Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Oates.
Hi Brooke, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Carrying on a legacy, but doing it my way!!! I bring fresh energy and a creative spark to First People’s Jewelers. As the daughter of founder Frank Zangerl and a now a certified GIA Gemologist, I grew up surrounded by diamonds, design, and the quiet magic of meaningful pieces. Today, I channel that lifelong passion into creating custom jewelry that feels deeply personal, especially engagement rings that tell a love story in every detail.
Working side by side with my dad, I help curate collections that strike the perfect balance of timeless elegance and modern flair. You’ll see my personality in every case, hearts, pink sapphires, and plenty of bold, eye-catching bling. I’m drawn to pieces that feel both classic and a little unexpected, mixing timeless design with playful details and vibrant pops of color that make each piece truly stand out.
But for me, it’s never just about the jewelry, it’s about the people behind it. I truly care about preserving my clients’ most precious pieces. Whether I’m restoring a family heirloom or resizing a ring your grandmother left you so you can wear it every day, those moments mean everything to me.
As First People’s Jewelers celebrates 50 + years ( 52 years currently I believe ) on the Denton Square, I’ve truly found my purpose in carrying on my father’s legacy while supporting the community I love. Whether it’s donating jewelry to help raise money locally or helping you design something completely one-of-a-kind, I’m all in, heart, soul, and a lot of sparkle.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of my biggest struggles? Butting heads with my dad—but honestly, it’s only because I’m so much like him. I’m my father’s daughter through and through, strong-willed, resilient, a little loud and incredibly passionate about what I do. At the end of the day, that shared fire is what makes our partnership so special.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve grown up in this world, so jewelry has always been second nature to me. I specialize in custom design and reimagining pieces, whether that’s creating an engagement ring from scratch or transforming something sentimental into a piece you’ll actually wear every day. I’m especially known for my attention to detail and my ability to really listen to what someone wants, even if they’re not quite sure how to say it yet.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just sell jewelry, I live in it. I’ve been wearing it my whole life, I wear a lot of it every day, and I’ve spent years in the industry seeing the good, the bad, and the truly unwearable pieces. That perspective matters. It means I know what holds up, what feels good to wear, and what’s actually worth investing in. Im very honest with my customers and I give them my opinion throughout the design process.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me, whether they’re handing me a family heirloom to restore or asking me to create something completely new. There’s nothing better than being part of those moments and knowing I’ve created something that will be worn, loved, and passed down for years to come.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always a little bossy, a lot silly, and constantly chasing some kind of adventure. School wasn’t exactly my strong suit—I could never sit still and my mind was always moving a mile a minute. But looking back, I understand it now. I’m wired to be hands-on, creative, and always thinking of what’s next.
That same energy that made the classroom a challenge is what makes me great at what I do today. It helps me think outside the box, stay inspired, and bring a fresh, dynamic approach to every piece I create. I’ve learned how to turn that “all over the place” energy into something that really works for me, and for my clients.
Pricing:
- I like to say I can work with any budget—and I truly mean that. Whether it’s a simple repair or a fully custom piece, every job gets the same level of care and attention. Our quality is unmatched, no matter the price point. It’s important to me that everyone who walks through our doors leaves with something beautiful, well-made, and built to last.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://firstpeoplesjewelers.com
- Instagram: @firstpeoplesjewelers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstpeoplesjewelers
Image Credits
Alicia Claytor Photography
