Owner, Charles Hood (AKA Mr. Picky), has been selling fine jewelry and diamonds on the Central Coast for over 30 years. Growing up in Champaign, Illinois, he attended Business College then attended Watchmaking School in the greater Seattle area before earning his Gemology degree in residence at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), graduating in 1978. After moving to Ventura County, he founded GemLab Gemological Laboratory, specializing in Diamond and Gemstone Certification and Jewelry Appraisals. Charlie earned the nickname "Mr. Picky" from his suppliers because of his refusal to carry lower quality jewelry like that found in the chain stores and big box stores. His theory is "Anyone can sell cheap jewelry for a cheap price, but it takes knowledge, hard work and pride to find and sell truly fine quality jewelry at a good price.