About

About Quercus

Quercus Studio is the creative workshop of goldsmith Lauren Ramirez, where every piece of fine jewelry is meticulously crafted by hand, with intention, using precious metals and gemstones.

Quercus Studio is owned and operated by goldsmith Lauren Ramirez. Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, NC, this bright and inviting space is a haven for those seeking exceptional, handcrafted jewelry. With a passion for meaningful design, Lauren specializes in creating bespoke wedding and engagement rings, working closely with clients to craft timeless pieces that celebrate their unique stories.

Lauren’s journey as a goldsmith began with formal training at the North Bennet Street School in Boston and continued at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. Under the mentorship of Alan Revere, she honed her bench skills. She gained invaluable experience working alongside traditional goldsmiths in San Francisco’s historic Phelan Building, formerly known as the Jewelers Building. Today, Lauren spends her days designing and fabricating jewelry in her Raleigh workshop.

Committed to sustainability, Lauren uses 100% recycled precious metals, Canadian-mined diamonds, Montana-mined sapphires, and recycled African-mined diamonds sourced from vintage jewelry. Her dedication to ethical practices ensures that every piece reflects not only beauty but also a sense of responsibility.

Beyond custom designs, Quercus Studio offers a curated selection of ready-to-gift jewelry. Each piece is carefully crafted, perfect for celebrating life’s cherished moments.

We craft fine jewelry to endure the test of time, meant to be treasured today and passed down for generations to come.

Ethical Sourcing & Transparency

The jewelry industry has long been associated with environmental harm and exploitation, including unethical mining practices and labor abuse. At Quercus Studio, we believe jewelry should be part of positive change, reflecting our commitment to ethics, sustainability, and transparency.

We are dedicated to sourcing materials responsibly and ensuring our fine jewelry is both beautiful and ethically produced.

Precious Metals

All our metals are sourced from non-mined, recycled materials, including gold, platinum, palladium, and silver reclaimed from old jewelry, silverware, coins, and scrap metal. We work with trusted suppliers like Stuller and Hoover & Strong, who ensure that their metals are 100% recycled and certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council and SCS Global Services.

Diamonds

Our diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict-free. We prefer Canadian-mined Canadamark Diamonds, each with a GIA report and unique serial number. We also source vintage diamonds from trusted brokers, primarily of African origin, and have them graded and inscribed by GIA. For alternative options, we offer Moissanite created in North Carolina.

Gemstones

We prioritize ethically sourced gemstones and work with suppliers who follow strict protocols. Our favorite are Montana sapphires, known for their beauty and ethical mining.

Your Materials

We’re happy to incorporate your heirloom stones or repurpose metal from old jewelry. During your Jewelry Repurposing Consultation, we assess your materials for reuse. If you choose to incorporate your metal, we will add fresh material to ensure the final piece’s integrity. If you have a diamond from another source, we ask for a GIA report or authentication paperwork.

For any questions about our materials or ethical practices, feel free to email us at contact us or visit our Custom Process page.

About Quercus

Ethical Sourcing & Transparency

Precious Metals

Diamonds

Gemstones

Your Materials

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