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Jeweler calls his pieces works of wearable art

by Robert Fulton

Lawrence Poon considers himself an artist first and a jeweler second. It is this attitude that he brings to his La Jolla Village business, Lawrence Poon Designer Fine Jewelry.

"I am an artist," Poon said. "My background is as an architect, but I'm an artist. I love doing designs."

At his showroom on Girard, Poon will guide a prospective client through the process of creating a piece of jewelry that best fits his or her style. After a design has been chosen, it can take a few weeks for a piece to be made that accurately reflects what the customer wants.

"Everything is original. We make our own designs," Poon said. "We don't want them to be too impulsive. We want them to realize the work is an investment. If you give them some choices, its makes them feel comfortable. As a consumer, you have a right. This is America."

Poon is a third-generation jeweler. Back in Hong Kong, Poon's grandfather and father were jewelry manufacturers. He has seen the attitude towards jewelry evolve over the years, and he does not like it.

"Since I've been here, I've seen the jewelry trade change a lot," Poon said. "They look at a piece of jewelry and they see it as a commodity. They don't feel it is a piece of art. You're not just designing a piece of merchandise, you're making a piece of art for someone to enjoy for a lifetime."

Poon, who earned a degree as an architect and has had some of his designs created here in La Jolla, immigrated to the United States more than two decades ago. Also trained as a jeweler, he opened his own showroom in La Jolla 17 years ago.

While Poon's store can be accurately labeled as upscale, he believes that that term refers more to the attitude of the customer than any dollar amount.

"High-end does not mean the dollar amount is high," Poon said. "High-end means that we have a more sophisticated buyer, a more knowledgeable buyer. I call them high-end."

Like any good business, the customer comes first for Poon.

"The most important issue is you," Poon said. "Once people are educated, you realize the people that you trust. You don't have to buy from me, but at least I can provide a service. If I'm the chosen one, I love it. I'm your artist. It's like I'm painting a portrait for you."

Poon sees a higher purpose in his designs. "You have to put your heart into it. It's not just making money. You don't rip people off. You have to be honest. People trust you. This is a very personal thing."

Poon has a wife and two kids. His Catholicism plays a big part in his life, and he is forever grateful for the opportunities that he has gained by coming to America.

"God is always there with you," Poon said. "I feel very happy and peaceful. I'm a simple guy. I feel very happy that, through all these years, I have friends."

Lawrence Poon Designer Fine Jewelry is at 7863 Girard Ave. For more information, call (858) 454-8898.