In business, it’s good to remember the old saying, “All that glitters is not gold.” In Acadiana, that glittering might be a rare gemstone. Or a shiny new violin.

For a long time Lafayette’s economy was based on one of the most valuable rescources buried below the earth’s surface. Oil. In 1970,  another of the earth’s treasures found its way into the local economy. Diamonds. Diamonds aren’t mined in Lafayette, but just about everything else than can happen to a gemstone takes place right here at Stuller Inc.

Stuller has grown to become the biggest jewelry manufacturer in North America and its founder, Matt Stuller, joins Peter Ricchiuti for this edition of Out to Lunch. 

Anya Burgess’s creations are as unique as gems, and every bit as integral to the Acadiana way of life. From a workshop and store in downtown Lafayette, Anya’s handmade Sola Violins have found their way into the hands of stars and schoolkids – and into Anya’s own hands as a fiddle player in the bands Bonsoir Catin and The Magnolia Sisters.

In the Entrepreneur du Jour segment of the show, Peter introduces Wade Clement, inventor of the Lift Horse. You can hear a longer conversation with Wade, Peter, Matt, and Anya here.

Photos on this page are taken at Charley G’s restaurant by Gwendolyn Aucoin. 

For more information about Acadiana entrepreneurs – Innov8 Acadiana and The Opportunity Machine.