Our Team of Experts
Our experienced team of jewelry experts are here to help you with any questions you may have and assist you in finding the right piece of jewelry for all occasions. We pride ourselves in being helpful without any high-pressure sales tactics. We love what we do and making customers happy is part of that goal. Whether you are looking for that special piece of jewelry, in need of repairs or an appraisal, or you need to consult with one of our experienced goldsmiths, our team at Autumn Gold is here to help!
John R. Wallace
Owner, Graduate Gemologist
John’s foray into the jewelry world began when he realized his job as a rock drummer wasn’t paying the rent. So, in the late 80’s, John took on a job in Boston’s inner city of Roxbury where he learned the art of customer service and developed a love for diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals. After more payless drumming gigs and much travel, John landed at a jewelry store in Atlanta, where he earned his Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America. During this time he met his wife Meg and together they decided to move to Vermont to be closer to his family. Atlanta’s loss is our gain because in November of 1998, they decided to open Autumn Gold right here in Middlebury, Vermont, and the rest is history!
David Wimmer
Sales Associate
Long time Middlebury resident David Wimmer came to Autumn Gold in 2010. With over 28 years of retail experience, David brought with him a rare technical savvy and a deep commitment to excellent customer service. David is the lead on our Countersketch CAD-CAM program and can not only educate you on a myriad of separate gemstones, but can help design the perfect piece to mount them in.
Jeff Gallott
Designer and Goldsmith
Jeff has the distinction of being Autumn Gold’s very first employee! In 2001, at the age of 13, Jeff convinced John to let him work after school. He quickly realized that the most exciting part of the jewelry world for him is being able to create and restore treasured items with his own hands. He went on to graduate from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with bachelor’s degree in Jewelry Design and Fabrication. He enjoys finicky fabrication and complicated stone setting and is a great believer in the beauty of texture.
Josh Riney
Designer and Goldsmith
Josh began his adventure At Autumn Gold in 2002. In 2007 he moved back to his home state to be closer to his family, but returned to Vermont and rejoined the Autumn Gold team in 2012. With one bachelor’s degree in Metalsmithing and Design and another in Philosophy, Josh has over 30 years of experience in the jewelry industry, with 19 of those years as a bench jeweler. While he specializes in fabrication, Josh enjoys all aspects of the jewelry world, from making to selling and even repairing, he feels that every customer and every piece should be given the care and attention they deserve.