Ellie Thompson

Biography

“Good design has a broad sensual appeal. It is aesthetically balanced, interesting to touch, yet comfortable. It has a conceptual component that transcends function such as an allusion to movement that suggests time and space.”

Ellie Thompson has an eclectic approach to both jewelry design and to the business of jewelry. In 1991, Ms Thompson, a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America with a degree in gemology, founded the highly regarded independent gemological laboratory and jewelry appraisal company, The Chicago Gem Lab, Inc. For over ten years she has put her talents to use as a fine jewelry specialist consulting to Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Sotheby’s and Butterfields auction houses evaluating antique, vintage, and contemporary jewelry and gems.

She has appeared on over 100 episodes of At the Auction with Leslie Hindman and The Appraisal Fair on HGTV. Not satisfied to merely analyze and evaluate jewelry, Ms. Thompson created her first jewelry collection in platinum, diamonds and gemstones. The City Rhythms Collection launched nationwide in 2000 earning her many awards for innovative design. Ms. Thompson uses both her gemological training and creative expertise in producing new jewelry collections, custom design, appraising, writing, and lecturing.