Almut Belote
Born and raised in Austria, Almut always had a fondness for the arts. While attending Karl Franzen's University as a history of arts student she was offered to shadow a goldsmith for the day at a workshop in her hometown of Graz. This experience ignited a new found love and passion for handcrafted fine jewelry. Beginning a full-time apprenticeship in 1989, Almut Belote is now a recognized master goldsmith originating unique pieces in her workshop and her two showrooms in Winter Park and Orlando. Almut’s extensive travels with her deep understanding and appreciation for fine arts influences her timeless style.
Passing on her knowledge to her team and bringing her designs to ABJ's esteemed collectors has been a source of inspiration and joy to Almut over the years.
Geramy Layug
Lead Goldsmith
Gery is an all around artist and we are thrilled he chose to dedicate himself to perfecting the arts of a goldsmith.
Almut met him when he moved from New York City to Orlando in 2017 and their partnership has been the heart beat of the ABJ workshop ever since.
Gery's attention to detail and his talent of mastering our most intricate designs is impressive.
Outside of the workshop life he is a tatoo artist , a great cook, a musician and a visual artist.
True talent never sleeps !
Melissa Wallace
Goldsmith
Almut approached Melissa, a long time family friend, about learning the craft of a goldsmith in 2021 while Melissa was pursuing her degree in environmental studies.
It has been a joy to watch her successfully take on more complicated projects in the workshop.
With her bright personality and organizaonal skills she is also Almut's right hand in assisting our clients and operating the Winter Park retail store.
A Manager in the making !
Cassidy Jones
Goldsmith
It takes a lot of dedication and focus to become a skilled goldsmith and Cassidy, who joined the ABJ team in 2021 certainly has what it takes. Her high level of attention and drive to perfection has enabled her to learn the craft at an impressive speed.
Her career path includes a degree in Visual Arts and Arts Management and her talents include visual arts and music.
We are excited Cassidy has found her calling with ABJ!
Trilled to watch her grow!
Cheryl & Ben Van Hook
Creative Visual Branding
Almut's close friends Cheryl and Ben Van Hook are the creative couple behind our social media presence and visual branding that bings Almut’s passion and beautiful creations to life in pictures and words.
Cheryl heads up ABJ’s social media marketing as well as overseeing all aspects of our advertising and branding.
Her husband Ben, a prolific photographer and director who has spent his career creating advertising campaigns all over the world for major global brands, provides the vision for all our photography and video.
‘You are nothing without your team’
Anna Wintour