The Serengeti West Team
KATHLEEN DENTE
Owner and President
“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.
JANETT LUMPKIN
Appraiser | Customer Service
“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.
Nicolette Deichler
Customer Service
“Adornment gives us the ability to celebrate you and your individuality, I love exploring this with every client. Lets tell your story with someone you will love.”
Nicolette graduated Cal-Poly in 2016 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design. She enjoyed a semester at University of Oregon in Eugene and discovered her love for working with metal. She spent her last quarter at Cal-Poly interning with a local Silversmith and sculpture. She has a passion for problem solving and will make it her mission to make your dream design come to life.
KURT SCHILLER
Jewelry Designer and Metalsmith
Kurt Schiller brings over 30 years of experience as a jewelry designer and metalsmith to the Serengeti West family. His passion for jewelry began during his Natural Science studies at college when he took a part time job at a local jewelry store. As a result, he decided to further explore the trade. Ultimately it became clear jewelry was a perfect fit for him.
Because Kurt is heavily inspired by nature, it is a prominent theme in his work. He puts an emphasis on organic and textured designs. Above all, his passion for jewelry is born of his love for the blend of art and science. Ultimately, Kurt melds these unique passions at the jeweler’s bench.
In his free time Kurt enjoys hiking and anything that allows him to engage more closely with the beautiful landscapes of his home state of California.