About Us

Ron Finch, GIA, JA

Master Bench Jeweler, Hand Engraver, GIA Graduate Gemologist, GRS Diamond Setting Instructor

Ronald Finch holds the distinction of being the only jeweler in Pennsylvania who is both a Master Bench Jeweler certified through Jewelers of America and a Graduate Gemologist. Ron takes great pride in creating signature masterpieces alongside his customers. Ron actively participates in educational opportunities that keep him abreast of the latest trends and technology in the constantly evolving jewelry industry.

Ron began his jewelry career in 1969 at CL Davis Jewelry Store, located in Akron, Ohio. Inspired by his time at CL Davis, Ron furthered his career through a degree program in the jewelry industry. His talent and potential earned him an invitation to pursue his education In Lancaster, Pennsylvania at Bowman’s Technical School; America’s oldest watch making and jewelry school. An adept student, Ron completed courses in hand engraving in April of 1973, and then went on to complete his courses in jewelry repair and stone settings in November of 1973.

Ron believes strongly in continuing education to keep up with the constantly evolving technology of the jewelry industry. Throughout his career, he has trained more than a dozen bench jewelers. He encourages his own jewelers to further their education and expertise on a regular basis, while he seeks to do the same. He received his Graduate Gemologist Certificate from the Gemological Institute of America in August of 1997 and his Certified Masters Bench Jeweler from Jewelers of America in June 2001.

Whether he is sharing what he has learned with his own jewelers, allowing high school students to tour the facility, or helping to cultivate public interest in the jewelry industry through articles and interviews with local media, Ron Finch remains highly committed to the jewelry industry.

Ron has trained with Ron Smith, a world-famous firearm’s engraver who has earned a high level of respect in the engraving community. Ron has also studied under the acclaimed European and Russian-trained master diamond setter, Jura, who resides in Holland.

In 2009 Ron had the honor of being accepted into an elite Grand Master Class at the world-renowned GRS training center. His participation in the Grand Master Class in Micro-Pavé Diamond Setting has placed Ron in the company of other world-class diamond setters.In 2015 Ron was asked to become an Instructor at GRS and currently teaches diamond setting classes multiple times throughout the year.

In April of 2018, Ron passed the torch of ownership to his daughter Jessica Finch. While he is still involved in the jewelry repair and custom fabrication of the business, he is now able to devote more time to teaching and his side projects.

Jessica Finch, GIA

OWNER, GIA Graduate Gemologist, Appraiser

An “industry insider” since she was 10-years old, Jessica Finch is the youngest jeweler in Lancaster County to earn a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America’s school in Carlsbad, CA.

“My dad has been a wonderful mentor, even though he officially started me out at age 12 cleaning the glass counters and bringing up repairs!”

The face of Finch Jewelers, Jessica is a people person who has always loved her roles as general manager and designer/appraiser. In April of 2018, she added the title of owner to her resume when she purchased the business from her father Ron. Having literally grown up in the business, Jessica understands the big picture of running a successful retail operation in addition to the importance of paying close attention to the small details – especially when it comes to satisfying a client’s needs during the purchase of fine jewelry.

“Often it’s a very emotional purchase because it represents a milestone occasion. I like the fact people think of Finch Jewelers when they want to capture an emotional moment, whether it’s a ready-made piece or a custom jewelry piece crafted from an original design.”

Jessica chose the Robert Mouawad Campus at the GIA World Headquarters in Carlsbad because it gave her instant access to the industry’s most respected gem and jewelry authorities, in addition to the world’s largest gem and jewelry library.

“The GIA and my own father’s creative influence have allowed me to appreciate what we as a company have to offer our clients. We are constantly reinvesting in the business in terms of technology and equipment so people can count on Finch Jewelers for the very best in jewelry design, custom fabrication and repair. There are a lot of jewelers out there who say they design but in reality use outside fabricators. The fact our clients get to come in and approve the various steps during the fabrication process, make changes, and see their sketch evolve into their special piece of jewelry – that’s what makes a custom jewelry piece so personable.”

Steve McCarthy

Bench Jeweler, Stone Setter, Caster

Steve is a graduate of North Bennett Street School in Boston, Massachusetts, with a degree in jewelry making and repair. He has been a bench jeweler with Finch since September 2010.  Steve’s impressive general repair skills include sizing, soldering, casting, and stone setting. He is also responsible for fabricating and setting larger custom pieces.

Steve’s interest in the industry began with his childhood love for the arts. Originally from Exeter New Hampshire, Steve moved to Lancaster after graduation to start his career in jewelry making. Supported by his artistic parents and siblings, Steve grew up helping his Dad with his sign making business and taking art classes. When Steve moved to Lancaster, he was on his own, but was immediately welcomed into the family at Finch. He has become a trusted jeweler and member of the team. His always-sunny personality and willingness to help anyone at any time has made Steve the go-to-guy at Finch Jewelers!

Mindy Reese

Assistant Manager

Mindy started at Finch Jewelers as seasonal retail help in November of 2011. She made such an impression, that her longtime friend Jessica Finch asked her to join the family full-time and become her office manager.

Mindy has over 15 years of retail and office management and customer service experience. She spent her early years in the clothing industry and a two-year stint as the Mt. Gretna Theatre box office manager. After a 5-year run in medical billing, Mindy took some time off to start a family and be a stay-at-home mom. She rejoined the work force at Finch, excited to be part of such a unique and respected company.

She says, “Working here allows me to tap into my artistic side. I love learning how things are repaired and created through all aspects of the fabrication process”.

In 2016 Mindy took on more of a sales position and by 2017 was working in sales and custom design full-time. When Jessica became owner in 2018, Mindy was given the title of Assistant Manager. While she oversees the day to day happenings in the store, she still works with customers to design beautiful pieces.

Mindy was born in California but grew up in Lancaster County. Mindy attended Millersville University pursuing a degree in public relations. She currently lives with her husband Glenn and her daughter Piper in the Lancaster area. When she’s not at work or busy with her family, she enjoys traveling to the West Coast and reading.

Abbie Shedleski

CAD Designer, Sales

Abbie has always had a love for art and is a 2011 graduate from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. She holds a B.F.A degree with a concentration in Jewelry/Metals, and CAD. When she began her college career she had no idea that the beginner’s jewelry class she chose on a whim would turn into her passion.

Born and raised in Lancaster County, Abbie found an internship opportunity at Finch in 2011 when she moved back to be closer to her family. Her internship eventually turned into a permanent position that allows her to live in a place she loves and do what she loves every day.

Liz Beard

Bench Jeweler, CAD Designer, Stone Setter

A 2003 graduate of Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia with B.A. degree in metals and jewelry, Liz Beard dabbled in printmaking, art history, and Italian during a semester abroad in Rome, Italy.

Liz began her jewelry-making career in Philadelphia assembling beaded jewelry for a number of designers before heading back to school in Boston. At North Bennett Street School, she earned a certification in jewelry making and repair and served an apprenticeship in the Jeweler’s Building in Boston’s diamond district.

Family brought Liz back to her native Lancaster County and Finch Jewelers recognized her talent and expertise, offering her a bench position in 2008.

“I like jewelry making because it blends modern technology with Old World craftsmanship, and it’s fun to work with such beautiful materials.”

In addition to beading, setting stones, assessing problems, and making repairs, Liz is working her way towards becoming a designer at Finch Jewelers.

Marianne Carboni

Marianne is the newest family member to join the staff at Finch Jewelers. Her and Jessica are 2nd cousins and were born 3 weeks apart so to say they are close is an understatement. Marianne has been in retail for over 20 years. Before coming to Finch Jewelers, she was working as a store manager at the Loft. She was a store manager for 8 years. Marianne has a love for fashion which makes her a great fit for helping customers design their custom piece.

Marianne grew up outside of D.C. in Gaithersburg, MD. Marianne and her family moved here to Lancaster in 2000 after she graduated high school. She took a year off before going to college and that’s when she had her first management role in retail. She graduated from Millersville University with a degree in accounting. She worked in an accounting office for a year and that’s when she realized that retail was her passion. She then started her management career at Loft and worked her way up from there.

Marianne has a husband named Ray and they have a Shepherd Hound named Marco.

Abigail Talbot

Abigail Talbot started at Finch Jewelers in 2017 coming from a life of retail. Prior to joining the team she had been the Operations Manager for Sephora inside JC Penny, quckly moving her way up to fine jewelry and children's department Supervisor. Abigail has a love for people and a creative side. She loves to explore on a daily basis. "Being part of a business that specializes in custom jewelry and making something timeless is perfect for me." 

Abigail has a son that continues to drive her passion for family and people. Her values and retail history keep her thriving and continually learning in the retail business. She will be receiving her Accredited Jewelry Professional degree from GIA by the end of the year!

Dan Brown

Dan, who is known around the store as “The Laser Guru”, is a local graduate of Conestoga Valley High School. He is the son-in-law of Ron Finch, having married is oldest daughter Tina in 2000. He began his career as Ron’s apprentice at the original Columbia Avenue location. Now after almost 20 years, Dan is an integral part of the team. Along with being the laser specialist, he also   enjoys handling the casting process. “I love being the guy who can take a piece of jewelry that other stores said they cannot repair and use a combination of technology and old world craftsmanship to make it like new again.”

Dan lives in Millersville with his wife, Dr. Titina Brown, and their two sons. When he is not working, he enjoys his time hunting, fishing, and cheering on his boys at their various sporting events.