Coffin & Trout (Est. 1984) When David Trout, one of the founding partners of Coffin & Trout, died suddenly on March 15 2009 while hiking, he was only 51. At the time, he and his partner, Randy Coffin, had been operating their business for a quarter of a century.
From its beginning, Coffin & Trout pushed to the forefront of jewelry design using the latest technologies. As one of the first jewelers to use Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Rapid Prototyping, the brand created designs that were not previously possible.
Fast forward ten years and the award-winning Coffin and Trout firm continues to offer fine jewelry with impeccable attention to detail, innovative designs, and a wide variety of gemstones that give its creations a look all its own.
When announcing Trout’s passing, JCK Magazine wrote, “Trout and his friend of nearly 30 years, Randy Coffin, founded Coffin & Trout Fine Jewellers in 1984. Over the years, Trout’s creative designs garnered … numerous international design awards, including nine Spectrum Awards and The Gemological Institute of America’s “Best of the Best” exhibit.
“Trout’s training began at an early age with his father, Marty Trout, who decided that stained glassmaking would be the key to keeping a strong connection with his son. In an entrepreneurial move—and with the support of wife and mother, Barbara Trout—father and son approached the owner of the local jewelry store in Rock Island, Ill., to see if he would be interested in selling their artwork. Not only did the owner agree, he eventually offered the young artist an apprenticeship position servicing watches. So at the age of 13, Trout began his entry into the jewelry business. The emerging designer wore many hats in the industry before finally meeting his business partner, Coffin, in 1979.”
Over the years the two worked to perfect their unique Paragon design. Not just flat on the outside, their rings are different inside and out. This approach to ring fit demonstrates that not only are their creations beautiful, but they can be worn with comfort for a lifetime.
Paragon designs are built to provide lasting comfort with a natural ring fit. The design doesn’t spin around a finger like traditional round rings that consequently expose the side or bottom. In addition, the design is easier to wear, as it follows a more natural curve and is a comfortable width between fingers. This approach to ring fit also allows a Coffin & Trout ring to twist over larger knuckles. Finally, there is a defined top and bottom to the rings and the unique design helps keep the focus on the most important part, the main gemstones.
Coffin & Trout’s registered trademark is embedded into each creations and guarantees that all materials, designs, and workmanship are exclusively that of Coffin & Trout. Currently, the firm sells engagement rings, Rolex Watches, offers custom jewelry design, colored gemstones, and offers jewelry repair, and appraisal services
Notable examples of the brand’s engagement rings from its Bridal Collection contain hints of color and include the Radiant Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond that’s surrounded by round brilliant cut diamonds and set in 18K Yellow, priced at $12,500. The multi-colored Candy Notes ring features a round mixed cut peach tourmaline accented by garnets and diamonds that is set in 18K Rose, White and Green Gold for $11.000.
In addition to their beautiful engagement rings, Coffin & Trout also offers a selection of rings for men. The rings that include meteorite set on gold and platinum have been called, ‘spectacular.’ A futuristic ring for men features a Meteorite set in 18K White Gold and Platinum that sells for $5,000. Another engagement ring look for men features a Princess Cut Diamond in Meteorite set in 18K White Gold and Platinum offered at $8,000.
In addition to a wide variety of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, the firm also sells Fashion rings that are special for everyday and the Masterpiece Collection that are exquisite creations by the brand’s designers and jewelers and feature coveted stones for both men and women.
The brand’s Pearl Collection is created with South Sea and Tahitian pearls adorned with a variety of elements like Gold and Palladium. The bracelets are accented with radiant diamonds and elegant pearls, and customers can also choose from a selection of regal bangles.
The brand’s earrings can combine pearls, diamonds, and gemstones in multiple cuts and color combinations.
Finally, there is the Nurses Association collection that are heart pendants honoring the efforts of Florence Nightingale, “The Lady with the Lamp,” and all nurses. With each purchase, 10% of the profits are donated to the Arizona Nurses Association.
Philanthropy is an integral part of the company’s culture. It is actively involved in the Phoenix-area community and has been so from the beginning. Over the years, Randy, Dave, their employees, and Coffin & Trout have donated countless hours plus more than $400,000 in merchandise and financial contributions.
In 2009, Brad Gould and Randy Coffin began the Dave Trout Memorial Golf Tournament to honor their friend and his commitment to the charities he loved. With the support of David’s parents, Marty and Barbara Trout, and the efforts of his family and friends, the event continues to be an unquestionable success.
During its thirty-five year history, Coffin & Trout has been recognized with numerous international, national, and local jewelry design awards. Its most recent accolades include a commendation in the CPAA International Pearl Design Competition and a prestigious AGTA Spectrum Award in the Evening Wear category.
The firm has also been named Best Engagement Ring Store, Best Local Jeweler and Best Local Watch Selection by Arizona Foothills Magazine.
Randy Coffin was also awarded Best Local Jewelry Designer Male in the magazine’s ‘Best of the Valley’ competition.
David Trout won seven Spectrum Awards and two Platinum Honor Awards. Randy Coffin recently won his first AGTA Spectrum Award in 2016, marking the 10th such award for the company.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) presents the Spectrum Award to artists for their innovative use of natural gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry design. The AGTA Platinum Guild International Platinum Honor Award recognizes those who design in this rare metal.
One of the most meaningful recognitions came from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. At their request, Coffin & Trout donated one of David’s Spectrum Award winners, the “Pagoda” ring.
Coffin and Trout Jewelers are an authorized dealer for Rolex, which explains why their eye-catching, lovely, freestanding clock located outside their shop in Phoenix’s Casa Paloma Shopping Center is a Rolex.
On the firm’s official website, Randy Coffin writes, “Since 1984, “looking forward” are two words that best describe the way we have conducted our business. We are always researching new technologies that will allow us to stay on the cutting edge of both production and design. We continue to further our education and training in order to ensure … that we are providing the finest jewelry … available.”
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