored gems and pearls and the infinite possibilities for custom settings wrought from precious metals at Vardy’s Jewelers in Cupertino.
Vardy is a master goldsmith in the European tradition, with four decades of experience. Vardy works along side his children and staff, who all share his passion for fine jewelry and unequaled customer service. He describes his motivation: “Working with people to capture their wishes and desires in fine jewelry is very satisfying. Seeing their faces when I hand them their finished piece is my greatest reward. I am proud that 90% of my business is repeat or referral business. Our policy is that every customer leaves with a smile.”
VARDYS SHTEIN
FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, & MASTER GOLDSMITH
Vardy is a master European goldsmith with 40 years experience. As a designer he combines artistry with exceptional customer service. He is proud of his family-run store, where they blend old-fashion tradition and values with the latest technology and styles.
Vardy began his career in Tallinn, the capitol city of Estonia, as an apprentice to fine jewelers. Tallinn has long been known for its jewelers’ craft.The famous House of Fabergé opened a workshop there to create exquisite jewelry for royalty. After 11 years of designing in Europe he immigrated to the United States to achieve the American Dream.
He honed his skills by repairing and designing fine jewelry for discerning local jewelry stores. Within a short period, he established his own store built on a strong following and excellent reputation. Since 1981, Vardy’s Jewelers has flourished in Cupertino.
Today, Vardy celebrates his success by giving back to the local community that has been instrumental to that success. Supporting non-profit organizations and local charities is his way of thanking the community for the support that his young family received when they first arrived to this country. Vardy is a dedicated Rotarian and has sponsored the Canary Foundation, Diabetes Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, St. Joseph’s School, Jewish Community Services, Child Advocates, Alliance for Community Care, and the Cupertino Educational Endowment Fund.
Hearts on Fire Awards and Accolades
- Hearts on Fire Champion, starting in 1997
- 2009 “Hearts on Fire” Certified Service Center
- 2010/11/12 “Hearts on Fire” Champions
FANYA HULL
GIA ACCREDITED JEWELRY PROFESSIONAL, DIAMOND AND COLOR SPECIALIST
Fanya has over two decades of experience in the jewelry business and is a GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional. She leverages her Bachelors degree in International Business and Finance from Loyola Marymount University to secure the best prices for her customers, as Vardy’s sources the best in precious gems from around the world. Fanya’s training spans diamonds and colored gemstones – both precious and semi-precious.
Fanya’s passion is working with customers to make their desires tangible and to realize those treasures within the customer’s budget. She is the bridge between customers’ dreams and our goldsmiths’ craft. Answering questions and explaining style choices is important to Fanya, because at Vardy’s Jewelers, we believe that our best customer is an educated customer and one that will be back time and time again!
Hearts on Fire Awards and Accolades
- Hearts on Fire Champion, starting in 1997
- 2009 “Hearts on Fire” Certified Service Center
- 2010/11/12/14/15/16 “Hearts on Fire” Champions
MISHA SHTEIN
GIA ACCREDITED JEWELRY PROFESSIONAL, DIAMOND AND COLOR SPECIALIST
Misha is a GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional. He is skilled in both old-world traditional goldsmith techniques and the latest in modern technology. He has been schooled in a wide range of the gemologist’s arts from stone setting through computer aided design and fabrication.
Combining his artistic talents with his skills on CAD/CAM software, Misha is able to quickly build virtual implementations of jewelry dreams, allowing the customer to experience all perspectives of their piece. He then enhances and modifies the piece in real time with the customer’s input.
Misha is also trained on the LaserStar Advanced workstation – a laser welder that permits intricate fabrication and fine repairs that cannot be accomplished through any other means.
Whether a piece of fine jewelry is realized using European goldsmith practices that have been handed down through generations, or with cutting-edge computer software and 3D printers; Misha’s focus is on the customer’s complete satisfaction.
Hearts on Fire Awards and Accolades
- Hearts on Fire Champion, starting in 1997
- 2009 “Hearts on Fire” Certified Service Center
- 2010/11/12 “Hearts on Fire” Champions
ALICE SHTEIN
PEARL AND COLOR GEM SPECIALIST
Alice is a pearl expert, from selection and design to care. Pearl jewelry requires routine check-ups to maintain their beauty and integrity. She can review your pearls and offer professional restringing. If desired, your pearls can be refashioned into the latest designs. Alice has traveled the world to select the best pearls for Vardys and thus the best for you.
She also has an exceptional eye for color gems and the rare ability to distinguish subtle differences in hues. This allows Vardys to offer a rainbow selection of gemstones and that will bring your desires to life.
Alice listens to your wishes and then uses her fifteen years of jewelry experience and her Hearts on Fire University training to help you possess jewelry that will be admired.
ASON HUYNH
JASON IS A EUROPEAN TRAINED GOLDSMITH WORKING WITH VARDY’S SINCE 1994.
ROBERT MARTINEZ
G.G., GOLDSMITH & CAD/CAM SPECIALIST
Robert Martinez is an accomplished goldsmith and jewelry designer; prior to joining our team he spent 16 years at Teel’s Jewelry in Los Gatos. Robert comes to Vardy’s with tremendous knowledge and skill honed over his 47 years as a jewelry industry professional. He is a talented custom designer, using computer aided design (CAD) software to create one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry.
A patient listener, Robert enjoys the one-on-one interaction with clients to gain insights into the personal touches that make handcrafted jewelry unique to the recipient. Robert then transcribes those ideas into a unique piece of jewelry, either from scratch or by incorporating family heirlooms. He is proficient in all bench skills from repair to hand-fabrication. Robert is also a highly experienced setter of diamonds and colored gemstones, well versed in working with platinum, gold and silver.
Awards and Achievements:
- 2016 Industry finalist in a Cad Design Competition in Lafayette, Louisiana where ultimately he became a judge in the first Battle of the benches competition
- 2015 Featured in an article written by Jennifer Heebner for industry publication leader JCK Magazine
- 1998 Platinum Passion Design Competition, Honorable Mention
- 1984 Graduate Gemologist, Gemological Institute of America
LEE MARPLE
On June 14th, our family lost a truly remarkable individual. Working over 40 years along Vardy’s side, Lee was not just an employee, but a core member of the Vardy’s family. He was known for his generosity, wit, and kindness. Collecting, polishing, cutting, and faceting gemstones were Lee’s specialty. He had 2 masters degrees from MIT, and gemstones were a fun hobby of his! His brilliant mind and loving spirit left an indelible mark on all of us. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and will continue to cherish his memory.
Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be greatly missed.
ELENA HERNANDEZ
SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST
Elena comes from an extensive background in sales and customer service management with over 20+ years of experience.
Her passion and love for jewels stems from some of her best childhood memories of seeing her mother’s collection of beautiful diamonds and extravagant jewels. Elena is now an avid collector herself and aspires to help others find the perfect jewels suited for our customers. Elena knows the importance of choosing the best fit for the customer personally.
She enjoys spending her free time with family, friends, and her church group.
TIANA YAMAGUCHI
Tiana has a background in customer service, marketing, and social media. She obtained her bachelors degree in communications from University of California, Davis and is working towards her associates degree in graphic design from Foothill College.
She has had a love for jewelry dating back to the summer she spent with her aunt making earrings in her home. She was just six years old.
Her other passions include fitness, photography, the outdoors, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs.
MELISSA RAYCROFT
Melissa has over 20 years of experience in sales and customer service management. Her specialties and areas of interest are in fine jewelry and fashion apparel.
Her passion for dressing up and putting on pretty jewels began as a young girl. Her grandmother dressed in gorgeous, uniquely crafted gemstone pieces, that she collected all around the world. Melissa has fond memories of trying them on and wearing her jewelry whenever they were together. Today, Melissa shares her enthusiasm and knowledge of clothing and jewelry, while helping guide clients to find their own personal style.
As part of her routine practice, Melissa encorpates running, pilates, and yoga into her schedule. She likes to read (with her book club) and when time permits, she enjoys baking. She loves spending quality time with her family and friends and appreciates traveling to new places across the map.
MOREMI MABOGUNJE
Moremi is a social media specialist with a background in project management. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from University of San Francisco. With five years of experience in social media management, her areas of interest include fashion photography and styling. She has fond childhood memories of going shopping on the weekends with her stylish mom, who she credits with inspiring her love for fashion, jewelry, and beauty.
She is passionate about giving back to her community family and friends and in her free time can be found volunteering, planning celebrations, and joining running challenges.