Our Team

  • Kirkor Kocek, President & Designer

    Kirkor began his apprenticeship in the art of jewelry design and manufacture at the age of 12 in Istanbul, Turkey. He is trained in all aspects of jewelry production, including wax carving, casting and hand fabrication. He is a master metalsmith who produces jewelry in yellow gold, white gold and platinum. A few of his areas of expertise include anticlastic manufacture and granulation techniques.

  • Giovanni Lo Gelfo, Jeweler

    Giovanni is originally from Palermo, Sicily where he worked as a goldsmith and came to California in May 2014 after winning his green card with the diversity Visa program. His first job in the US was as a dishwasher on Alvarado Street Brewery and he was hired shortly after at Kocek Jeweler's to work as a jeweler after being introduced by a mutual friend.

  • Michelle Johnson, Office Manager

    Michelle has been a part of the Monterey Peninsula for 38+ years and has worked over 20 years in the hospitality and luxury industries. Her main goals are to make sure every customer at Kocek Jeweler Inc feels seen, heard, and appreciated. She sees every customer as an opportunity to create memories!

AWARDS

  • Carmel Residents Association - Certification of Appreciation, 2020 

  • Green Ribbon of Excellence, Carmel Business Association, Antique/jewelry Shop of The Year, 2000

  • Green Ribbon of Excellence, Carmel Business Association, Business of The Year, 2001

  • State of California Senate, Certification of Recognition, Business of The Year, 2001 

  • Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, Outstanding and Invaluable Service To The Community, 2001 

  • California State Sheriffs Association, Certificate of Recognition, Associate Member Since 1987 

  • The Best of Monterey County, Best Jeweler, 1997-1998

  • Carmel Chamber of Commerce, 45 Years Of Membership

  • Carmel Chamber of Commerce, Award of Excellence For Small Retail, 2020 

  • Carmel Chamber of Commerce, Award of Excellence, Best Apparel & Jewelry, 2008

  • Carmel Chamber of Commerce, Award of Excellence For Community Champion, 2018

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

  • Alton Walker Distinguished Service Award, For Exemplary Service To The Community and Rotary Club of Monterey, 2013

  • Outstanding Service, Rotary International, 1990

  • Rotary Serving Humanity Award, Outstanding Leadership and Dedicated Service To Humanity, 2017

  • Rotary Club Of Monterey, Outstanding Leadership and Dedication During Your Term As President, 2007-2008

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Certificate of Associate Membership, International Society of Appraisers

  • Member of Retail Jewelers of America Inc, California Jewelers Association 1976

  • The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Certification

  • Kocek travels extensively and has a large vendor base, allowing him to be highly competitive in his pricing. Kocek Jeweler Inc., a California corporation listed with Dunn & Bradstreet and rated by the Jewelers Board of Trade was established in March 1973. Kocek Jeweler Inc. is affiliated with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, Appraisers Association of America Inc., International Society of Appraisers and California Jewelers Association.

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