Fire and Ice.

What would entice a Kodiak couple to travel all the way to Juneau specifically to purchase a ring to celebrate their 20th anniversary?

"Two years ago I was in Juneau on business when I came across some truly beautiful diamond rings with inlaid Australian opal," explained the bride of 20 years. "When my husband said he wanted to buy me a ring for our anniversary, I knew just what I wanted and where to find it - Fire and Ice!"

When Rex Thompson decided to open his own jewelry store after 16 years in the business, he had some difficulty coming up with a name that would reflect the uniqueness of the store he visualized.

"After hours of jotting down ideas, I began considering contrasts - light and dark, hot and cold," he explained.

Contrasts - the warmth and allure of gold nuggets and the fire of well-polished opal, the cool brilliance of perfectly cut diamonds as clear as the ancient ice of Mendenhall Glacier. Fire and Ice.

Located in the historic Senate Building in downtown Juneau, the shop is a short walk from the waterfront where visiting cruise ships dock. Juneau's 500,000 annual visitors have an enormous impact on all downtown businesses, and Fire and Ice is no exception. But Thompson emphasizes that he enjoys a very substantial local clientele.

"We have a goodly number of repeat local customers. I offer some very popular designs in gold with inlaid opal."

Thompson and his goldsmith, Sean Edwards, design many of their own creations. He also coordinates with other artisans who work in specialty items. The store carries a unique line of jewelry which combines inlaid Australian opal, find gold and diamonds in a wide variety of styles.

"Opal is a fragile gemstone and it takes a real craftsman to showcase its true beauty. I have such a person in Oregon who does our opal work," Thompson explained.

A stroll through the store reveals a true full-service fine-jewelry store - no "tourist trinkets" here. One display case has a dazzling arrangement of deep purple gemstones, the Rare Grape Garnet.

"We are the exclusive jeweler in Alaska, and the world's largest retail sales outlet for Rare Grape Garnet," Thompson said. "These rare gemstones come from a small deposit in eastern India. I think they make a fine addition to our gem selection."

Three years ago Thompson opened a second store in Seward. Located downtown, it carries the same high-quality merchandise as the Juneau gallery. But, since Seward does not have the same degree of locally based sales it is only open during the tourist season and normally closes for the winter in late September.

"I've been interested in gems since I was just a child," Thompson said. "The beauty and mystery of rare gemstones, their creation and discovery, have continued to intrigue me.

"Being able to design and create beautiful pieces of jewelry and share them with my customers fulfills my dream."