The Serengeti West Team

“Don’t be intimidated to walk through the door of Serengeti West. Our warm and friendly staff will help you find the perfect piece. We have affordable choices that will complement your style and budget.”

Kathleen Dente is the owner and president of Serengeti West Fine Jewelers. After meeting Vincent Dente, she quickly realized that the exciting business of jewelry and design would become a huge part of her life. Vincent’s passion for the gemstone business was contagious. Consequently she left her background in speech pathology and job as a hospital controller in 1985, when she married Vincent and joined the business.

Since Vincent’s sudden passing in 1996, Kathleen has worn many hats including bookkeeper, manager, saleswoman, jewelry buyer and janitor. Her passion is Serengeti West – a contemporary store that offers luxurious, classic elegance and fashion forward styles. Because Kathleen’s mission is to carry on Vincent’s tradition of excellence, she creates a culture of unparalleled customer service, quality and integrity.

“Inflation and the changing gemstone market have an ever-changing effect on the value of your jewelry. It’s a good idea to have your jewelry appraisal updated periodically for insurance purposes and peace-of-mind.”

Janett Lumpkin brings a world of experience to Serengeti West Fine Jewelers. Janett has lived in many locales across the United States and abroad, including Venezuela and Japan. Ultimately, her travels led her to the beautiful California Central Coast. She settled in San Luis Obispo in 1993 and is nearing her 20th anniversary at Serengeti West.

Janett began her journey to jewelry in college. She took a metalsmithing class at Arizona State University and worked in retail when she caught the jewelry bug. Since that time, she has been creating her own pieces.

Later, Janett earned her gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), one of the most prestigious credentials for those in the fine jewelry trade. She is a certified appraiser in diamonds, diamond grading, colored stones, colored stone grading and gem identification. Most noteworthy, she brings over 30 years of impeccable experience and honest credentials to Serengeti West.

Jewelry Appraisal

In addition to her background and expertise, Janett’s personal style, creativity and integrity makes having a jewelry appraisal done by her an enjoyable, educational experience. Above all, she prides herself on her ability to help customers navigate the valuation process.

“Love your jewelry piece, especially a bridal/groom set. You want to look at your jewelry everyday and have it speak to your heart.”

“Caring and curious” are two words Amanda Thomason would use to describe herself in her 14 years with Serengeti West. Amanda understands that customers want to feel as though they can trust Serengeti West with their most sentimental possessions. They want to feel as though they are being taken care of and feel special, because they ARE special.

Because Amanda’s top priority is taking time to listen and communicate with customers, she prides herself on her ability to give accurate, honest information to her customers. Ultimately, she approaches her work in a manner that makes our customers feel like our friends.

Amanda recently received her A.J.P. (Accredited Jewelry Professional) credential from the Gemological Institute of America. Her love of jewelry began at a very early age while watching her grandfather, a silversmith and rock hound, create jewelry at his workbench. As a result, she gained a genuine curiosity for the technical aspect of jewelry making. Every day she finds herself asking, “How is that put together?” or “How did they do that?”

Amanda’s personal jewelry style is “classic with a twist.” Because of this, she believes a simple yellow gold band or link bracelet with an interesting texture or finish turns the ordinary into the extraordinary and begs a second look.