I am the founder and owner of Alithea Design and I love to deliver expert diamond and gem stone advice, high quality jewelry making craftsmanship and a personalized journey in the process. With over 20 years of experience including, mining, diamond cutting, valuations, design and manufacturing, Clients across the US and internationally come back over and over to collaborate on new designs. I am committed to delivering high quality results for an exceptional value.
I believe that we can set new standard for the jewelry making process – one with honesty, integrity and ethically sourced materials in the diamond and jewelry acquisitions we create at Alithea Design.
My passion derives from the important part I play in those special moments that come from creating a beautiful piece of jewelry or one-of-a-kind gift for those special occasions or milestones in people’s lives.
Overview
Hired 49 times
Background checked
5 employees
20 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Services offered
Service type
Custom design and fabrication
Restoration
Style modification
Ring mounting
Jewelry type
Necklace
Ring
Earrings
Pendant
Material
Gold
Silver
Platinum
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
47 reviews
5
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Read reviews that mention:
Alice K.
Nov 14, 2024
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I would have liked to check ALL the boxes! I am so very happy with the whole experience with John. I was very nervous at the start being how I sent my heirloom jewelry to him. I will forever be grateful for his patience and kindness to me and of course these precious rings he made for me and making my vision for them beyond my imagination! THANK YOU!!!
Details: Ring • Custom design and fabrication • Style modification • Gold • Diamonds • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Jewelry Services
Patty K.
Oct 20, 2024
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I can not say enough about John at Althea Designs. I have 13 grandchildren and wanted a birthday present that I would remember and maybe pass down. John saw my vision and made me a beautiful bracelet. He was very easy to work with, very professional and so kind. I’m recommending him to all my friends. He’s a jeweler and an artist. So grateful I found him. Now today I found out I’m getting another grandchild so I’ll be back. So grateful I found him. Thank you John for everything.
Details: Bracelet • Custom design and fabrication • Gold • Birthstone • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
ALITHEA DESIGN's reply
Patty,
Thank you so much for choosing to work with me. It’s been a pleasure and happy to keep adding grandchildren’s birthstones to your bracelet. Keep’m coming :).
Best wishes
John
Jewelry Services
John B.
Dec 23, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
John Vardis and Althea Designs has done an outstanding job doing custom improvements on a very special piece of jewelry made for my grandchildren. He delivered the work in time and done with great skill and artistry. I recommend his services to anyone needing a special piece of Jewelry . Great job!
Details: Necklace • Custom design and fabrication • Style modification • Gold • Birthstone • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
ALITHEA DESIGN's reply
Thank you John
It was great working with you.
All my best
JV
Jewelry Services
Patricia M.
Feb 19, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I had no idea where to turn, or with whom to consult, to re-imagine a white gold, double-banded diamond wedding enhancer into something new. At first, I chose Alithea Design because of their numerous positive ratings and "hires", but when I began the process with John, I knew I made the right choice. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable of his craft, he explains the entire process step-by-step. After some collaboration, he provided computer-generated images that served to visualize the finished piece. In just over two weeks, he transformed the original piece into a platinum diamond eternity band stunner that exceeded my expectations.
I was so pleased with the entire process, his responsiveness, and his absolute professionalism, that I plan to consult with him on appraisals of my vintage and heirloom pieces and other redesigns.
Details: Ring • Style modification • Gold • Diamonds • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
ALITHEA DESIGN's reply
Thank you so much Patricia,
It was a pleasure to work with you and your old jewelry and diamonds to create this new design that you can enjoy.
Best wishes,
JV
Jewelry Services
LD J.
May 1, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Stunning pieces of jewelry!!! I got two but put one in already so no pictures! These are hinged on one side so no more body jewelry tools to put them in or take them out. Solid 14k gold so also very sturdy. Thank you, John. Well worth the wait!
Details: Ring • Earrings • Custom design and fabrication • Gold • None • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
ALITHEA DESIGN's reply
Thanks LD,
It was great to work with you and I am glad that we took the time to innovate and make these rings fit well and easy to wear.
Best wishes
John
Jewelry Services
Credentials
Background Check
John Vardis
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is very competitive for the high quality service and jewelry I deliver. The cost estimate is carefully determined and shared with you up front so that there are no surprises at the end and everything custom-tailored to ensure you are free to fully explore your vision. As part of our transparent and personalized experience it is important to me that I deliver an exceptional value and experience to my Clients. I can also work with the target budget you have in mind to design and make things work for that goal.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
With Alithea Design, my process is tailored to fit your purpose and vision. To start off we will discuss and explore your design ideas to outline the project. Once we have identified your vision, I provide an immediate estimate of the cost and time that will be needed to create your one-of-a-kind piece. This is so we can stay aligned on the time and resources needed throughout. Then, I provide you with a quote that we stick by and a 3D rendering of the design for your review and approval. Once we receive approval, we kindly request a 50% deposit in order to start production. When the design is completed, I share pictures and we settle the balance before delivering or shipping to you via Fedex overnight, insured and with signature required.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Master Diamond Cutter (AIDC)
Diamonds Graduate (GIA)
Masters in Business (MBA)
Bachelors of Arts (BA)
Over 20 years of experience selecting fine diamonds and manufacturing exquisite jewelry for clients all over the world.
