Meet Michael
Michael Endlich, owner and founder of Pavé Fine Jewelry, is a national award winning jewelry designer and the winner of 23 AGTA Spectrum Awards in design and manufacturing over the past forty years, the most prestigious jewelry competition in the United States.
Born and raised outside of Seattle, Washington, Michael happened upon jewelry making through a high school class in what became a life-changing experience. Blessed with a wonderful mentor who took his interests seriously, the mentor encouraged Michael to pursue jewelry making professionally. It was then that he also discovered the power jewelry can have to convey love and meaning. It made quite an impression on him to make original pieces of jewelry for both his mother and girlfriend. After high school, Michael relocated to California to pursue further studies in jewelry making through the College of Arts and Crafts where he studied with Alan Revere. It was Alan who first inspired him to think of jewelry as an art form.
Michael has worked in the jewelry industry for nearly 40 years. He started out as a polisher and subsequently apprenticed as a diamond setter. Early on, he worked with a number of master jewelers, learning his craft while developing his own line of jewelry on the side. In 1983, Michael ventured out on his own and founded Pavé Fine Jewelry.
In terms of custom jewelry, a primary influence for Michael is the client’s own story. By understanding what the client wishes to express and eliciting personal symbols and meanings, designer and client can co-create a form that best embodies the client’s vision.
Michael’s life-long passion for nature is also a powerful influence in his work and in his life. He has wonderful memories as a child spending time with his grandfather, who worked as a forest ranger in Washington. Michael and his brothers spent countless hours with him camping and fishing and developing a love of nature. Michael’s mother, an avid rock collector, also transferred to him her appreciation of nature. Family and friends who know him best, joke that he can get as excited about an interesting rock found on the trail as an exquisite fine gemstone. Whether hiking in the mountains or scuba diving on a coral reef, Michael remains amazed by nature’s ability to create such exquisite forms, patterns and colors.
During the past four decades, Michael has honed his design skills and eye for selecting exceptional gemstones, cultivating a distinctive artistic vision for Pavé. Michael is very proud of his entire team, who are committed to delivering the highest quality of aesthetic design, impeccable workmanship and customer service for Pavé’s clients.
VISIT US
Explore our wide selection of jewelry at our Rockridge store, or drop off pieces for repairs or services.
Open everyday 11AM-5PM
5496 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
Call: (510) 547-7000