About Our Founder

Dimitria Koumarnetos, founder of Petra Star in Mystic, CT

Meet Dimitria

After more than three decades in luxury jewelry, I’ve learned that true craftsmanship isn’t just about creating beautiful pieces—it’s about preserving stories, honoring traditions, and building lasting relationships with every client who entrusts me with their most precious moments.

At Petra Star in downtown Mystic, Connecticut, I combine this extensive experience with my passion for sustainable luxury. Whether working with heirloom redesigns, creating custom pieces, or helping clients discover the perfect vintage find, my focus remains on delivering the exceptional quality and personal service that defines true luxury retail.

I believe the finest jewelry tells a story—not just of beauty, but of the values, craftsmanship, and relationships that created it. That’s the experience I strive to create for every client who walks through our doors.

Petra Star’s name is inspired by the Greek word “Petra,” meaning “rock”—a tribute to both the beauty of natural gemstones and the enduring strength within each of us. The “Star” is a playful celebration of the “rock stars” in all of us, reflecting a spirit of individuality and brilliance unique to every person who wears our designs. Together, Petra Star honors the art of gemology, the significance of natural “rocks,” and the spark that makes every story—and every piece—shine.

– Dimitria Koumarnetos

Trained by Top Names in the Industry

My journey began in 1992 working with Barry Weber from PBS's Antiques Roadshow at Edith Weber and Associates in New York, where I gained invaluable expertise in antique jewelry authentication and estate piece evaluation. This foundational experience with one of the nation’s most respected jewelry appraisers shaped my deep understanding of historical craftsmanship and period jewelry.

Building on this expertise, I spent several years with David Clay Jewelers in San Francisco, a prestigious establishment known for exceptional custom design and unparalleled craftsmanship. My tenure there refined my skills in luxury retail management and client relations in one of the nation’s most competitive jewelry markets.

This foundation led me through additional distinguished roles, including merchandise manager at Shreve & Co., San Francisco’s oldest jewelry store, and store manager at Lang Antiques, one of the nation’s most recognized online antique jewelry platforms. Each experience deepened my understanding of both the artistry and business of fine jewelry.

View my full career journey on LinkedIn.

What Sets My Approach Apart

  • Antique jewelry expertise. Trained in authentication and historical evaluation
  • Sustainable sourcing. I carefully select ethically sourced gems and metals, ensuring each piece reflects responsible craftsmanship
  • Historical knowledge. Deep understanding of period jewelry from estate and antique specialists spans centuries of design evolution
  • Global perspective. Decades of sourcing journeys worldwide have refined my eye for exceptional stones and emerging trends
  • Continuous learning. I regularly attend major trade shows across the United States to stay current with industry innovations