Meet Your Metalsmiths
LARRY SEIGER - OWNER, JA MASTER BENCH JEWELER
Larry Seiger is a second generation jeweler who has been surrounded by the allure of gold and precious gems his entire life. His father taught him the importance of skillful craftsmanship, but his mother never let him forget the intimate, personal nature of that work and the people whose passion for beauty inspired it.

This combination of well learned traits allowed him to blaze a trail from the rural, mom and pop shop he grew up in to high end jewelry houses and boutique stores in the most affluent cities in the United States. Over 20 years ago, Larry began his own jewelry studio, winning local and international awards for his designs. In addition to learning from master goldsmiths and jewelers from across the globe, Larry has taught jewelry making techniques for the North Carolina Society of Goldsmiths and in jewelry schools in New York City. His commitment to passing along this venerable art to the next generation has also included bringing in younger jewelers to his studio who have great passion and talent. 

In 1997 he became the 3rd jeweler in the US to become a JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler. Design awards include:
AGTA Spectrum Award - 1st place, evening division
AGTA Spectrum Award - 2nd place, evening division
Multiple Best in show awards - Connecticut Jewelers Design Competition
Honorable Mention - International Pearl Design Contest, Tokyo Japan
TARA MATTIA - GOLDSMITH, GIA AJP AND DIAMONDS GRADUATE
Tara Mattia is a goldsmith who began her journey in fine jewelry in 2014. Over the years, she has worn many hats within the industry (office manager, sales assistant, photographer and photo editor, social media manager, and finished goods, diamonds and colored stones buyer), but felt drawn back to the creative outlet and challenge that the bench provides.

Tara has been with Virtuoso Jewels since 2021, focusing on repairs, hand fabrication techniques, wax carving, and casting. She is a GIA Diamonds Graduate and Accredited Jewelry Professional and holds a GIA Colored Stones Certificate.