The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Longtime Jewel-Craft Owner Robert Wesdorp Dies at 90
He worked alongside his wife, Dot, to build a family business that still thrives today.
Erlanger, Ky.--Robert E. Wesdorp, who joined his father on the bench in 1949 and took over Jewel-Craft a year later, died Feb. 27 in The Villages, Florida. He was 90.
In 1949, he joined his father, Earl, on the bench. He knew very little about the jewelry business at that time but started working at Macy’s Jewelers, an independent in Covington, Kentucky, to learn more.
The following year, Earl died in a motorcycle accident, and Wesdorp and his wife, Dorothy (Dot), took over Jewel-Craft Inc.
The couple ran the business out of the basement of their Newport, Kentucky, home until 1957, when they moved both their home and Jewel-Craft to Fort Wright.
By 1977 they had 11 employees and had moved the business again, to its own facility in Crescent Springs, Kentucky. It was from this location that the Wesdorps grew Jewel-Craft into a nationally known company, with Bob always quick to credit Dot for the success of the family business.
They turned over management of the company to the next generation in 1985.
Today, Jewel-Craft operates out of Erlanger, Kentucky and is run by Gary Wesdorp, president and CFO, and his brother Benet, president and COO. Three of Gary’s children, all three of Benet’s sons and Gary’s son-in-law also work at Jewel-Craft.
“We are really proud of our history as a family-owned business,” Gary said. “Our parents worked extremely long, hard hours to build the foundation for the success and expansion of our company. We will do our best to carry on the legacy and tradition that he built here.”
Benet said losing his father has brought on emotions he was “unprepared to handle.”
“He taught and prepared me for everything life has thrown my way … The impact he had on our family and the jewelry industry cannot be described in a single quote,” he said.
Robert Wesdorp is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of The Villages, Florida; daughter Karen (John) Kuzman of The Villages; sons Gary (Karen) Wesdorp of Villa Hills, Kentucky and Benet (Becky) Wesdorp of Burlington, Kentucky; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.