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The Springville Chamber of Commerce has named Duke’s Jewelers, located at 220 S. Main in Springville, as the chamber’s Business of the Month.
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In September of 1948, J. Melvin and Mary Duke opened Duke’s Jewelers on Main Street in Springville. Mel had been trained as a watchmaker during World War II by the U.S. Army to repair bombsights on the airplanes being used in the European Theater. Following the war, Mel worked for several jewelers in Utah and Idaho. When deciding to open their own store, Mel and Mary were drawn to Springville by its charm and friendliness. Their business philosophy was to provide customers with the very best quality and service at value prices. That philosophy has continued for 58 years. When Mel and Mary retired in 1979, their grandson Richard Holmes took over operation of Duke’s Jewelers and continues as the owner/operator today.
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Following graduation from Brigham Young University, Richard studied both gemology and jewelry arts at the Gemological Institute of America in Santa Monica, Calif. He became an accomplished goldsmith and gemologist and enjoys designing and creating pieces of jewelry with diamonds and gems from exotic parts of the world.
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In 1990, Richard was awarded the coveted title of Certified Gemologist by the American Gem Society and became one of only a handful of Certified Gemologists in the state of Utah. When Richard assumed ownership in 1979, many jewelers across the country were reducing the level of hands-on service. They began eliminating in-store jewelers and watchmakers and sending repairs and custom jobs to “trade shops” in various parts of the country. Richard felt that if small, independent jewelers were to succeed in business, it was important to offer a higher level of quality and service than found in the larger, multi-store chains. Customers should have confidence in their jeweler and be able to speak directly to him without worrying that their family heirloom jewelry is being worked on by someone somewhere in the country that doesn’t know or care about them. He concluded that if Duke’s Jewelers provided the highest level of expertise and in-store service, customers would respond positively.
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Duke’s Jewelers continue to feature fine quality diamonds, colored gemstones, watches, clocks and accessories in gold, silver and platinum at everyday value pricing. They also feature an in-store jeweler, watchmaker, gemologist, and clock repairman. Practically any design, manufacture or repair can be accomplished in the store. Over the years, customers have responded to Duke’s expertise, service and prices. Duke’s continue to serve many clients in Springville and Mapleton but now has many customers throughout the state and beyond who insist that their jewelry be purchased and maintained at Duke’s Jewelers.
