After nearly a decade of providing fine jewelry in New Paltz, Hudson Valley Goldsmith is bringing its socially conscious, artisanal designs to Main Street in Beacon.
David Walton is a goldsmith and co-owner of Hudson Valley Goldsmith with his wife, Sara Walton. “Our New Paltz location is a true, full-service jewelry store,” David says. “This is where we make our jewelry, and where we sell our jewelry.” The Beacon store, with the same name, will be a full-service fine jewelry store showcasing their custom work.
Besides expert repairs and one-of-a-kind custom designs, Hudson Valley Goldsmith is noted by shoppers for its relaxed atmosphere, in contrast to the hustle and bustle of New York City jewelry dealers. “We’re a destination for customers all over the tri-state area, for engagement rings, wedding bands,” David says. “People come here because they’re not satisfied with the pushy attitude of dealers in the Diamond District. And yet our prices remain competitive.”
Natural diamonds are the hallmark at Hudson Valley Goldsmith, and Walton says his shop has the largest selection of loose and set diamonds in the greater Hudson Valley region: “We import our diamonds from Antwerp, Belgium. We go there multiple times a year to hand-select diamonds for our stock and for our customers’ orders.” Selecting diamonds so early in the global trade allows a shorter chain of custody, David says, to assure conflict-free materials.
In addition to diamond solitaires, what’s hot now are natural sapphires from the state of Montana—and Hudson Valley Goldsmith has a beautiful array ready for the choosiest customer. “They are all mined and cut here in America,” Walton explains. “They come in blues, greens, yellows—they’re just incredible.”
Social awareness is key for more than just their gems. Hudson Valley Goldsmith can recycle old jewelry into a refreshed, custom design, lessening the environmental impact of your new piece; and they use Earth-friendly cleaning solutions when possible.
The Waltons hope to open their new location around Black Friday, and David is glad to be opening in Beacon: “It was always a goal of mine to open a store in Beacon,” he says. “It’s exciting to have a shop among other artisans and designers of clothing, fashion, and jewelry. It’s a destination for fine accessories and adornments.”
The owners are glad to be running a family business and raising their eight-year-old son here in the Hudson Valley. “We’re all part of the community here,” David says. He earned his BFA in Metals from SUNY New Paltz; he and his wife support many local charities, including the David and Sara Walton Metal Thesis Support Fund at SUNY New Paltz to help support emerging metal artists.
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This article appears in November 2021.
