About Us

Ginger and James Cleland, the longtime owners and founders of Designs In Gold

A Long History of Tradition

Designs In Gold has been a labor of love for Ginger and James Cleland since 1987, when they started their antique and vintage jewelry business in St. Louis, Missouri. Its first location was in the Central West End, near Forest Park and the site of the 1904 World’s Fair. Rich with history and culture, at the turn of the century St. Louis was the gateway to the west, and a rapidly growing metropolis hosting craftsmen from every industry.

Taking the vast knowledge and expertise they developed in such a historic cultural center, Ginger and James decided to move their business to California. For the last 17 years Designs In Gold has been in the heart of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, nestled in the charming city of Solvang. Founded by Danish settlers in 1911, Solvang hosts a record number of visitors each year who come to experience “Little Denmark” and one of the most “Christmasy” towns in America! On any given day the streets are bustling with tourists enjoying Danish pastries, and with local families who have made Solvang their home for generations.

It has been a privilege to serve such a unique community for so long, and we treasure the lasting connections we have made and continue to make with our visitors and residents. We are proud to provide excellent service for all those who come in our store, and look forward to helping people create lasting memories and cherished collections of their own.

Antique Victorian Era Gold Bangle Bracelets with sapphires, rubies, enamel patterns, and pearls

An Unparalleled Collection

Designs In Gold offers an unparalleled selection of antique and vintage jewelry from every era, from Victorian and Art Nouveau, to the Art Deco and Retro Periods. Our collection also includes beautiful contemporary and estate pieces; there is sure to be something that speaks to everyone.

Sourced from around the world, Designs In Gold features everything from diamond and gemstone rings to bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. From classic 3-stone rings and hoop earrings to unique, one of a kind, sculptural pieces Designs In Gold has something for everyone.

Our longevity in the jewelry business, professional expertise, and pursuit of excellent service have helped make Designs In Gold what it is today, and we couldn’t be more grateful to our clients and our community.

You may browse our beautiful collection on our website any time, and in our Solvang store Tuesday through Saturday. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you find exactly what you need.

James Cleland being interviewed by Living STL (St. Louis) on PBS

James Cleland
Artisan Jeweler

James is an old soul, one who is well travelled and passionate about history. His creativity has always been expansive but is not bound by a single style or motif, instead his work has a common thread of referencing historic styles and artistic movements. He has created pieces in styles that range from referencing traditional elements of Japanese art, to beautiful botanical works, to contemporary western pieces. Everything he creates is uniquely his own, while also honoring the history and culture that inspired it.

Using a wide variety of techniques, James builds each piece by hand from concept to finished state. His art pieces are not only reflections of his own creativity and talent but also show the daily actions of life. From Nordic pieces honoring Solvang’s Danish heritage to plant and insect pieces inspired by the beautiful valley around the store, each piece is at once familiar and unlike anything else. They are all uniquely James Cleland.

The Team

  • Ginger Cleland, owner and founder of Designs In Gold as well as the principal buyer of our collection

    Ginger Cleland

    OWNER, BUYER & CURATOR

    Ginger has had a passion for fashion, art, music, architecture, and history since she was a young girl. Her myriad of interests have served her well as first an antique dealer, then focusing specifically on antique and vintage jewelry, as the owner and buyer for Designs In Gold for over 40 years. Ginger treats both the clients she serves and the jewelry she sells with love and care.

    Outside of the jewelry world, Ginger loves visiting all the live music venues along the Central Coast, enjoying outdoor activities, and traveling across the country to visit her beloved family.

  • Artist James Cleland, owner and founder of Designs In Gold, sitting at the jewelers work bench

    James Cleland

    OWNER & ARTIST

    James is a very learned man, holding degrees in biology, engineering, and geology. An artist at heart, he developed early designs in conjuction with other artists at Southern Illinois University. James started a rock shop in Carbondale, which evolved into the Southern Illinois Gem Company, and met Ginger there; the rest is history!

    Over the years James has been proud of showcasing his work in galleries and museums, winning numerous awards for his artistic accomplishments, and running the business that he and Ginger have worked so hard to make successful.

  • Blu Moreno, the Director of Operations at Designs In Gold. An SYV Native with a background in gemology, business, and historic costume design at USC.

    Blu Moreno

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

    A Santa Ynez Valley native, Blu comes to us after several years living and working in Los Angeles. After graduating from USC, Blu worked in costumes and wardrobe for television, movies, and theatre. There, he was a specialist in jewelry and period clothing.

    Blu is still actively involved at USC, where he is an on call expert for students studying costume design and student productions.

  • Liz Newnham, the Designs In Gold in house photographer and social media manager. Formerly an elementary school teacher, Liz is a brilliant photography artist and essential part of our team.

    Liz Newnham

    PHOTOGRAPHER, WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATOR

    Photography is her passion. Creating the product images and postings for the website is where Liz spends most of her time. Imagining and composing photographs for Instagram and website content is the joy of her day!

    Liz has been taking photographs for most of her life. Her only formal training was at UCSC, at the dawn of personal computers, and way before cell phones and digital photography. As a self-taught digital photographer, she delights in the speed and versatility of the craft.

  • Kristine Covey, Sales Associate at Designs In Gold. Indispensable, warm hearted, and kind, Kristine is a treasured member of Designs In Gold.

    Kristine Covey

    SALES ASSOCIATE

    After 40 years in Retail Grocery, Kristine relocated to the Santa Ynez Valley from Northern California, and hasn't looked back! She loves being closer to her family, making new friends, and living in the Valley. The retail skills she gained in the grocery industry have made learning about antique and vintage jewelry new, fun and exciting.

    When not in the jewelry world, Kristine enjoys crafts such as knitting, making jewelry, and cooking, but most of all spending time with her 10 year old Dorkie (Yorkie, Dachshund mix) dog, Dodger.