Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Jewelry & Gemstone Specialists in Anaheim, CA
Since 1955, Burtons Gems & Opals has served Southern California as a family-owned destination for custom jewelry, gemstone expertise, and personalized service. Founded by David Burton, our store combines over 70 years of lapidary experience with a commitment to preserving generational legacies through jewelry restoration and redesign. Our team of certified gemologists and artisans specializes in creating bespoke pieces using ethically sourced opals, diamonds, and colored gemstones. With a full in-house jewelry studio and repair workshop, we offer comprehensive services from custom design to certified appraisals. Our extensive collection of loose gemstones, estate jewelry, and mineral specimens reflects our deep-rooted passion for natural beauty and craftsmanship.Recognized for exceptional customer service, we maintain a reputation built on trust, transparency, and technical excellence. Our layaway program and competitive trade options make luxury accessible to all collectors. As the last original store from Hobby City's historic shopping center, we continue evolving while honoring traditional techniques. Our four-legged friends welcome visitors to our Anaheim location, where every transaction is handled with care and security. Through seven decades of economic shifts and industry changes, our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction remains unchanged.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Jewelry Repair
Gemstone Appraisals
Opal Cutting
Estate Jewelry Sales
Mineral Specimens
Precious Metal Trading
Layaway Program
Certified Gemologists
Bespoke Engagement Rings
Details
- Year established: 1955
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ years of lapidary expertise from master gem cutter David Burton
- Our certified gemologists provide accurate jewelry appraisals and market analysis
- In-house jewelry studio enables complete custom design and repair capabilities
- We maintain Southern California's largest selection of natural opals cut in-house
- Our layaway program offers flexible payment options for luxury purchases
What people say
Great customer service
Beautiful products
One-of-a-kind items
Knowledgeable staff
Excellent restoration work
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Our master jewelers transform your vision into reality using state-of-the-art equipment and traditional techniques. Clients select stones, metal types, and design elements to create unique pieces. With over 70 years of combined experience, our team ensures every detail meets exact specifications while maintaining structural integrity and wearability.
Jewelry Repair
From simple resizing to complex restoration of heirloom pieces, our skilled metalsmiths handle all precious metals with care. We specialize in repairing damaged settings, replacing worn components, and revitalizing antique jewelry while preserving original craftsmanship and sentimental value for generations to enjoy.
Gemstone Appraisals
Certified gemologists provide legally recognized appraisals for insurance purposes using current market data. Each evaluation includes detailed analysis of materials, craftsmanship, and replacement value. Our documentation meets insurance company requirements while offering clients clear understanding of their jewelry's worth and provenance.
Opal Cutting
Master lapidarist David Burton personally cuts and polishes opals sourced globally, emphasizing natural patterns and maximizing brilliance. We specialize in transforming rough material into finished gems while maintaining stability and durability. Clients can observe the cutting process or commission specific designs for custom jewelry integration.
Estate Jewelry Sales
Curated selection of antique and estate jewelry featuring rare pieces from different eras. Each item undergoes thorough authentication and restoration when needed. Our collection includes designer pieces, period-specific styles, and unique finds that combine historical significance with wearable artistry for discerning collectors.
People
David Burton
Co-Owner, Certified Gemologist
David began his gemology journey at age 8 and has dedicated 70+ years to mastering lapidary arts. He transformed a childhood hobby into a family business legacy, pioneering custom jewelry services while maintaining traditional craftsmanship techniques in Southern California.
Yvonne Bonnie Burton
Co-Owner
Bonnie co-founded the business with David, balancing family life with store operations. She specializes in jewelry restoration and customer relations, creating a welcoming environment where clients feel part of the Burton family's generational journey in the gem trade.
Carrie Burton Stanley
Designer, Certified Gemologist
Third-generation jeweler Carrie brings creative vision to custom designs, blending modern aesthetics with traditional techniques. She focuses on sentimental jewelry transformations, helping clients preserve family legacies through contemporary reinterpretations of heirloom pieces.
George Goodman
Certified Gemologist
Retired Marine and finance professional George joined the team after 25 years as a customer. He contributes gemology expertise and manages social media, sharing the store's history and educational content while continuing his lifelong learning journey in the trade.
Questions
Do you offer custom jewelry design services?
Yes, our in-house studio creates custom pieces using your preferred stones, metals, and design elements with expert craftsmanship.
Can you repair damaged heirloom jewelry?
Our metalsmiths specialize in restoring antique and damaged jewelry while preserving original craftsmanship and sentimental value.
Do you provide jewelry appraisal services?
Certified gemologists offer legally recognized appraisals for insurance purposes with detailed market analysis documentation.
What gemstones do you specialize in?
We're renowned for opals cut in-house by David Burton, plus extensive diamond and colored gemstone collections.
Is layaway available for purchases?
Yes, our flexible layaway program makes luxury jewelry accessible with manageable payment options.
Do you buy used gold and silver?
We offer competitive rates for gold, silver, and platinum trading with transparent valuation processes.
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