Part Museum, Part Wow!
Internationally known gems expert brings passion to Edmonds. By Patty Hutchens.
Do what you love to do. That is the advice that Brent Malgarin’s father once gave him, and it is those words of wisdom that have driven Brent on a path to becoming recognized internationally for his expertise in gemstones.
“As a child I had a rock tumbler/ polisher, and I guess it never left my system,” said Brent who first studied and purchased gemstones in 1978 while attending Washington State University. He graduated from the Gemological Institute of America in 1981 and now shares his passion of gemstones through his store, Elegant Gems, which he owns with Angela Wolf. The store opened in Edmonds in September 2013, and it has been a delight for Brent to work in the community he has called home for the last five years.
Elegant Gems offers much more than an opportunity to view and purchase precious stones. They also provide estate consultations for jewelry and gemstones, repairs and appraisals. There is never a charge to inspect jewelry, and they also offer watch batteries including free installation.
Prior to opening Elegant Gems, Brent spent 14 years as a gemstone importer and wholesale dealer, over a year in foreign countries including Thailand, Vietnam and close to the Cambodian border in the cutting center of Chanthaburi in search of precious stones.
With his career have come amazing opportunities and accolades. In 1992 Brent was awarded first place at the Gem Trade Association (GTA) Cutting Edge Competition with a 22.04 carat Uruguayan Amethyst. “After two years of prodding by the Gemstone Curator of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the Amethyst now sits on permanent display among the National Gem Collection,” said Brent.
In 2006, Brent was again recognized for his expertise when he won his second AGTA Spectrum Cutting Edge Award with a 39.09 carat Kunzite. 2013 brought two more AGTA Spectrum Awards for jewelry design.
Three years later Brent sold three of the most important Paraiba “Windex Blue” Brazilian Tourmalines in existence to one of the major fashion houses in Italy. It is still remembered among upper level gem dealers today.
“These will ultimately be set into one of a kind jewelry items that are offered as an accompaniment for a single, one-off gown at their invitation only showings,” said Brent. Six years later the stones have yet to be set into jewelry and are valued at approximately $10 million.
From the Smithsonian to Italy, Brent’s gemstones have fascinated people around the world. And he was thrilled in 2013 when two of his creations were worn on the red carpet at the Academy Awards. “That is an extremely difficult accomplishment when up against design houses like Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari,” said Brent.
Where there are high-end gemstones, there’s sure to be a bit of mystery as well. Brent shares that he is one of the few private citizens who have had the opportunity to work with the FBI in a sting operation. He does not elaborate, but it definitely is intriguing!
So what’s next for Brent and Elegant Gems? Brent said he will continue to import and sell wholesale gemstones and jewelry throughout the world. And when not travelling, you can find him at Elegant Gems designing jewelry and chatting with locals and tourists. He would love to show you around, answer questions or just have a friendly conversation. With integrity and forty years of what he describes as “going and doing it,” the trip to Elegant Gems will be well worth it. “To sell quality, one needs to know quality,” said Brent.
Elegant Gems, Ltd.
420 5th Avenue South
Edmonds, WA
206.355.5056
