Scott Bradford
- In the jewelry industry since 2010.
- Expertise: hand fabrication, surface finishes
Scott Bradford is an expert in casting, rapid-prototyping and CAD design, as well as general bench, fabrication and repair practices. In his time working with rapid prototyping machines, he's been able to complete extensive research in successfully casting with 3D-printed resins. Since joining Rio Grande's Jewelry Tech Team, he's enjoyed being able to work with such a diverse community of jewelers. "Whether they are a beginner or a veteran of the industry, we share a common passion and it's a great opportunity to learn from one another," he says. "It's been an amazing experience to be a part of such a talented and knowledgeable team from so many different backgrounds."
Gregg Burgard
- In the jewelry industry since 1974.
- Expertise: wax carving, model/mold making, 3D printing, casting, product development
Gregg Burgard has received multiple awards for his jewelry designs and holds four patents. After earning degrees in mechanical engineering and art from New Mexico State University, he eventually became a director of product development. Gregg enjoys using his vast expertise in wax carving, model/mold making, 3D printing, casting and product development to offer options jewelers haven't considered in the past. "That is the best part about having experience," he says.
Paulene Everett
- In the jewelry industry since 2017.
- Expertise: hand fabrication, surface finishes
Paulene Everett knew she had found her perfect medium when she took her first metalsmithing class at Central New Mexico Community College. She had previously experimented with several different media but “hit the ground running” when she discovered jewelry fabrication. She was already experienced in using tools to create three-dimensional objects—her father was a steel fabricator and welder who had his own workshop. Paulene often helped him manufacture custom projects, so jewelry processes came naturally. Paulene began her career at Rio Grande soon after her graduation from the small metals program at CNM in 2017. Here, she dove into the educational opportunities that have helped make her the jeweler she is today. At Rio, Paulene spent as much time as possible in the Tech Lab, asking questions, mastering techniques and learning from the Jewelry Tech Team. She now helps others learn, sharing her life’s greatest passion—jewelry.
Shane Hendren
- In the jewelry industry since 1991.
- Expertise: hand-engraving, fabrication, hollow forming, lapidary, mokume gane
As an authority on Indian art and jewelry, Shane Hendren has been featured in numerous publications. He is the only four-time Artist of the Year named by the Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA), and his jewelry is held in public and private collections around the world, including the British Museum in London. Shane brings his extensive knowledge of hand-engraving, fabrication, hollow forming, lapidary and mokume gane to Rio Grande’s Jewelry Tech Team, which he joined in in 2017. “Every day I learn something new,” he says, “and the greatest thing is being able to share my knowledge with others.”
Ronnie Mares
- In the jewelry industry since 1980.
- Expertise: forming, tumbling, engraving
Ronnie Mares started at Rio Grande more than 30 years ago as a purchasing agent for our tools product line. With 20+ years' experience on Rio Grande's Jewelry Tech Team, he has deep knowledge of forming, tumbling and engraving. Ronnie has had many mentors over the years and loves being able to help other jewelers solve their process problems. He says he learns something new every day from his teammates and the jewelers he works with.
Scott Patrick
- In the jewelry industry since 1973.
- Expertise: jewelry design, CAD, customization and manufacturing
Scott Patrick is an accomplished jeweler, product designer, and production engineer with a wide-ranging career that spans over four decades. Through custom work and involvement with numerous artists and manufacturers, Scott applied a vast range of jewelry techniques, from carving and model making to CAD, gemstone setting, casting and production engineering. Always eager to expand his knowledge and expertise, Scott says, “I’ve had a wonderful opportunity to learn a lot of different techniques and methods of madness.” A passionate lifelong learner, Scott enjoys working with the Jewelry Tech Team and the constant flow of knowledge between its members. He joined Rio Grande 20 years ago as a product designer and now works as a jewelry applications engineer, generously sharing his expertise with others.
John Sartin
- In the jewelry industry since 1996.
- Expertise: hand fabrication, forming, forging, soldering, stone setting
John Sartin is an award-winning jewelry artist whose work has been featured in Art Jewelry and Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazines, and Lark books' 30-Minute series. He is also the author of The Complete Photo Guide to Making Metal Jewelry and has spent over a decade selling his work at art shows, festivals and galleries throughout the country. He uses his expertise in hand fabrication, forming, forging, soldering, stone-setting and surface finishes to help jewelers solve problems that arise while working with metal. His favorite thing about being a member of the Jewelry Tech Team is having the opportunity to pass decades of knowledge onto like-minded people about the subjects he's most passionate about.
Phillip Scott
- In the jewelry industry since 1972.
- Expertise: stone setting, repairs, custom design
Phillip Scott's career began as an apprentice working in a Native American jewelry shop in New Mexico. He later ran a successful custom design studio and restoration business for many years, servicing nearly 30 jewelry stores with up to 1,000 pieces a day. Phillip joined Rio Grande more than 20 years ago as a gemstone buyer. He loves stone setting, repairs, custom design and offering support for bench jewelers on just about any question they have. His favorite thing about being on the Jewelry Tech Team is collaborating with a team of professionals that has the same passion for sharing jewelry skills. "Through the years I have learned so much from so many fantastic craftsmen," he says. "It would be a shame not to share that knowledge with others."
About Rio Grande
Customer Support
Sign up for more
For the latest in jewelry making subscribe to our Newsletter.
A Berkshire Hathaway Company. © 2022 RioGrande.com All rights reserved.