Spies Jewelry Design, 46 Blue Ridge Ave, Asheville, NC 28806, US

HistoryThe story of Oexning Silversmiths, Inc. starts with a young, Norwegian immigrant named Lars Oexning. Lars began his career as a silversmith's apprentice in Norway before World War II. After the war, when Lars was in his early twenties, he moved to the United States where he worked for well known silversmiths such as Josten's and the Tiffany Co. before moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota to start his own shop. In March of 1947, he opened Lars J. Oexning Silversmiths in downtown Minneapolis. Lars operated this shop until 1971 when he then sold itto his nephew, Carl Bloomquist and son-in-law, Dale Sellman. These two men continued the tradition by repairing, re-plating and refinishing antique silver from customers all over the Midwest and the nation.Dan Walker joined the company in the mid 1980's after answering an ad for a silversmith's apprentice. Dan stayed on after learning the trade from master silversmiths Dave Shutt and part-owner, Carl Bloomquist.SpecialtiesSilver restoration and repairs since 1947.