ask dad. he knows.
why independent jewelry stores are better than chain stores and online joints
When it comes to buying jewelry—especially the kind that marks life’s biggest moments—there’s a lot of noise out there. Chain stores, online “deals,” endless options, and zero connection. But long before algorithms and checkout carts, there was a simpler rule: ask someone who knows.
My dad did. He believed in one thing above all else—relationships matter. Working alongside him taught me that while diamonds may sparkle, trust is what truly holds everything together. And that’s exactly why independent jewelry stores still do it better.
a character, through and through
My dad was blunt, honest, and as funny as they come. To say he was a “character” would be an understatement. We worked together in the jewelry business for years, and while I did learn plenty about diamonds and settings, the real education came from watching how he dealt with people.
He had a way of getting his point across—sometimes by yelling (lovingly, of course)—but his lessons stuck. He believed in saying what mattered, standing by your word, and never losing sight of the person standing across the counter from you. Those values shaped not just how I do business, but how Koehn & Koehn operates to this day.
“simpler times” …or not so different
My dad loved telling stories about what it was like owning a jewelry store “back in his day.” Men would walk in with a mission: buy an engagement ring, do it right, and trust the person helping them. “Simpler times,” he’d say—but the more I think about it, the more I realize they weren’t all that different.
Then, just like now, it was important to have a guy you could count on in the jewelry business. (And yes—your “guy” can absolutely be a “girl,” and oftentimes that works out even better.) Someone who knew their stuff, had your best interest in mind, and cared about the outcome as much as you did.
From the beginning, the quality of our pieces has always been sturdy, thoughtful, and chosen with the customer in mind. That hasn’t changed—and it never will.
why trust in a jeweler matters
Trust and connection are everything when it comes to jewelry. These are milestone pieces—engagements, anniversaries, celebrations, and moments that carry real emotion. Finding a trustworthy, independent jeweler makes all the difference.
Local jewelry stores—run by people you actually see around town—dedicate their time to curating meaningful collections, building knowledgeable teams, and treating customers like real people, not transactions. Independent jewelers understand that you don’t need to know everything about jewelry—you just need to know you’re in good hands.
And that’s the beauty of it: your jeweler knows what you need to know. That kind of guidance? It’s invaluable.
what we live for at koehn & koehn
Independent jewelers are built on dedication and relationships. We care about getting to know the people who walk through our doors, hearing their stories, and helping them find the perfect piece—whether it’s something small and sentimental or bold and unforgettable.
At Koehn & Koehn, we live to make it happen. We care about you, your moments, and the trust you place in us. That’s not just business—it’s who we are.
join the band!
From my dad’s lessons behind the counter to the way we serve our customers today, one thing has always been true: jewelry is personal, and so is the relationship behind it.
If you’re looking for a jeweler who knows your name, has your back, and genuinely wants to help you find the perfect piece—we’d love to meet you. Stop by the store, start a conversation, and if you haven’t already… join the band. 🎸💍