Stacey McGough - Owner
Hometown - Whitefish, MT
Favorite Activity - Hiking in Glacier
Favorite Jewelry - Diamonds
Stacey Franklin, a seasoned gemologist and the proud owner of McGough & Company Jewelry store nestled in the scenic town of Whitefish, Montana, has been immersed in the world of fine jewelry since her early years. Joining her parents, Sam & Donna McGough, at their esteemed establishment in December of 1990, Stacey's journey in the industry spans nearly 35 years.
A distinguished Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Stacey's expertise in gemstones is matched only by her passion for beauty and nature. Beyond the gleaming displays of her store, Stacey finds solace and inspiration in the breathtaking landscapes of Glacier National Park, often venturing into its trails for rejuvenating hikes.
In 2017, Stacey realized her lifelong dream of becoming the proprietor of McGough & Co, ushering in a new era of excellence and dedication to her craft. Known for her warm hospitality and genuine care for her patrons, Stacey strives to ensure that every visitor to her store feels not just welcomed, but truly appreciated.
One of Stacey's hallmarks is her meticulous curation of the store's inventory. With an eye for elegance and quality, she personally handpicks each piece, ensuring that only the finest finds their way into the collection.
Whether assisting clients in finding the perfect piece to commemorate a special occasion or simply sharing her wealth of knowledge with enthusiasts, Stacey Franklin embodies the essence of grace, expertise, and hospitality in the world of fine jewelry.
Stephanie Johnson - Manager/Fine Jewelry Consultant
Hometown - Kalispell, MT
Favorite Activity - Sewing
Favorite Jewelry - Colored Stones
Stephanie started her career in fashion at age 10 when she learned to sew. She began by making her own clothes. After college she excelled in custom women’s apparel. In 2008 Stephanie was recruited by Wheelers Jewelry and it was then that she transitioned her love of design from fabrics to stones and metals. Color and texture was an aspect of both materials that she could understand and appreciate. One truth she has found to be universal whether it be fashion or jewelry is that no matter how aesthetically pleasing an item may be if it does not feel good on the body or if it does not suite the wearers life style it will never become a treasured wardrobe favorite. Stephanie is dedicated to helping people find just the right fit.
Andrea Rutar - Fine Jewelry Consultant
Hometown - Whitefish, MT
Favorite Activity - Hunting and Fishing
Favorite Jewelry - Montana Sapphires
Andrea is a third generation McGough. She fondly remembers cleaning jewelry at the early age of six when her Grandparents owned the company. Being a Montana Girl Andrea loves the outdoors. She finds joy in all aspects of Montana life including camping, snowboarding, hunting, and fishing. With her mom at the helm, Andrea has returned to Mcgough and Co. Andrea brings her vast experience and good nature to the crew.
Andrea is GIA certified in Diamond Grading and is currently working on her Gemology Degree.
Sarah Rynearson - Fine Jewelry Consultant
Hometown - Columbia Falls, MT
Favorite Activity - Paddle Boarding
Favorite Jewelry - Sapphires
Sarah is the newer of the McGough bunch, and loves every aspect of her job at McGough’s. Sarah really enjoys assisting customers and finding that special gift or perfect piece. When she isn’t working, you can find her gardening, in a hammock, or on the lake. She also enjoys camping with her husband and her dog Moses.
Kendra Freeman - Fine Jewelry Consultant
Hometown - Kalispell, MT
Favorite Activity - Crafting
Favorite Jewelry - Diamonds!
Kendra is an experienced jewelry consultant. Her affection for the finer things, and her warmth toward new friends gives her the perfect combination of traits to convert any consumer of humdrum gifts into the sparkliest embellisher. Her contagious love affair with diamonds will enchant you. You will enter as a stranger and leave as a disciple of jewelry fashion.
Michelle Finlayson - Fine Jewelry Consultant
Hometown - Whitefish
Favorite Activity - Hiking
Favorite Jewelry - Black Diamonds
Michelle is a transplant to Whitefish after marrying a native Montanan from Conrad. She has a degree in Geology and loves to hike looking for various rock formations. She started in the fine jewelry industry as the bookkeeper in 2009 and has continued doing that work, as well as sales since then. A child of the 70’s and 80’s, when there is a disco ball dropping or a roller-skating opportunity-Michelle is there!
Pete Ciambra - Master Jeweler
Pete Ciambra is a 4th generation Master Jeweler. His first time sitting at a bench was at six years old, where he accidentally burned some of his hair on one of the employee's torches in his father’s shop. He just had to get in close to see what was going on. You could say he had the fire in him at an early age.
Almost his entire family worked in the jewelry industry, from his sister who was a bench jeweler for a time, to his stepbrother who is a stone setter in New York, to his uncle who he trained under, in a ten-man shop in the diamond and jewelry district on New York's 47th Street, to his father who was a true innovator in the field, and owned a twenty-five man factory there as well.
In the late 70s, Pete opened his first shop with one employee, and within three years it had grown into a forty-five-man business producing one thousand pieces of fine jewelry daily.
With fifty-two years of experience, Pete is one of the finest jewelers in the valley. His love of jewelry stems from the comfort of growing up with it in his blood, but also he is delighted to be able to work with his hands and create masterpieces, perform miracles with repairs, and be a part of people's most special occasions. In his words, he is happy to make people smile.
Pete is a valued member of the flathead community. A great many of us know him from his charity work, Harley Davidsons, and racing Barstools in Martin City, but mostly we love Pete for his wonderful companionship.
Foster Million - Jeweler/Designer
Our newest jeweler, Foster Million, studied at MSU Bozeman, where he found his passion in gemstones and precious metals. He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing. He continued his education at the Gemological Institute of America, where he became a Graduate Bench Jeweler. Working with his hands and solving problems are what make him excited about repair work. Innovations in the field of jewelry are of great excitement for him and he is an avid follower of other smithing professionals.
Foster’s travels are varied and exciting, but when his friend, Andrea, offered him a position at McGough and Co his love of smithing and Montana collided. He has quickly settled in and is enjoying the Montana lifestyle of camping, skiing and outdoor adventure.
Theodore - Office Manger
Hometown - Whitefish, MT
Favorite Activity - Hiking
Favorite Jewelry - Montana Sapphires
Theodore was born July 17, 2018 and he has been a member of the McGough & Company team since he was three months old. He is our friendly greeter. Theodore is loved by many! Customers and friends stop by just to say hello, give a treat and get some hugs and sloppy kisses.
Theodore loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking and swimming.