John Atencio Goldsmith, LTD. was founded in 1976 by John Atencio – the company’s current Designer, President, Chief Executive Officer and sole shareholder. Mr. Atencio launched his jewelry designs with the opening of his first retail store in Fort Collins, Colorado. 1978 marked an important turning point in the company’s history when it responded to growing demand and opened its flagship store in Denver, the first of four stores in the Denver Metro area.
Throughout the ‘80s John Atencio established an important national reputation with his unique combination of bold, geometric shapes, precious metals, distinctive and inspired design, and superb craftsmanship. Simultaneously, the John Atencio jewelry company garnered attention for its proven business strategy using retail stores as the foundation, and in essence, artist’s gallery. The vertical integration of design, manufacturing, retail and wholesale distribution was unheard of at the time and has since become a model that has been replicated throughout the designer jewelry sector. In 1988, Mr. Atencio was accepted as a member of the elite American Jewelry Council. His creations were further recognized internationally, including three DeBeers Diamonds of Distinction awards for his unique designs.
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In 1982, the wholesale division was created, which now distributes to more than 100 retailers.
In 1995, just prior to the company’s 20th anniversary year, Mr. Atencio introduced the bold Elements Collection of finely crafted sterling silver, accented by eighteen-karat gold, semi-precious gemstones and diamonds. This new fashion jewelry category offered the signature style and quality of fine jewelry synonymous with John Atencio at a more attractive price point. The collection was so well received it propelled the company’s further success.
In 1999, John Atencio marked the opening of the Scottsdale, Arizona store – the company’s first retail operation outside Colorado.
In 2001, the company began a re-engineering of the organization to build an infrastructure capable of supporting sustainable growth while maintaining the design and quality for which it is known. With Mr. Atencio still actively involved in the strategic direction of the company and personally overseeing all aspects of design and creativity, the company moved to a collaborative, team approach within each division.
In 2004, the company marked the move of the corporate headquarters to a new and larger facility. The building was customized to accommodate the company’s rapidly growing design and manufacturing operations, and was also planned to foster creativity.
In 2006, the company further capitalized on the power and potential of the John Atencio brand with a location in California at the Westfield San Francisco Centre. This location was strategically selected for its sophisticated, fashion-savvy clientele and international exposure.
