Owner and master goldsmith Alan Yegge studied watch & clock making and goldsmithing at Gem City College, in Quincy, IL, and graduated in 1982. From there he spent several years working as a bench jeweler for wholesale and retail jewelers in the Des Moines area. After completing his Gemologist training from the Gemological Institute of America, Alan went on his own and launched Artisans Jewelry Designs in Ankeny, IA.

While in Ankeny, Artisans eventually grew to a second location in Newton, IA and eventually closed both Ankeny and Newton stores to open the current gallery in the East Village of Des Moines.

After 10 years at 516 E. Grand in Des Moines, we are closing up our retail location at the end of March 2019, and are downsizing to focus more exclusively on our own custom design and services.

Alan Yegge is still our primary bench jeweler and master goldsmith, and his son Matt Yegge is our primary designer and handling the general management.

As a family business and a small studio, we care most about working one-on-one with our customers to create special pieces for special occasions, and helping people repair and take care of precious heirloom jewelry pieces. We’ve really loved getting to know so many people in our community over the years and look forward to continuing our passion as we evolve into our new studio space!

* As of March 15, 2019 we will not be taking on new projects until we have our new studio spaces up and running. We’re looking forward to making new announcements soon on where we’ll be, but in the mean time you can still reach us through the same phone number, email and social media.