A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gail vacationed on the Outer Banks of North Carolina throughout her childhood. After obtaining an art scholarship to Sienna Heights College in Adrian, Michigan and graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in 1977, Gail relocated to the Outer Banks and began her career as a jewelry designer with a one-room shop/studio at R&R Junction in Nags Head, North Carolina.

Two years later the awards began. In 1979 and in 1980 she won the Johnson Matthey Platinum Award for excellence in platinum design. In 1982 Gail opened her own design studio on Gallery Row in Nags Head, and in 1985 earned the prestigious DeBeers Diamonds Today award for excellence and originality in diamond jewelry design.

In the spring of 1987 Gail added a second showroom to a new expanded studio. That same year the World Gold Council selected several of Gail’s designs for an international fashion show held in Basel, Switzerland. In 1990 she received special honor as a finalist in the 1990 Diamonds International competition.

For nearly 47 years, her passion was matching a beautiful piece jewelry, be it her design or another, with "the right owner".

In Loving Memory of Gail Kowalski, Jewelry by Gail is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  This shop is a must see for all jewelry lovers! Some Award-winning designs from Gail are still available, as well as national brands like Vahan, Frank Reubel, Amber Beata, Ostbye, Paragon, and Nicole Barr. There is something for everyone here, in all price ranges!