About Earth’s Treasury
I’ve had a passion for gemstones and minerals since I was young, even dreaming of becoming a mineralogist. Initially, life led me elsewhere. I went to graduate school to pursue a PhD in Molecular Evolutionary Biology and later found myself in the world of technology and international finance. I left grad school to start my first business, which grew into a successful regional IT consulting firm. That eventually led to corporate executive roles. Still, I felt a pull back toward my entrepreneurial roots and ultimately decided to leave the corporate world to pursue my next venture.
Earth’s Treasury was inspired by a trip I took to San Diego County in the summer of 2011. While searching for rare wildflowers, I came across exposed pegmatite, and as I searched for crystals the passion for gemstones I had as a child was reignited. I spent a good part of the following year working with a mining crew at the Oceanview Mine in Pala, California, where I earned my MSHA certification as an underground hard rock miner before learning to facet gems. It was then that I realized the opportunity to turn this passion into a business.
Since 2013, we have brought custom-cut gems from mine to market, with special focus on Montana sapphires. We’re proud to showcase the beauty of these underappreciated gems, and today, we host the largest collection of Montana sapphires available online. Over the years, we’ve grown to offer a range of expertly crafted jewelry and custom design services grounded in ethical sourcing and one-of-a-kind beauty.
The team we’ve built here is passionate and deeply committed to providing superior customer service. We hope you find something you love here.
–Jeff Hapeman, Founder of Earth’s Treasury
The Earth’s Treasury Team
Lauryn Volovar, G.G.
Head of Jewelry Design
As an aspiring artist without a clear idea of what direction I wanted to follow in life, I enrolled in the Tyler School of Art at Temple University and, remembering my love of minerals as a child, decided to take a jewelry making class, which gave me a comprehensive set of skills to apply to jewelry design. Just six months after getting my BFA, I applied for and received the Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). I completed the GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) program over two years, during which I transitioned from retail to a full time job as a goldsmith, honing my jewelry making abilities.
I joined the board of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association and participated in mentorship programs through the American Gem Society. Through this, I started a podcast called Gemology Worldwide, where we discuss relevant topics in the world of gems and interview experts in the field. As fate would have it, Jeff Hapeman was our first guest on the show and eventually brought me on as Earth’s Treasury’s full time jewelry designer. I’m so inspired by the color and sparkle I see here every day, and love combining my passions as an artist, maker, and gemologist.
Julia Ballaron
Senior Jewelry Designer
During my first year at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, I discovered the specialization of jewelry and my passion for this “small scale sculpture for the body”, as our program head described it at the time. Once I dove into the Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM program, I studied both traditional and cutting-edge methods of jewelry and object creation and began my formal education with Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing.
After graduating in 2016, I joined a family-owned fine jewelry store as a CAD designer and jeweler, where I worked alongside a Master Goldsmith and developed the skill sets I needed to succeed in jewelry design. In early 2021, I decided to move to Pennsylvania and found work as a CAD designer for a wholesale manufacturing company on the historic Jeweler’s Row. I was introduced to Jeff and his incredible gemstone and jewelry business by a friend in the industry, which brought me to Earth’s Treasury. Here I continue my passion for art and design, putting my formal education into practice while making clients’ jewelry dreams come true.
Ellie Varoumas
Senior Jewelry Designer
Growing up, it was not uncommon to find me sifting through my Yiayia’s copious boxes of jewelry and trinkets, admiring and coveting the little treasures that would one day be passed on to my family and me. I have always been attracted to jewelry’s ability to transcend generations and hold meaning even when not materially precious. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, with a focus in Metals and CAD/CAM. This led me to work on Philadelphia’s historic Jeweler’s Row, where I have worked in the industry for the last 10 years as a Bench Jeweler, as well as a Designer. As an artist and craftsperson, I feel honored to help create heirlooms for people that mark significant and momentous times in their life using the utmost consideration. I feel privileged to work amongst a cohort here at Earth’s Treasury that values ethical sourcing, meticulous craftsmanship, and a passion for creativity.
Nina Reisinger
Jewelry Designer
I graduated from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University with a BFA in 2021. During my second year, I took a jewelry class on a whim to try something new and was immediately captivated by the history and intricacies of small-scale adornment. After graduation, I knew I wanted to continue learning and find a place where I could combine my interests across multiple disciplines. Discovering Earth’s Treasury’s incredible designs and unique gemstones felt like the perfect fit. As a jewelry designer and painter, my creative practice is rooted in observation, color, and storytelling. I love collaborating with clients to transform their visions into meaningful, one-of-a-kind designs.
Colleen Waltman
Director of Production
My love for jewelry started at a young age, thanks to my mom. She would always give me the choice between a toy or a piece of jewelry, reminding me that jewelry lasts a lifetime—and I almost always chose the jewelry. I still cherish many of those pieces today.
While I graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Animal Science, my career quickly pivoted into marketing, project management, and e-commerce. I spent the early part of my career managing digital initiatives and enhancing customer experiences for major brands like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Toys“R”Us. However, my true calling was always jewelry. Now, with 11 years of experience in the industry, I can truly say this field is where my passion lies.
At Earth’s Treasury, I run the production end to make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. From managing the workshop workflow to the final completion of each one-of-a-kind piece, I ensure every design is beautiful and crafted to the highest quality. I feel incredibly lucky to create jewelry that celebrates meaningful moments and will be cherished for generations. I genuinely smile every day knowing I get to do what I love.
Caroline Patterson
Senior Bench Jeweler
As a young adolescent my creative expressionism began in the art studios at the Baum School of Art located in Allentown, PA. When I met the age requirements to attend the jewelry workshop I loved nothing more than fabricating my own designs. I spent summer weekends traveling to different antique malls, flea markets, and yard sales stocking up on costume jewelry and vintage treasures. I’d deconstruct and build wearable sculptures out of my found objects and show them off at different art festivals and craft shows hoping that one day I’d have the skills to manufacture fine jewelry. I obtained my BFA double major in Metals & Jewelry and Art Therapy from Arcadia University in the spring of 2019 where I learned a plethora of skills to help land me a job in the industry after graduation. My time mass producing gold body jewelry came to an end in April of 2021 when I eagerly accepted a position with the fabulous team at Earth’s Treasury. I truly believe that an object that holds great value, is loved, and treasured is precious and look forward to carefully crafting these precious pieces of work.
Kevin Biehn
Senior Bench Jeweler
My passion for jewelry started in my teenage years digging for crystals and gemstones. I then started creating wire jewelry to showcase the unique stones I found. This creative outlet sparked curiosity as I began to explore and challenge myself in new ways. I later found myself enrolled in classes at GRS where I began to learn as much as I could about the jewelry industry. After being submerged in so much new knowledge and skills I was then inspired to take classes with Alexandre Sidorov in Belgium. The 3 months in Belgium solidified my passion for pave and stone setting. I’ve been addicted to learning ever since! I was accepted into the Grandmasters Program at GRS in 2023 and I continue to take as many classes across the country as I can to expand my skills and knowledge. I have recently been fortunate to share my passion for jewelry with others as a teacher at GRS, as well. The world of jewelry is always inspiring me & I believe there’s always something more to learn.
Camille Lapp
Bench Jeweler
With a degree in Metals, Jewelry, and CAD-CAM from the Tyler School of Art and over a decade of experience creating body jewelry, I am delighted to bring my skills to the incredible team at Earth’s Treasury. I am passionate about high-quality craftsmanship and design, and I’m excited to apply that here. I’ve loved rocks and minerals from the time I was a kid, watching the mine scene in Snow White. When I’m not setting beautiful gemstones I’m usually crafting or exploring the wilderness. Some weekends I’m miles deep, underground, adventuring through caves.
Kat Gannon
Bench Jeweler
My Creative journey began at Moore College of Art and Design in Fashion Illustration. That took me to NYC and Macy’s Corporate in Sweater Design. Twenty years later I started over again in jewelry, my true passion. Perfecting my craft is my true happy place and now I am excited to work with the fantastic team here at Earth’s Treasury!
Felicia Yuan
Bench Jeweler
My passion for jewelry began in childhood, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. In Chinese tradition, jewelry holds profound significance, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. The gifting of 24K gold jewelry to infants is a cherished custom that underscores these values. I fondly recall my mother always wearing jade pendants, believed to bring luck and protection. It wasn’t until college that I realized jewelry could be more than a cultural expression— it could be a career path. I pursued this passion by earning a BFA in Jewelry/Metals/CAD-CAM from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. Over the past decade, I have honed my skills working with a body jewelry manufacturer. I am eager to bring my cultural heritage and expertise to this role.
Rebecca Wenger
Social Media & Marketing Manager
After studying Marketing and Retail at the University of South Carolina, I was drawn to the way social media allows brands to connect with their customers in a meaningful, authentic way. This launched my career in marketing with a special focus on social media strategy, and now I bring creative storytelling to Earth’s Treasury. I love spending my days surrounded by beautiful gemstones and jewelry, celebrating milestones alongside our clients— and particularly love when they share their engagement photos with us!
Morgan Calef
Content Coordinator
I obtained my degree in marketing with a finance minor from West Chester University in 2025. I’ve always been passionate about environmental sustainability and took several elective courses on the subject, so working with our ethically sourced natural gemstones every day sounded like the perfect place for me. In my position at Earth’s Treasury, I can apply my learned skills to my career here while acquiring new ones. Being able to combine my interests in business marketing with being creative is something I love. I learn so much every day while collaborating on marketing content, filming customer video requests, and working with our excellent team. It is very fulfilling to me to be a part of helping clients choose their perfect gemstone!
Haley Domzalski
Product Photography and Shipping and Operations Support
My love for photography began at an early age. I was obsessed with taking photographs and uploading them to Flickr and Instagram. This interest led me to Tyler School of Art for my bachelor’s in photography. While in college, photography became my voice. Outside of class, I photographed for the yearbook, clubs, and school magazines. I also had the opportunity to take a jewelry class and grew a deep appreciation for the craft. You can be assured that I am passionate about capturing your jewelry on camera!
Ella Masciulli
Inventory Manager
I’ve loved minerals for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always the one stopping to pick up interesting rocks, and that fascination eventually grew into a passion for collecting mineral specimens. After moving to Canada in 2020, I decided to turn that lifelong interest into a career by studying Gemology at George Brown College in Toronto and eventually earning professional certification through the Canadian Gemmological Association.
Over the years, I built connections throughout the industry and developed a particular interest in specialty colored gemstones, especially Montana sapphires. When I returned to Pennsylvania in 2025, one of those connections led me to Earth’s Treasury. As someone who values the science behind gems as much as their beauty, I loved the company’s gemology-first approach. As Inventory Manager, I combine my passion for gemology with my love of organization and attention to detail. I enjoy helping ensure that every gemstone is accurately documented and presented so customers can fully appreciate what makes each one unique.
Ellie McNichol
Shipping and Operations Manager
My interest in minerals, stones, and fossils started at a very young age when I inherited my great-uncle’s collection of specimens, which he had collected in his travels around the world. In my early 20s, I worked at a local jewelry store, where I learned about metalsmithing, evaluating diamonds and colored stones, and working with clients to create custom pieces. Eventually, I obtained my GIA certification as an AJP.
Now, over a decade later, I am thrilled to join the dynamic team here at Earth’s Treasury. The dedication to ethical mining, high attention to detail, and welcoming work environment made it an easy decision to come on board. I feel very lucky to be able to see all our beautiful gems in person and admire the stunning craftsmanship of our jewelry while shipping out orders. I am excited to continue my journey here and expand my knowledge of colored stones and the craft of making fine jewelry.
Oliver “Ollie” Hapeman
Head of Security
Ollie first joined the Earth’s Treasury team as a puppy, back in 2018, when he had to spend a few weeks in the cone of shame, and needed some extra love and monitoring. He was so popular with the delivery people and everyone else, that he joined us in a semi-permanent role as Head of Security. On the days he’s in the office, no one can come to the door without a greeting, and we advise those that do to bribe him with treats.