DAVID NYGAARD: JEWELER, FATHER OF THREE

By age 8, he was picking up special rocks in the California desert. Opals. Apache tears. Anything that looked nice.

So it should come as no surprise that the guy sells stones for a living. David Nygaard - a Hilltop jeweler - took over his mother's shop, Sandy's Touch of Gold four years ago. He renamed it in his own honor within the past year.

Nygaard probably is best known for his annual holiday season promotion: If New York's Times Square receives measurable snow on New Year's Eve, shoppers at the jewelry store get refunds for their December purchases. Nygaard buys insurance every year to cover a bet that he hasn't had to pay off yet.

The father of three said he holds a rare industry distinction as the only Virginia jeweler accredited with top honors by the American Gem Society, American Society of Appraisers and Gemological Institute of America.

Full name: David Eric Nygaard.

Hometown: Virginia Beach.

What brought you to the Beach? Dad was stationed here in the Navy. We moved from California in 1978, when I was in eighth grade.

Birthdate: Dec. 13, 1963 (It was a Friday)

Occupation: Owner of a retail jewelry store, David Nygaard Fine Jewelers at Hilltop.

Nickname: Dave

Marital status: Married to Jan for six years.

Children: Sons are Eric, 3; Calvin, 2; Lance, 6 months.

What is your idea of a perfect day off? Sunday. Go to church in the morning and have lunch with my wife at The Bistro while a baby sitter takes the kids home for naps. Then, take the whole family to the beach, or to Kids Cove.

Last smart thing you did: Saw a nutritionist, who eliminated sugar from my diet.

Last dumb thing you did: Cheated on my diet.

Favorite meal: Home-cooked prime rib, mashed potatoes and Mom's chocolate cake

Favorite movies: "North by Northwest" (classic) and "Saving Private Ryan" (current).

Favorite song: "Joy in the Journey" by Michael Card.

Last book read: "Winning of the West" by Theodore Roosevelt and "Shepherding Your Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp.

Hobbies: Tennis, reading.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would like to have met my wife five years sooner.

If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Nothing.

Secret vice: "Star Trek."

Favorite restaurant: Mizuno Japanese Restaurant.

Your favorite night on the town: See a Virginia Musical Theatre show, then have dinner with my wife at Aldo's.

Favorite TV shows: News programs.

Favorite sport: Tennis.

Last vacation: Grand Cayman with the whole family.

Pets: Standard poodle named Kaylah.

Worst job: It was the hardest job - building tennis courts in high school.

Of what achievements are you most proud? My three boys.

What would you like as your epitaph? He feared the Lord and faithfully served others. He got many things he prayed for, but everything he hoped for.

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David in the News