Ormachea Jewelry — Local services in Ventura

"My wife and I are not diamond people. Twenty-one years ago, when I proposed, I wanted something original, sculptural, modern and distinctive. My wife-to-be had for some time acquired Hugo's earrings and small pieces, and we found them to be all of those things yet evocative of place and, perhaps, ancient peoples. So I went to Hugo and asked him to create an engagement necklace. We talked. He sought instruction, but all I could say was: "It must be yours, it must be you." He obliged. The necklace continues to dazzle us, and while we never intended it, turned many heads. It is bold yet filled with light and mystery and subtlety. It befits my wife but also honors Hugo's artistry. We feel lucky, as the energy that emanates from the necklace has never abated. On a recent trip to Ventura, my wife and I brought along our 19-year-old daughter. We purchased for her a quite delicate necklace by Hugo, and it features, of all things, a small diamond -- the first to truly delight us all! The world is filled with jewelry, some of it wonderful. Hugo Ormachea's jewelry is that rare thing, however: rooted in place, wrought with care and originality of superb materials, never created for ostentation but instead to be authentic." -Len Reed,...

I brought in my engagement ring to have a new setting made. Hugo chipped my diamond. This began a long and painful 6 month process whereby I got to know Hugo and Bertha well. Initially we went through possible diamond replacements- one that he offered was too thin for other jewelers to agree to work on and a 2nd could only be gotten if I agreed to it sight unseen. And so it went. From there we went to giving me money to buy a replacement diamond but the amounts they offered would not buy a comparable stone. Finally I agreed to just keep the damaged stone and have them give me funds for my trouble and to try to have it recut ( a little smaller) and get a new setting. I asked for a minimum and Hugo actually offered more than that. Long and painful and sometimes not very nice, but finally worked out. His wife Bertha however is someone to watch out for. She smiles while she says nasty things. She seems like a sweet grandma type. She isn't. Be careful in your dealings here. This was a very stressful and unpleasant 6 months. (this is Ed's...

Ormachea's jewelry is wearable art; each piece a unique combination of organic lines using an undeniable mastery in elegant proportions to create each masterpiece. Though their store has a common use of balanced a-symmetry, mixed metals, various textures, and colorful precious stones, each member of the jewelry designing family has their own unique style that is apparent. Hugo's use of organic delicate lines and references to natural shapes are counter-balanced by his son's more architectural and substantial forms.

Rounding out the experience is the ever hospitable Martha who I could spend hours talking to about the jewelry collection and life in general. From the first time I came across the store and struck up a conversation I knew I'd be back to pick up a few pieces. So far I have a pendant and a custom ring fashioned from a loose stone I purchased from the local Ventural Gem and Mineral Show earlier this year.

If only to stare at the smallest art gallery, swing by to marvel at the pieces. You'll want to pick something...