Theresa attended Gem City College in Quincy, Illinois and graduated in 1988 with diplomas in Jewelry-Diamond Setting and Design and Hand Engraving. She then joined the staff at Newstar and has been with them since.
In 2001, Theresa was the first bench jeweler in Illinois and the 87th nationwide to receive the designation of Certified Master Bench Jeweler from the Jewelers of America. This is the highest level of the JA Bench Jeweler Certification Program. She has also attended seminars by AGS, JA, and JCK on shop management, repair techniques, platinum work and custom design.
In 1996, Theresa married Greg Murphy and together they have 2 daughters, Mikayla and Maddi.
