> Local Jewelers Shine for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and sweethearts will begin spending whatever they have left over after Christmas on chocolates, cards and jewelry for their loved ones. According to Unity Marketing’s Jewelry and Watch Report 2007, consumers in 2006 spent $62.2 billion on jewelry and watches with February sales accounting for $2.6 billion.

Topekans have a number of long-standing specialty jewelers to shop, including Anchor Gold, David’s Jewelers and Donaldson’s Jewelers, among others.

German Immigrant Strikes Gold in Topeka

Within minutes of meeting Max and Andi Bogner of Anchor Gold in Fairlawn Plaza at 21st and Fairlawn, a dramatic story begins unfolding. A young German immigrant arrives in America, dreaming of owning his own jewelry store. He meets a young woman with an ability to see beyond the obvious.

“The first time I met Max,” Andi Bogner remarks, “he had everything he owned in a suitcase held together by a belt. He spoke very little English and had nowhere to stay.”

With the aid of a German-English dictionary, Andi began teaching Max English. Glen Spence, a local silversmith, assisted Bogner in getting hired at Anchor Gold.

That was 1987. Two years ago, the hired guy’s dream became a reality. Max and Andi purchased Anchor Gold and now run the business together. Recently expanded, the store boasts an additional 26 feet of showcases.

Using inherited artisan skills and those earned as a certified goldsmith, Bogner has gained a community-wide reputation for his unique custom designs.

Brian Hildebrandt, assistant manager and a 20-year employee, assists with the jewelry repair service.

The Family Circle

Circular shapes are everywhere in David’s Jewelers, 623 S. Kansas Ave., but none is more unique than the ring of cousins who share the daily operations. From owner Mark Boose to Mitzi Elliott, Doug Elliott, and Jedidiah Elliott, all agree taking quality care of customers comes first.

“We work in a profession where we get a chance to make people happy and that feels good.”
David’s Jewelers carries a large selection of quality diamonds in a variety of cuts and styles.
While the atmosphere of the showroom may be one of previous generations, the technology they employ to create and repair jewelry is state-of-the-art. With their newest piece of technology, the laser welder, many old heirlooms considered not worth repairing can now be restored.

Looking forward to the Valentine’s Day season, the David’s Jewelers team says February 14 is the perfect day to propose to that special someone, or for couples to say, “I would marry you again.”

Take the 80 year-old couple that came in ostensibly for a watch battery. When the lady was finished with the repair, the gentleman declared, “We’re not leaving here until you pick out an engagement ring.” She went home sporting a two-tone Princess cut.

A Dazzling Digital Display

Dan Donaldson has turned the page on his jewelry store’s storied history here in Topeka—it just happened to be a web page.

After 41 years of operating a “brick and mortar” store, Donaldson realized that technology was advancing to the point where he “either needed to get on for the ride or jump off.” Closing the doors to his business in Seabrook Center and re-opening as an online jewelry store at DonaldsonsJewelers.com has enabled him, he says, to continue serving the generations of customers who have trusted his business for the highest quality jewelry. Without the expense of a storefront operation, he can now offer jewelry to his customers at a fraction of the cost.
Donaldson’s Jewelers first opened in April 1966 by Donaldson’s father, who had acquired the business assets of Snyder’s Jewelers. The original store was located downtown at 729 S. Kansas Avenue, and Donaldson went to work in the store at the age of 21. Within a few years the company opened a second location at Seabrook Shopping Center near 21st and Gage, and eventually consolidated to that location where it continued serving the Topeka community until it closed its doors for the final time in June 2007.

Donaldson encourages customers to use the wealth of informational resources on his web site to become better informed customers.