About Us

Goldworks was founded in 1978, a dream that became a reality for jeweler and goldsmith Theresa Parsons.  After completing a degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, Parsons, she trained at Bowman Technical School in Lancaster, Pa.  The school was the oldest jeweler, watchmaker and clockmaker school in the US.  After completing the jeweler's course she returned to take the hand engraving course.  This started her on her journey into the world of goldsmithing.  Additionally, she took courses at Millersville State College, GIA, Kulick Stark Academy in NYC, Arrowmont, New Approach School for Jewelers, and GRS training center.  Her pursuit also led her to travel to Belgium, France, England, Hong Kong and numerous trade and gem shows throughout the world.  Upon launching her first shop at the corner of Holly and Laskin Roads in Virginia Beach, she also participated in many local and regional art shows, taking many awards and recognitions.  In the early 80's she received an interesting commission to build a crown for King Neptune from sterling silver and various gemstones.   It was a months long project, and is still used every year during the city's Neptune Festival. 

The years that followed were enriched by her loyal clients and their interesting requests.  When a change was needed at the end of the 80's, Parsons went to working by appointment from a private studio, to re-emerge into a new shop a few years later.  Now, three more shops have opened and  closed, and she is enjoying working once again in a private studio, and meeting clients  by appointment at Beach Gallery on Laskin Road.   Throughout her 48 years in business she has worked with thousands of clients to design, repair and rework their most precious jewels.

Parsons is still enjoying creating and executing one of a kind commissions, still learning new skills, and honing her old ones.  Her special love is redesigning and repurposing older pieces into something unique and new for a new generation of jewelry wearers and lovers.